Roberto Menichetti is appointed Artistic Director of Celine

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s leading luxury goods Group, announces the appointment of Roberto Menichetti as Artistic Director for Celine. Roberto Menichetti, 37 years old, Italian, born in America, has extensive experience and rare knowledge of the international world of fashion and luxury. Since 2002, he has been concentrating on the creation and launch of his own brand, Menichetti. He presented his first collection in New York in February 2004. Celine, with an international network of 100 owned boutiques, and a strong presence in the best points of sale worldwide, is a house in complete expansion. The company is experiencing one of the fastest rates of growth in the industry. In 2003, Celine achieved double-digit organic sales growth. This progression has escalated during the first quarter in 2004. Jean Marc Loubier, President and CEO of Celine, stated: “With Roberto and his creative imagination and knowledge of products, we are reinforcing our ambition to establish Celine as a creative reference and a state-of-the-art brand in the world of fashion and luxury.” Roberto Menichetti stated: “Although fashion is in a period of great transition, LVMH and its brands remain one of the most important forces in the industry. I am very pleased to be joining the women’s brand Celine as I have always been fascinated with the allure and sensuality of Parisian women. I look forward to the challenge that the continued evolution and potential of Celine represent.”