Nathalie Croquet and Danyce Barabant will replace Lionel Vermeil, who recently left Gaultier after more than a decade with the house to join Givenchy.

Croquet, a well-known fashion editor and stylist who has worked with magazines like Marie Claire and Amica, was named Image Director, in charge of all event management, show production and Gaultier visuals.

Barabant has been named Press Director of Gaultier, overseeing all public relations and press matters. They both report to Jean-Paul Gaultier and the house's president Donald Potard.

"The timing's perfect," Barabant told FWD. Barabant, 37, who joins Gaultier after stints with Yohji Yamamoto and Yves Saint Laurent during the Hedi Slimane era, is a dashing figure known for touring Paris on his high-powered Kawasaki.

Gaultier, who unveiled his magnificent new Paris headquarters during the January haute couture season, will stage his fall/winter 2002 women's ready-to-wear collection on Saturday, March 9.