LOS ANGELES, Apr 24, 2003/ FW/ --- Last April 1, when David Cardona was showing his Fall 2003 collection in Los Angeles, an announcement from the other side of the Atlantic was released announcing Cardona's appointment as the designer for Cerruti's 1881 diffusion line.

Last Tuesday, the House of Cerruti announced that David Cardona has been given the top post at the firm.

One of L.A.'s hottest designers, David Cardona is known for dressing Janet Jackson for two of her world tours. Cardona's celebrity client list includes Mariah Carey, Backstreet Boys, Carlos Santana, k.d. lang, Tom Petty, Yolanda Adams, Britney Spears, Luther Vandross and Natalie Cole.

Cardona is also a favorite of Hollywood, having dressed Anjelica Huston, Cher, Raquel Welch, Whitney Houston and Lara Flynn Boyle.

Although the EMMY Award winning designer is well known in L.A., his fame and designing prowess has not reached most of Europe's fashionista set.

Hence, Cardona's original appointment as the 1881 designer made ripples on both sides of the Atlantic.

To quote Sherlock Holmes, a lot of fashionistas felt that 'something was afoot' at Cerruti's where it had hired 4 design chiefs in 4 years.

Starting with the dramatic departure of Nino Cerruti, the house's top design post had been held for brief periods by Peter Speliopoulos and Roberto Menichetti. The latest has been Istvan Francer who had held the position for about a year.

Maybe it was prescience or intution that made several fashion editors think that Cardona's appointment will have repercussions at Cerruti's design team. And they were right on target.

Within a month of David Cardona's appointment as 1881 designer, he was given the top design post at Cerruti.

A statement issued by the company on Cardona's appointment explained it all.

"The choice of designer confirms the philosophy rooted in the spirit of the house, to embrace the international film world. In fact, Cardona already boasts a large group of admirers among Hollywood stars that have chosen his creations for official occasions and exclusive evenings," the company said in a statement.

A statement from David Cardona's L.A. office echoed what Cerruti said.

"As Chief Designer, David Cardona exemplifies the philosophy behind the Cerruti brand, which is to embrace the world of glamour through clothing that reflects a certain elegance and style. Cardona’s sophisticated designs, attention to quality and detail, and his rapport with Hollywood, are essential qualities that bring the spirit of Cardona to the world of Cerruti."

David Cardona's first collection for Cerruti will debut in Milan during the Spring 2004 womenswear season.

He will be working closely with Adrian Smith, Chief Designer for the men’s lines, in order to create a synergy between the whole Cerruti creative team.

The company will therefore continue to maintain and reinforce the tradition and innovation in design that has always set Cerruti apart from the other brands.

As for Cardona's plans for his eponymous label, Zoe Farrell, spokesperson for David Cardona said, "He will continue to design for his own label. David plans to divide his time between Milan and L.A."

When asked if Cardona will still show during L.A. Fashion Week scheduled on October 28-31, 2003, just a few weeks after the Milan Womenswear show, Farrell replied that they have not decided yet due to these recent developments.

If in the end, David Cardona decide not to show in Los Angeles, L.A.'s loss is definitely Milan's gain.

We look forward seeing the new Cerruti Design Chief's edgy and sophisticated creations on the Milan runway.