PARIS, Dec 17, 2005/ FW/ --- Last week’s rumor of a possible ‘changing of the guards’ at Emanuel Ungaro is now true. The French fashion house has confirmed that Peter Hyde Dundas is the new Artistic Director of the brand.

A veteran of Christian Lacroix and Jean Paul Gaultier, wherein Dundas spent 8 years as part of the Gaultier’s design team, the 39-year-old Norwegian designer was working at Roberto Cavalli before his move to Emanuel Ungaro.

Dundas replaces Vincent Darré who only stayed with the house for two seasons – Fall 2005 and Spring 2006. Ungaro formally announced Darré’s departure Thursday.

Prior to Darré, Gimbatista Valli who came on board after Mr. Emanuel Ungaro stepped down the post at the end of 2001 held the post. Valli debuted on the Paris catwalk during the Fall 2002 prêt-a-porter season. His last collection for the house was Spring 2005.

During early November 2005, the House of Emanuel Ungaro changed hands from Gruppo Ferragamo to Silicon Valley-based venture capitalist Asim Abdullah.

Since then, there had been whispers that there will be changes in the House. These rumors were expected since new ownership always means changes; the fashion set did not pay much attention to it. But the rumors changed into a buzz when December rolled around.

And the buzz about a new Artistic Director for the French fashion house became a fact when Ungaro confirmed yesterday the appointment of Peter Hyde Dundas.

Dundas is expected to debut at Emanuel Ungaro this coming Fall 2006 Paris Prêt-a-porter season in February 2006.