MILAN, Dec 22, 2004/ FW/ --- At the eve of Pitti Uomo and Milan Menswear Show, two of the most important fashion events in Italy, Puerto Rican-born designer Edmundo Castillo was named Creative Director of Gucci-owned Sergio Rossi.

According to the announcement, the 37-year old New York-based designer signed a two-year renewable contract with the San Maura Pascoli-based company that specializes in leather goods.

As part of the agreement, Edmundo Castillo will put on hold the development of his eponymous line of shoes to concentrate on his new position at Sergio Rossi.

Castillo who studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design, both in New York honed his skills under the tutelage of Donna Karan.

"If it weren't for her, I wouldn't know half of what I know now. She really let me get creative and design myself," Castillo says of Karan.

"She didn't just dictate what she thought I should design, she'd give me an idea and I'd take it from there. It was like being at school," Castillo quoted in an interview a few years back.

It's that hands-on experience that Castillo truly credits for his successes, like the 2001 Perry Ellis Award for Accessories for his launched signature line and being nominated for Accessory Designer of the Year in 2004. The recent appointment at Sergio Rossi is another feather in his cap.

New York’s loss is definitely Milan’s gain!