Gucci has decided to stay in-house and hand the creative director title to its head accessories designer Alessandro Michele.

Former creative director Frida Giannini departed the Italian brand ahead of the men’s show that took place on January 19 and Alessandro Michele, along with other members of the team, took the bow, but the spotlight was firmly on the bearded designer.

A graduate of the Accademia di Costume e di Moda in Rome, Michele has risen through the ranks at the brand, having joined Gucci in 2002, after a stint at Fendi as Senior Accessories Designer.

Last year he was also given the role of creative director of Richard Ginori, the Italian fine porcelain brand that Gucci acquired in June 2013.

Marco Bizzarri, president and CEO of Gucci, described the selection process, which was rumored to also include Joseph Altuzarra and Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci, as “considered and thorough.”

He also referred to the well-received men’s show as “a clear indication that the brand is ready to take a new direction.”

Michele’s first collection will be the women’s ready-to-wear for Fall/Winter 2015, set to be unveiled on February 25 in Milan.