Nathan Jenden returns to head up design for DVF

British designer Nathan Jenden is returning to DVF to head up design having left the label in 2011 after 10 years. He replaces Jonathan Saunders whose departure was announced at the end of last year.

Jenden takes the job title of chief design officer and VP, creative and will oversee all design for the brand. Founder Diane von Furstenberg expressed her "joy and pride" at his return to the label, where he worked with her for a decade from 2001 to 2011 during which the brand underwent rapid expansion.

"Nathan is an extremely talented and technically skillful designer who also has a great gift at surrounding himself with young, emerging talent. He totally embraces the DVF woman and the brand enjoyed its greatest commercial success during his tenure," von Furstenberg said.

Jenden, who left DVF to focus on his own label and was recently creative director at Bebe said: "The fundamental essence of DVF that Diane created is an identity that has empowered women everywhere, delivering accessible style, confidence, independence and a sense of self-worth. Diane delivers that message not only through fashion, but in her approach to life, her love of art, culture, diversity and philanthropy.

"I see DVF as being more relevant today than it ever was in its message of self-empowerment while being dynamic and modern. I want to give the DVF girl what she wants when she wants it, and with the joie de vivre and sense of purpose that epitomizes Diane, DVF the brand and the spirit of women today. And most importantly of all I want to make great clothes that resonate with women," Jenden added.

Since Jenden's departure DVF has had a number of design chiefs starting with Yvan Mispelaere and Michael Herz. British designer Jonathan Saunders joined in 2016 and many believed his modern take on print and colour was a great complement to the DVF heritage, however his departure was announced last month.

Nathan Jenden is a graduate of Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art. He apprenticed with John Galliano before moving to New York in 1998 to work as design director at Daryl K before joining DVF in 2011.