Turnbull & Asser appoints Roberto Menichetti, the Designer responsible for '90s Burberry

Turnbull & Asser, the 140-year-old British shirtmaker synonymous with royal patronage, has appointed Italian designer Roberto Menichetti as its new Creative Director - a milestone moment for the heritage house as it pushes into a new chapter of modern menswear.

Best known for his transformative stints at Burberry, Jil Sander and Céline, Menichetti will oversee all creative direction across shirting, tailoring, outerwear and accessories. His remit extends beyond design to shaping new fabric innovations, sustainability-led initiatives and deeper collaboration with the artisans in the brand’s London and Gloucester workshops.

The appointment signals a renewed ambition for Turnbull & Asser, which has long balanced tradition with subtle evolution. Menichetti’s "essentialist" philosophy is expected to bring a refined, sculptural sensibility to the house’s famously exacting approach to cut and proportion.

Menichetti said: "Turnbull & Asser represents more than a brand; it is a living expression of British style and elegance, carefully built over generations. It is remarkable that the house has preserved its identity so faithfully and is untouched by passing trends, carrying it forward to the present day with care and dedication under James and his family.

"To be entrusted with its creative future is both an honour and a responsibility. My philosophy has always been to seek the essence of form - clarity, proportion and timelessness - rather than the noise of passing trends. At Turnbull & Asser, this philosophy meets a heritage of craftsmanship that is second to none. My vision is to uphold and protect this tradition while introducing quiet innovations that ensure its voice continues to resonate with discerning clients around the world."

The designer's career reads like a map of modern fashion history. He built an early foundation in textiles while working in Paris with Claude Montana, before joining Gruppo GFT - then the licensing engine behind brands like Valentino and Armani.

But it was at Jil Sander in the 1990s that he became a defining voice of minimalist luxury. He spent six years at the house, first leading womenswear and then launching the brand’s first menswear collection. There, he pioneered the first-ever fashion-sportswear collaboration - Jil Sander for Puma.

In 1998, aged just 32, he was appointed Creative Director of Burberry, where he played a pivotal role in the brand’s turnaround. After Burberry, Menichetti launched his own label, consulted across luxury houses including Céline, Cerruti, Ballantyne and Brema, and later developed a sculptural design practice exploring digital and futuristic concepts,

For Turnbull & Asser, whose clients have included King Charles III and James Bond, the hire reinforces an ongoing commitment to "Made in England" craftsmanship while laying the foundation for global growth.

Chairman James Fayed said: "Roberto’s appointment reflects our ambition to bring fresh energy to our wardrobe while remaining true to the craftsmanship that has defined Turnbull & Asser for over a century.

"His proven ability to modernise heritage houses while respecting their DNA makes him the perfect partner as we look to the future."

With boutiques in London and New York and a reputation for hand-finished shirting that spans generations, Turnbull & Asser is now poised to evolve once again, guided by a designer whose career has been defined by giving new life to iconic houses without losing sight of what made them great.