Versace will not hold Couture catwalk show

On the eve of Couture Fashion Week in Paris Atelier Versace has revealed that it will not be taking part as new CEO Jonathan Akeroyd shakes up its approach to catwalks.

The Italian house will instead opt for customer events throughout the year in major global cities, including Hong Kong and New York.

Akeroyd told the New York Times: "At the moment, we do six shows a year, and my feeling is: That’s a lot of shows. Eight, if you count couture, seems excessive. And we all know the model is changing quite a lot, so why not take the opportunity to try something new?"

Akeroyd insisted that budget was not an issue but rather the investment in time required to put on a show and suggested that red carpet dressing had become a more important marketing device for couture. However he did not rule out a return at a later date, although that would not be at the next edition of Couture in July.

Akeroyd joined Versace last Spring from Alexander McQueen; he succeeded Gian Giacomo Ferraris who had been with the house since 2009.

The move is the latest in a string of changes to the catwalk schedules for the upcoming season. Paul Smith has revealed he will be leaving London Fashion Week in favour of staging a joint men's and women's show at the end of Couture Fashion Week and at the start of Men's Fashion Week in Paris; Kenzo is following suit by moving from Paris Fashion Week to Paris Men's Fashion Week with a joint show.

Meanwhile a string of designers have left New York Fashion Week in favour of staging shows in LA this season, including Tommy Hilfiger, Rebecca Minkoff and Rachel Comey.