Image via An Unknown Quality

Last month Paco Rabanne confirmed that Manish Arora had left his role as creative director of the revived brand and today announced the appointment of Lydia Maurer as his successor.

The news of Arora's departure was a surprise. Considering that he only served as artistic director for two seasons, the mutual decision to part ways seemed premature. Nonetheless, the critics response to Maurer's appointment has been good. Despite being only 29 years-old, she has a firm grounding having worked for brands like Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy. The fact that she also headed the Paco Rabanne studio back in 2011 means that she understands the company and had worked under Arora during his time there.

Considering that the brand is still finding its way, the timing couldn't be better as Maurer is fresh blood and has undoubtedly been brought on board to help them through the transition as they try and define their new identity. 'A creative approached based on both technology and craftsmanship, resulting in a fashion that is instinctive and playful,' is what she has in mind for the future. 'Her determination and her unique sensitivity in terms of the artistic and experimental universe of Paco Rabanne are going to enable us to pursue the renewal of our House in the long term,' the press release explained.'

Maurer's first collection will be the S/S13 show, which will be unveiled in Paris in October.

Are you excited?