Sophia Kokosalaki to be lead designer for Diesel Black Gold

Diesel's New Designer
Jessica Bumpus // 17 June 2009, 11:58AM // http://www.vogue.co.uk

GREEK designer Sophia Kokosalaki is to take the design helm of Diesel's Black Gold line.

"[Kokosalaki's] talent is incredible. Her taste in high end fashion is already known, but what people do not necessarily expect from her is her skill in dealing with denim and contemporary casual, the core of Diesel Black Gold," says Renzo Rosso, chairman of Diesel and its holding company, Only the Brave. "I hope this experience will give her the possibility to further affirm her place in today's international fashion scenario."

Positioned above the brand's Diesel and Diesel Denim Gallery offerings, Diesel Black Gold - which uses more expensive fabrics - made its debut during New York Fashion Week in February 2008. "It is always inspiring to work with people at the top of their game. This is a very fortuitous time for me and my business," Kokosalaki - who has also just acquired her eponymous label from Only the Brave - tells WWD.

It is not yet known what the London-based designer's official title will be or which season she will start from.