Future of Trussardi in Question as Creative Directors Benjamin Huseby and Serhat Isik Depart

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Trussardi creative directors Benjamin A Huseby and Serhat Işık are stepping down, Vogue Business has learned. The exit comes on the heels of the resignation of its entire board of directors on March 2nd, prompting the departure of CEO Sebastian Suhl, and raises questions about the Italian luxury house’s future. 

Huseby and Işık, the founders of Berlin label GmbH, joined Trussardi three years ago and were tasked with spearheading the brand’s revival that was set in motion when private equity firm QuattroR took a 60 percent controlling stake in 2019 from the Trussardi family. Sources close to the company say that the duo is no longer a perfect fit for the brand, particularly during this time of internal restructuring. They presented their third, and now last, collection as a presentation during Milan Fashion Week this past February, after returning to the calendar the previous year following a five-year hiatus. Huseby and Işık will return to GmbH.

Trussardi’s future under QuattroR is now up in the air. A disappointing performance coupled with the house’s consolidated debt exceeding €50 million led to an intervention similar in nature to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in the US earlier this year. At the time of Suhl’s departure, sources close to the company said creative directors Huseby and Işık would remain at the company but focus on key categories.

Following Suhl’s exit, a chief risk officer and two other external executives were brought in to lead turnaround efforts for the brand, expected to last anywhere between six and 12 months. QuattroR declined to comment. The restructuring may attract potential shareholders or businesses who are interested in purchasing or supporting the Trussardi company, sources previously told Vogue Business. A potential sale is possible. Business advisory 3X Capital has been brought in to consult on the brand’s future alongside QuattroR. No replacement for Suhl or creative directors Huseby and Işık has been announced. 

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