Runway to Business, Ep. 5: Alexandra Lamprecht, Alberta Ferretti’s first GM
The Italian fashion house enters a new chapter, expanding globally under its first general manager with experience at Etro, Valentino, and Ferragamo
Women continue to assert their leadership in fashion companies. Now, a new chapter is unfolding at one of Italy’s most renowned fashion houses, celebrated for its femininity and elegance. Alexandra Lamprecht, who has just been appointed as Alberta Ferretti’s first-ever general manager, brings over 20 years of experience in the luxury industry to the role.
Alexandra Lamprecht Alexandra Lamprecht is the General Manager of the Alberta Ferretti brand. Courtesy of Alberta Ferretti
A New Era Begins for Alberta Ferretti
On September 24, Alberta Ferretti announced she would step down as creative director of the brand she founded in 1981, pledging to reveal her successor soon. Speculation quickly centred on Lorenzo Serafini, a designer with strong ties to the Ferretti family and their Aeffe Group, as he took the reins of Philosophy, an Aeffe brand, in 2014.
On October 15, Ferretti confirmed the speculation, saying, “I am thrilled to announce that Lorenzo Serafini will be my successor at the helm of the brand that bears my name.” She added, “With the fashion world undergoing tremendous change, I believe that Lorenzo has the creativity, strong aesthetic sense, professionalism, and expertise required to meet this challenge.”
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Two weeks later, Alberta Ferretti’s brand revealed the creation of the general manager position, appointing Lamprecht to the role.
In her new position, Lamprecht will work alongside Serafini to drive the brand’s growth, with a particular focus on expanding into international markets.
“I am incredibly excited to begin this new journey within the Aeffe Group,” said Lamprecht. “First and foremost, I thank the Ferretti family for the trust they have placed in me. I look forward to collaborating with Lorenzo Serafini and the entire Alberta Ferretti team as we embark on a new phase of growth, strengthening the brand’s heritage rooted in the purest vision of Italian luxury.”
Lamprecht reports directly to Aeffe Group president Massimo Ferretti, Alberta Ferretti’s brother, who welcomed her to the team, stating, “With Alexandra’s arrival, we complete a highly competent, ambitious, and energetic team that will write a beautiful new chapter for the brand.”
Alexandra Lamprecht’s Fashion Career: From Valentino to Etro
Before joining Alberta Ferretti, Lamprecht served as the general manager at the Italian luxury knitwear brand Lorena Antoniazzi, a position she took on nearly a year ago during the company's 30th-anniversary celebrations. However, her career in fashion and luxury spans several decades.
Alexandra Lamprecht began her career by spending almost 12 years at Salvatore Ferragamo. She then took roles as general manager for EMEA at Stuart Weitzman, business unit director at Valentino, and global commercial and travel retail director at Etro. In the early stages of her career, she also worked at Swarovski and Staff International, which is part of the OTB Group’s production company.
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What’s Next for Alberta Ferretti’s First General Manager?
As the first general manager of Alberta Ferretti, Lamprecht will play a pivotal role in steering the brand through new challenges and opportunities, not only for the fashion house but also for the wider Aeffe Group.
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As part of the group’s strategy, Philosophy by Lorenzo Serafini will be integrated into the Alberta Ferretti line from the Fall 2025 season, “with the aim of strengthening the brand’s appeal and positioning for the future,” said Aeffe. In addition, Serafini will unveil his debut collection for Alberta Ferretti in February 2025, bringing a fresh perspective to the brand’s heritage.
Changes may continue, with market insiders speculating about the potential for external capital investment. It is evident, however, that the Aeffe Group, which also oversees the Moschino brand under designer Adrian Appiolaza and Pollini and is publicly listed on the Milan Stock Exchange, has been impacted by declining consumer spending in key markets, including Italy, Europe, Asia and the U.S.
Despite assumptions about the near future, one thing is certain: Aeffe is staying true to its newly announced strategy. The appointment of Alexandra Lamprecht confirms the direction outlined after Ferretti’s decision in September when the company stated it would “undertake a thorough analysis of the roles and functions across departments to reorganise human resources and enhance efficiency.”
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The Ferretti family is optimistic about the new chapter of the Alberta Ferretti brand under the leadership of its new general manager, Alexandra Lamprecht. “We firmly believe that Alexandra’s professional skills, honed over 20 years in the sector, combined with her positive and dynamic attitude, will be crucial in guiding the Alberta Ferretti brand into its next phase of growth,” concluded Massimo Ferretti.
Clementina Bianchi
Editor