After three years of working as designer with the menswear label, Kris Van Assche announced today that he and Berluti would be going their separate ways. In a statement released via his Instagram account, the Belgian artistic director announced his departure, noting the brand’s prospective plans to take a new approach to their collections and calendar.

“These 3 years at Berluti have been extremely intense. Reinventing and reshaping the brand’s DNA, its history and tradition, craft and luxury in a contemporary and creative manner was definitely a challenge, and all limitations and restrictions around Covid didn’t help,” he wrote. “I want to express endless gratitude to my creative team for always delivering miracles no matter what. You know what you did, how you had to do it, and you can be proud. I sure am proud of you, of us.”

Van Assche graciously reflected on his years of collaboration with Berluti and explained that he will be finishing up ongoing projects in the coming weeks but will not be releasing a new collection with the brand. He revealed his most recent — and final — collection, “Living Apart Together” earlier this month that featured chromatic silhouettes and bucket hats aplenty, as showcased in a digital presentation. In the few years of working with the label, Van Assche is duly credited with establishing the brand’s ready-to-wear line and reinventing and unifying brand identity.

Berluti CEO Alexandre Arnault spoke about the unexpected departure in a statement. “In order to maintain our commitment to both savoir-faire and innovation we have decided to let Berluti lead its own rhythm and give freedom to its presentation schedule. I would personally like to thank Kris, who throughout his journey within the LVMH Group has shown remarkable talent in the world of menswear. He has brought his own vision to Berluti, particularly by integrating new codes into its signatures.”

Before joining forces with Berluti, Van Assche headed the team at Dior Homme from 2007 to 2018. In 2013, the designer founded his own label and opened the first KRISVANASSCHE boutique in Paris. His debut at Berluti followed the departure of preceding artistic director, Haider Ackermann. Van Asche released his first collection with the luxury label in January 2019. There is no word yet on Van Assche’s next plans.