>> Late last week, Lacoste confirmed that creative director Christophe Lemaire, who was recently named as Jean Paul Gaultier's replacement at Hermes, will be leaving the brand after his last Lacoste collection — for Spring 2011 — is shown in September.

There has been speculation in the French press that Catherine Malandrino might replace Lemaire, but a representative for Lacoste says otherwise: “Catherine is not going to be the new designer at Lacoste. We are currently undergoing the search for a new designer, but don’t expect to announce a new designer until the end of the year."

Jose Luis Duran, CEO of Lacoste's global apparel licensee corroborated that he is giving himself until the end of 2010 to find Lemaire's successor. “I won’t rush things. It’s important to remember that the decisions we are taking now will define the structure of the group for several years to come." Duran is looking for a designer with a good feel for the American consumer, as the brand is looking to increase sales in the US. "It doesn’t necessarily have to be an American, but a strong vision and knowledge of the style and profile of US clients will certainly be a plus,” he told WWD.