After Tom Ford bade his final farewells in February, having built Gucci into one of the most charismatic brands in fashion history, next week all eyes will be on Alessandra Facchinetti, who will unveil her first collection at the helm of the label's womenswear.

While nobody would deny it is a hard act to follow in the footsteps of the Texan titan, the 32-year-old long-haired brunette has excellent credentials -- after beginning her career at Prada and Miu Miu, she became one of Ford's inner circle at Gucci in 2000.

But she will only be replacing him at the ready-to-wear line. Ford's former empire has been broken up with separate designers appointed to menswear and accessories, over which he once presided supreme.

Ford's dramatic departure from the brand to which he had given his life for more than a decade is still felt keenly. Facchinetti, described as "very reserved" but "very determined" by her assistants, will need all that resilience to face the fashionistas when she makes her debut on September 30 with her vision for next summer.

She will be joining a very exclusive club of powerful women in the upper echelons of luxury fashion houses in Milan, epitomised by Miuccia Prada, whose every collection for Prada and her "B" line Miu Miu is scrutinised in the industry as a sure indication of trends to come.