Prada has appointed Simonetta Ciampi director of bags and accessories. The company sent a mass email in which it announced that it had lured Ciampi back from Yves Saint Laurent. This is the most recent sign of a growing struggle between Prada and the Gucci Group, who have been fighting to keep and/or lure creative talent from eachother. Ciampi left Prada four years ago to join Yves Saint Laurent as bag designer under a lucrative new contract. YSL is the Gucci Group's second biggest luxury label.

Ciampi, a Milaan-native with a degree in philosophy, has an impressive c.v. as designer of bags, shoes and knitwear at internationally renowned luxury goods companies. Before joining YSL, she worked for Prada for fifteen years.