Nicole Farhi - Joanna Sykes Becomes Nicole Farhi Creative Director

Joanna Sykes Becomes Nicole Farhi Creative Director

Joanna Sykes has been appointed creative director of Nicole Farhi.

The designer - who used to hold the same position at Aquascutum - will start work at the beginning of September, with her first collection being for autumn/winter 2013-14 and she says she can't wait to start.

She said: ''I am extremely excited at the prospect of joining Nicole Farhi. It is an iconic, British brand with fantastic heritage and enormous potential. I can't wait to get started.''

The brand's founder Nicole, who is still a significant shareholder and key partner in the business, added: ''Nicole Farhi has always been about timeless style and effortless elegance. Jo understands these qualities and brings a fantastic eye for detail, as well as a great understanding of cut, proportion and fabrication.''

Joanna left Aquascutum in early June after it was placed into administration in April and sold in May and she has previously consulted at Giorgio Armani and was womenswear designer for Alberta Ferretti and Philosophy.