Pringle designer resigns

Clare Waight Keller

In a letter addressed to select fashion editors, Waight Keller writes:

"It is with a mixture of sadness, pride and anticipation that I leave the role I have called my home for the past five and a half years.

"I leave Pringle of Scotland all the best for its future and I am sure we will cross paths again shortly."

No reason has been given, although Waight Keller told WWD that "to a certain extent, this move is for personal reasons." The designer is expecting her third child in May.

Pringle autumn/winter 2011 at London Fashion Week

Before joining Pringle in 2005, British-born Waight Keller worked as womenswear designer at Gucci under Tom Ford, and at Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. With her assured hand - she's been knitting since the age of five - Waight Keller has transformed the British heritage label into an international brand with her modern slant on its famous knits. Her last collection for Pringle, which showed at London Fashion Week last month, melded Fair Isle cashmere with rabbit fur, and leather with tweed in coats, jackets and capes.

"Clare's unique understanding of knitwear and design talent allowed her to modernize the image of Pringle, while remaining true to its heritage," says Douglas Fang, a member of the family that owns Pringle. "Clare will be greatly missed."

Her successor has yet to be announced.