When Daniel Lee abruptly left Bottega Veneta in November last year, there was speculation he could return to work alongside Phoebe Philo at her new brand and studio, which has a stake in French luxury goods group LVMH.
Both Lee and Philo have kept a low profile about working together, but with the year-long non-compete clause likely to expire, Lee could now be open to a new move or big announcement.
An article published by WWD on Wednesday suggests that Lee could be considered for the top creative job at Burberry as current creative director Riccardo Tisci’s contract expires in early 2023.
Burberry hasn’t commented on replacing or shuffling its creative direction, but according to the article, a source has confirmed “that Lee and Burberry are in advanced talks, although a deal hasn’t been signed yet.”
Burberry CEO Jonathan Akeroyd took office last April and wants to fundamentally improve and change the business of the British luxury brand.
Before his sudden exit, Lee was considered the child prodigy who made Bottega Veneta one of the hottest fashion brands. The real reason for his departure was never disclosed, other than that it was a mutual decision between Kering, Bottega Veneta’s parent company, and Lee.
This translated and edited post previously appeared on FashionUnited.uk.