Reports have been buzzing this morning with the breaking news that Gianfranco Ferre‘s creative directors, Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi, have left the Italian label.

But it looks as though the designer duo didn’t leave the label on their own accord, but were rather forced out by the brand’s new owner, Paris Group, who took over in February earlier this year, reports Vogue UK.

Apparently, the decision came about due to a recent dip in the company’s sales, claimed an anonymous retailer.

“We bought a minimal amount of the collection for the sake of carrying the brand, but there simply were not enough samples,” said the retailer.

“There was almost no daywear and evening wear was fairytale-like, something for the Oscars. It may work for a small, niche brand, but not for such a global brand.”

No word on who will replace them yet…