Biography
Peter Saville is one of the most popular British graphic designers of the century, who has created some of fashion’s most celebrated logos, playing a key role in Burberry’s new brand identity under Riccardo Tisci , and previously working with the likes of Jil Sander , John Galliano , Christian Dior and Stella McCartney .
Saville grew up in Manchester, receiving his early education from St. Ambrose College. His career in graphic design began when he graduated from Polytechnic, studying Graphic Design in 1978, until he met record label owner, presenter and journalist Tony Wilson, when Saville made his entry into the music industry. At the time, Wilson was setting up Factory Records, when he commissioned Saville’s first poster.
In 1979, Saville moved to London to become the creative director of the now-defunct record label Distinct. After making record sleeves for Joy Division and New Order, Saville was appointed a board member of the studio. At the time, Saville also opened his own agency, before closing it in 1990 when he was recruited to join the design agency Pentagram.
Saville made his first foray into fashion by the 1980s, attending Paris Fashion Week. At the time, he collaborated on campaigns for Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto . By 1990, the artist was working with John Galliano for Dior, producing campaigns shot by Nick Knight . His friendship with the photographer would later blossom into an art and fashion website, Showstudio. Throughout the next decade, he redesigned the Givenchy logo, collaborated with Raf Simons and Paco Rabanne, and notably was commissioned to redesign the Calvin Klein logo in 2016, Burberry’s new logo under Riccardo Tisci in 2018 and Lacoste’s logo for its 80th anniversary.
In 2004, Saville was named creative director of the city of Manchester and in 2010, designed the England football team home shirt. Saville also holds the prestigious London Design Medal, awarded to him in 2013.