Jean-Charles de Castelbajac new Benetton artistic director

Italian group Benetton said Monday it has named veteran fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac as artistic director of its men's and women's collections.

"We are happy to welcome Jean-Charles de Castelbajac into our big family," United Colors of Benetton boss Luciano Benetton said in a statement, hailing his ability to "forecast tomorrow's social and fashion trends".

Born in Casablanca, Morocco in 1949, De Castelbajac debuted in the fashion world with a collection he launched with his mother in 1968.

He inspired trends including "anti-fashion" and likes to make alternative use of objects, including a coat of teddy bears worn by Madonna.

"Born from a mix of punk and pop, his style is characterised by the use of strong colours and pop icons, the mix of old and new and a whimsical and irreverent touch," Benetton said.

"United Colors of Benetton and I have always had a similar take on fashion, characterised by the passion for knitwear and the love of pop and rainbow Colors," Castelbajac said.

The company said it shared a passion for "contaminating fashion with art" with Castelbajac, who has worked with Andy Warhol, Miguel Barcelo, Keith Haring, Jean Michel Basquiat, M.I.A and Lady Gaga.