The American cosmetics company is set to create and market a line of fragrances, skincare and make-up products under the creative direction of the renowned designer, to be released in spring 2009.

Scott Beattie, chairman and chief executive officer of Elizabeth Arden, said: "Alberta Ferretti is an icon in the world of fashion design, and we are thrilled to be working with her to create a fragrance line that reflects the sensibilities of her style."

"Adding the Alberta Ferretti name to our designer fragrance brands allows us to diversify our fragrance brand portfolio and strategically expand our reach of prestige fragrance distribution, particularly in the European fragrance market," he added.

Fashion holding firm Aeffe SpA currently manufactures and distributes other high-end luxury brands including Moschino and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Welsh-born actress Catherine Zeta Jones is the current face of Elizabeth Arden's cosmetics campaigns.