The esteemed French fashion house Rochas has officially confirmed the end of Charles de Vilmorin’s two-year stint as creative director. The 26-year-old designer, renowned for his vibrant paintings with a touch of darkness, exited the fashion house on March 31st, following the conclusion of his contract with parent company Interparfums SA and HIM Co SpA (High Italian Manufacturing).
Charles de Vilmorin, appointed to his role at Rochas less than a year after establishing his eponymous label, made his runway debut for the brand in September 2021. This disruptive collection seamlessly blended his signature swirly sketches with a club-kid spirit. Although subsequent collections leaned more heavily on the house’s heritage, de Vilmorin faced challenges in defining a clear vision for the brand, which has a rich history dating back to 1925.
“We would like to thank Charles for his contribution to the legacy of Rochas. His creative vision will have a long-lasting impact on the brand’s universe“, said Philippe Benacin, CEO of Interparfums SA, in a statement reflecting on de Vilmorin’s tenure.
Rochas has yet to reveal its plans for the brand’s future direction, with an announcement expected at a later date.
Since graduating from École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in 2019, Charles de Vilmorin has emerged as a rising star in the Paris fashion scene. Many have likened his prodigious talent and ethereal designs to a young Yves Saint Laurent. His debut collection in April 2020, featuring quilted bomber jackets inspired by artist Niki de Saint Phalle, offered a vibrant and fresh perspective amid the pandemic gloom.
Charles de Vilmorin’s accolades include being a finalist for the 2021 LVMH Prize for Young Designers and being shortlisted for the ANDAM Prize that same year. His designs have also been showcased on Gucci’s online concept store, Vault. Furthermore, his haute couture collections, often characterized by hand-painted pieces with signature details, have garnered significant attention. One such creation, a Gothic black gown, was famously worn by Isabelle Huppert on the cover of Vogue France.
Prior to de Vilmorin‘s appointment, Rochas had been without a head designer since parting ways with Alessandro Dell’Acqua in February 2020. Under Dell’Acqua’s six-year tenure, the brand saw a revival of its couture heritage, blending glamorous embellishments with graphic tailoring.
Interparfums acquired Rochas’ fashion and fragrance divisions from Procter & Gamble Co. in 2015 for $108 million, marking its first foray into fashion. The Paris-based subsidiary of Interparfums Inc. of New York is also responsible for the fragrance brands Montblanc, Boucheron, Jimmy Choo, and Van Cleef & Arpels, as well as Lanvin’s perfume and cosmetics business.
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