The renowned fashion house, Hervé Léger, welcomes a breath of fresh air as Michelle Ochs steps up to fill the shoes of outgoing creative director Christian Juul Nielsen.
Michelle Ochs, an accomplished figure in the industry, succeeds Nielsen, who has held the helm since 2018. Nielsen’s decision to step back was fuelled by his aspiration to concentrate on his own label, Aknvas. However, the parting is amicable, and Nielsen leaves a strong legacy for Ochs to build upon.
Expressing her honour at the opportunity to guide the esteemed brand into its next phase, Ochs said, “Hervé Léger is a historic fashion house. I am honored to lead the team in this next chapter and make my mark on this iconic brand”.
Michelle Ochs is renowned for her adept comprehension of the female form and her passion for crafting distinctive and captivating designs. Melissa Lefere-Cobb, the senior vice president and division head at Hervé Léger, which is a part of Centric Brands, envisions Ochs’ attributes being pivotal in propelling the brand’s success.
Lefere-Cobb praised Ochs’ approach, saying, “Michelle has a truly sensual design perspective, shaping for a modern woman. As we embark on the second phase and the growth of Hervé Léger, she will be instrumental in introducing innovative silhouettes and fabrics. Her adept use of stretch and unique sensibility perfectly align with the house codes at Hervé Léger”.
The world will get its first glimpse of the Hervé Léger collection under Ochs’ creative direction at New York Fashion Week in September, showcasing her designs for the Spring/Summer 2024 line.
In her illustrious career, Ochs has co-founded Cushnie et Ochs and later started Et Ochs. Her designs for both brands earned admiration for their unique aesthetics, distinct silhouettes, and sensual appeal, often featuring on the red carpet, worn by celebrities like Michelle Obama, Reese Witherspoon, and Jennifer Lawrence. Cushnie et Ochs was recognized with several nominations and awards, including an Ecco Domani award in 2009 and nominations for the Swarovski Award for Womenswear at the CFDA Fashion Awards.
Even as Ochs focuses on her new role, she will continue to advise the team at Et Ochs, ensuring the continuation of her eponymous line.
Hervé Léger, known worldwide for its signature bandage dress that gloriously celebrates the female form, retails at high-end outlets such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Net-a-porter. The brand is also expanding its reach by partnering with Revolve, an effort that taps into a new customer base.
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