Just after 16 months as Lanvin's artistic director, French haute couture fashion designer Bouchra Jarrar leaves the maison, The Business of Fashion reports. Bouchra succeeded Alber Elbaz, Lanvin's creative director for 14 years who left the brand last last October 2015 due to disagreements with its Taiwan-based Chinese owner, Shaw-Lan Wang.
The house of Lanvin issues a statement confirming the decision. "Lanvin and Bouchra Jarrar have mutually decided to put an end to their collaboration. This decision is effective as of today. Madame Wang wishes to thank Bouchra Jarrar who since her arrival brought her talent to serve the company. Bouchra Jarrar thanks Madame Wang for her trust. She wishes most particularly to acknowledge the work of the teams with who she collaborated to express creativity and French know-how. Bouchra Jarrar will now concentrate on new projects."
While Alber focused on impeccable evening wear during his time, Bouchra's aesthetic was primarily about practical elegance that was translated in her minimalist yet polished day wear fit for the sensual woman. In an effort to focus on Lanvin, Bouchra even shut down her namesake brand but was still unable to revive the troubled French house.
In an interview, she admits, “I have pressure. I wanted to dedicate my whole self to Lanvin, to relaunch the maison and brand, so I shut my own label down… But I need the whole house’s support; alone it’s impossible.”
Lanvin is reported to be in troubled waters, hiring "advisory firm Long Term Partners to conduct an audit and recommend ways to reduce the company's costs, prompting rumors of layoffs." Its majority share owner Shaw-Lan Wang "has been reluctant to invest in the brand for many years. According to reports, she would not let her associate Swiss investor Ralph Bartel, who owns 25 percent of Lanvin, inject more cash into the business to support the brand as it would dilute her stake."
There are no news yet whether Bouchra will resurrect her eponymous line.
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