Au revoir: Lanvin and designer Bouchra Jarrar part ways
Creative director is leaving less than a year after showing her first collection at the troubled French fashion house; her departure follows the shock sacking of her predecessor Alber Elbaz
Designer Bouchra Jarrar no longer works for France’s oldest fashion brand Lanvin, just 10 months after she showed her first collection there.
The 46-year-old had closed her own label last year so she could dedicate herself to reviving the troubled label. But in March, Jarrar hinted that she was not getting the support that she needed to turn the label around.
“I want to bring my expertise, creativity, technical know-how and pragmatism” to the brand, she told the South China Morning Post. For that “I need the whole house’s support. Alone it’s impossible,” she added.
Founded in 1889, Lanvin is one of France’s last major independent fashion houses in an industry dominated by multi-brand groups such as LVMH and Kering.
It has been in turmoil since the shock sacking in 2015 of previous creative director Alber Elbaz after a boardroom dispute and faces a deepening crisis amid slumping sales.
“Lanvin and Bouchra Jarrar have mutually decided to put an end to their collaboration. This decision is effective as of today,” the fashion house said on Thursday, adding: “Bouchra Jarrar will now concentrate on new projects.”
Jarrar’s two collections for the label were warmly received by critics for their “sober elegance”, and last week she was made an officer of France’s prestigious Order of Arts and Letters for her services to fashion.
Additional reporting by Agence France-Presse
