The French house of shoes that is Robert Clergerie was recently purchased by new owners, who naturally, want to redo the place to their taste.
The first thing on the list? Appoint a new Creative Director –Â namely, Roland Mouret.
A fait accompli – as of last week.
First, a quick history of the label. The House was founded by Robert Clergerie in 1978, who retired in the ’90s and lost the right to use his name when the company was sold. He was able to buy it back in 2004, with help from a few solemates and recently sold 90% of the company to Fung Brands Limited. FBL selected Mouret but Clergerie is said to be thrilled at the choice of someone who knows and loves the brand.
It seems to be a perfect fit. Mouret worked for Monsieur Clergerie early in his career and from my view, has a similar eye.
For example, his interpretation of both positive and negative shapes in his dress patterns, inherently echoes a classic Clergerie clog.
Don’t you agree?
Mouret will continue to design his own collections, while taking the creative helm of the Clergerie brand. His first collection of shoes and accessories will hit the stores (and streets!) in time for FW12.
Images: Mouret photo by Neil Wilder; Weisz image from JustJared.com; shoe pic from Etsy.
