Inès de la Fressange returns to namesake label

PARIS, France - Inès de la Fressange is making a comeback to her signature label after it recently was acquired by a group of private investors and investment funds. Founded in 1991, the company was taken over by François-Louis Vuitton in 1993.

The label is owned in part by private investors (70%) and by investment funds Calao Finance and The Luxury Fund, who is based in Dubai and has a stake in fashion house Elie Saab. Inès de la Fressange, former Dior and Christian Lacroix model, also has a stake in company capital and will be involved in the artistic direction of the label, as well as licensing and public relations. After having left the brand in 1999, De la Fressange is reported to be “excited for this next step which will bring a breath of fresh air to the brand” and “happy to return to a design role.” The acquisition was spearheaded by Fabrice Boé, who has held top postions at Lancôme and Hermès and Prisma Press, and who will become president of IDLF. François-Louis Vuitton will remain an advisor to the Paris-based company. The label will create fashion, accessories and lifestyle collections and is looking to develop internationally.

"The contribution of new capital combined with a long-term strategic vision will help develop the activity (retail sales estimated at 20 million for 2013),” says a press release from Calao Finance.