Helmut Lang: Katayone Adeli appears to be the next in line to take over as creative director

By

Dominique Muret

Published
Oct 2, 2014

Helmut Lang may soon announce the arrival of a new creative director for its ready-to-wear womenswear. According to rumours reported by the American press, the brand owned by the Japanese group Link Theory Holdings (a subsidiary of Fast Retailing) is in negotiations with Iranian-born American designer Katayone Adeli to take over for creative duo Nicole and Michael Colovos who left the brand this past February.

The couple stepped down from their position as creative directors after presenting their last Fall/Winter 2014-15 collection. They were recruited by New York businessman Andrew Rosen (founder of the Theory brand) after he bought fashion house Helmut Lang from Prada in 2006. Their work, for eight years, was to successfully reposition the fashion house with creative contemporary designs.

After having worked for the sportswear brand Parallel from Los Angeles, Katayone Adeli launched her label in 1997. Her eponymous brand quickly became a great success, especially among celebrities, thanks notably to her remarkably well-fitting pants and leather items. In 2003, the stylist closed her label and has since been focused on collaborative projects.

This change in creative direction would mark a new phase of recovery for Helmut Lang, which has, in addition, relaunched its menswear since Spring/Summer 2014, under the leadership of designer Alexandre Plokhov.