The Weinstein Company has officially announced, via a press release, that it has struck a deal to reboot the legendary house of Charles James, the British-born American couturier currently the subject of “Beyond Fashion,” a retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute. As the New York Post originally reported, Weinstein’s wife, Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman, will be appointed in a creative consultant role at the new company, as will her brother and Marchesa CEO Edward Chapman. The deal is described as a license with an option to buy. Weinstein signed the deal with James’s two children, Charles and Louise, for an undisclosed amount.
In an interesting development, the release mentioned that the Weinstein Company is in talks to bring the “Beyond Fashion” exhibit to other cities as well.
“Charles James was one of the most incredible couturiers in the history of fashion and this label deserves to be a household name in same ranks as Chanel, Dior, and Oscar de la Renta,” Weinstein said in a statement. “There isn’t a single designer in high fashion who wouldn’t name him as a major influence. We are beyond thrilled to be spearheading the revival of this brand and bringing it back to the world’s finest retailers.”
Said Chapman: “Charles James’s designs and gowns took everyone’s breath away at the Met Ball. He’s long been an inspiration to me and everyone at Marchesa. We’re thrilled to help bring the Met exhibit to museums around the country and to bring the spirit and style of Charles James back into the fashion marketplace.”
Does this mean we’ll be seeing a Charles James show at Fashion Week? Or would the company work with private clients? Is there still a market for sweeping mid-century gowns? Looks like we’re about to find out.
