Nina Ricci designer Olivier Theyskens is rumored to be on the way out of the house. It sounds like he’s having creative differences with the heads of the label, owned by Spanish conglomerate Puig. After his spring 2009 collection left retailers asking if his “real collection” was hidden in his showroom, Ricci heads sat down with Theyskens last month to discuss moving forward in accordance with the “needs of the commercial market.” Fashion Week Daily reports his “tenure at Ricci is now in jeopardy.”
This news is shocking. Theyskens is a critically acclaimed design prodigy to say the least. Anna Wintour personally gave him the CFDA’s International Award in 2002 when he headed design at Rochas at just 25. What’s more, he’s a Hollywood favorite, famous for creating one of Reese Witherspoon’s most memorable red-carpet moments, for example. If Nina Ricci lets him go, it would be devastating. On the other hand, maybe it’s about time he got his own line. He sure has the Hollywood following to support him.
Nouveau Ricci? [Fashion Week Daily]
