Here's what you need to know about Oscar de la Renta's new hire...
Consider this post-fashion week moment as an equivalent to the football transfer window. The latest signing? Former Nina Ricci star striker Peter Copping is to become Oscar de la Renta’s new wingman.
The rumours had been circulating in the industry for weeks after Peter resigned from his role as artistic director at Nina Ricci - a spot that was quickly re-filled by former Carven creative director Guillaume Henry. Elsewhere, John Galliano was also tipped for the position of Oscar’s first ever co-designer, before confirming his own new gig at Maison Martin Margiela. Got all that?
Despite all this, it’s important to point out that 82 year-old Oscar isn’t actually going anywhere. He’s taken on Peter, who previously headed up Marc Jacobs’ studio at Louis Vuitton, with a view to develop the house's future design aesthetic organically together.
‘I'm very happy Peter has agreed to join us’ the red carpet favourite said in a statement. ‘He is a great talent and along with our shared design sensibilities, we both have a deep curiosity about the wider world, from music and art to architecture and gardens. Our industry has not always done the best job when it comes to changes in design leadership. My hope is that, in leading this selection, and actively participating in the transition, I can insure the right design future for our company and brand.’
Peter echoed the design legend’s compliments. ‘It is an immense pleasure for me to join Oscar de la Renta as Creative Director in November. After a career of 20 years in Paris, this is an important next step for me. Oscar de la Renta has defined American elegance for generations of women, and the opportunity to work with him and help ensure the future of the brand is very exciting.’
With awards season around the corner and one-off celebrity gigs (designing Amal Alamuddin's wedding dress, for example) popping up all over the place, it’s no wonder OdlR needed the extra help to cope with demand.
The new team’s first collection will be unveiled at New York Fashion Week in February 2015.