>> Last we heard, Bill Blass was sold after Peter Som left and the new owners Peacock International Holdings filed bankruptcy, with eventual plans to start the line back up. Then, last week, the search for a new creative director was revealed to be on, with plans to relaunch later this year.
Several industry sources are now indicating that Richard Chai may be the man to take over — he is supposedly in talks with Peacock. "I'm afraid we can't comment at the moment," was a Chai spokesperson's response to the rumors, and Peacock's executive vice president of licensing and sales also declined to give any information: "We can't comment on who we're interviewing for the position." He did, however, confirm that the new creative director would be announced in a month or so.
Chai definitely has the right look for the brand — modern American sportswear — plus the support of retailers and editors, particularly Anna Wintour, so it won't be a surprise if he's chosen for the job.
*image: source
Promod
I'm so excited to see this! I love it when they pump new blood into existing brands. Bill Blass will definitely benefit from the genius that is Richard Chai. I love his designs; their so fashionable and possess such an urban/commercial appeal. I remember the line he did for Target's "Go International" collection and all of the pieces were so inspiring. If he ends up with the job, I can't wait to see what he does with Bill Blass! For all of the "nay-sayers", I'll remind you of what Esteban Cortazar has done to transform Ungaro from a high-end couture brand that mainly appeals to middle-aged women and men into a sizzling, sassy, and sexy collection of pieces that screams "YOUTH"! During the March 2009 runway show, I was amazed at how he effortlessly infused higher hemlines, prints, and original cuts and shapes to breathe life into the iconic Ungaro brand. Check out a few of the pictures below. Hopefully, Richard Chai will be able to do the same with Bill Blass. Remember, "Life is Fashion"!
**SmiLeZ**
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a254/amd0614/Ungaro%20Internship%20200...
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a254/amd0614/Ungaro%20Internship%20200...