Rumors continue to swirl around the negotiations currently taking place between former Dior Homme creative director Hedi Slimane and LVMH. The major difference between this most recent set of negotiations and the earlier negotiations between Slimane and LVMH concerning the contract extension at Dior Homme which eventually ended in Slimane's departure, is that Slimane is now negotiating directly with Bernard Arnault himself. Also, this time around, there is a real possibility that an eventual deal would include both men's and ladies' apparel.
As we understand it, one of the stumbling blocks in negotiations were intellectual proprietary rights associated with LVMH's use of the "Hedi Slimane" name. In this respect, Slimane seems to have learned a valuable lesson from compatriot Roland Mouret who lost the right to use his name professionally after his falling out with former business partners, Scottish businesswoman Sharai Meyers and her banker husband Andre, hence the latter's launch of a new label under the moniker "RM". In the event the negotiations don't work out with Arnault however, Slimane may have an ace up his well-tailored and perfectly fitted sleeve: Renzo Rosso, founder of the Diesel brand has expressed an "interest" in working with Slimane. Rosso already bankrolls Martin Margiela and Sophia Kokosalaki, two designers who have a marked independent streak, not unlike Slimane himself.
To date, a strict "no comment" policy has been upheld by both parties. At The Luxe Chronicles, we can no longer stand the suspense. Well gentlemen, do we have a deal?
Comments