De La Renta Confirms Copping

Oscar de la Renta has confirmed that he has appointed Peter Copping as creative director. The news comes after weeks of speculation that Copping would assume the role, following confirmation of his exit from Nina Ricci, where he has held the position of artistic director for five years.

It marks the first time that De la Renta has brought somebody on board in this capacity, in a move that the veteran designer hopes will help him achieve longevity for his brand through his own vision.

"Our industry has not always done the best job when it comes to changes in design leadership," he told WWD. "My hope is that, in leading this selection, and actively participating in the transition, I can ensure the right design future for our company and brand… I'm very happy that Peter has agreed to join us. 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."

While Copping will oversee all categories, he will continue to report directly to De la Renta who will remain actively involved in the brand's design aesthetic and CEO Alex Bolen when he starts on November 3. His first collection will be unveiled at the fashion house's autumn/winter 2015 show in New York next February.

"After a career of 20 years in Paris, this is an important next step for me," said Copping of the move. "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."

Copping was replaced by Guillaume Henry, formerly creative director at Carven, at Nina Ricci earlier this month.

Nina Ricci Confirms Peter Copping Exit

Peter Copping is stepping down as creative director of Nina Ricci, the brand confirmed today. The designer is rumoured to be heading to New York label Oscar de la Renta, although his next move has not yet been confirmed. 

Sparking weeks of rumors, Copping's name was linked to De La Renta before Carven creative director Guillaume Henry was tipped for the Ricci job. Henry subsequently announced he was to leave Carven but only today has there been a job for him to potentially go to. Ricci are set to announce Copping's successor "shortly".

Ralph Toledano, president of the fashion division of Ricci's parent company, Puig, thanked Copping for "his commitment to Nina Ricci and his contribution to the legacy of the house," adding: "His vision has been a major factor in the re-launch of the brand. We wish him all the best for the continuation of his career."

Copping said it has been his "great pleasure to work as creative director of Nina Ricci and to have been part of the history of this venerable fashion house," ending his tenure at the label with the words: "I am very grateful to the Puig family for their kindness during the last five years."

Carven's Designer Search As Henry Bows Out

Carven will today begin looking for a new creative director, following the announcement that Guillaume Henry is set to depart later this year. Although executives are in talks with "several successors", the company revealed, all other brand plans continue apace.

"We are going to carry on with our development in terms of store openings and segments, because our strategy is already set," Carven CEO Henri Sebaoun said. "Carven is a creative brand. My main objective when I bought Carven was to bring it back to the forefront of fashion by setting trends. I think we have accomplished that over the last five years. The idea is to keep up that ambition, so naturally we will be recruiting a new artistic director to represent the house. For the time being, I am in discussions. I don't want to confuse speed and haste."

Henry has been linked with the Nina Ricci creative job currently still occupied by Peter Copping, who is rumored to be heading to Oscar de la Renta and late on Friday it was confirmed he will leave in November.

"I was very happy to work with Guillaume for practically six years," Sebaoun told WWD. "We accomplished great things together and today, one chapter is closing and a new adventure is beginning for Carven. I hope that, for his part, he will know as much joy as he has known by my side."

Henry showed his final Carven collection on Thursday. He was enlisted before the former couture house relaunched in 2009, and has been the only designer at its helm since.