The 24-year-old French designer will be in charge of designing women's ready-to-wear at Rochas and his first collection slated for spring 2022
Rochas, whose creative director seat has been vacant for a year, has finally found its new owner in the form of 24-year-old, Charles de Vilmorin. De Vilmorin made his debut at Paris Couture Week last month with his collection of quilted jackets. With this new role, de Vilmorin is fast cementing his rise since the launch of his eponymous fashion label just last April.
The up-and-coming French designer will be tasked with designing women's ready-to-wear at Rochas and his first collection set is slated for spring 2022. Perhaps the appointment of de Vilmorin, a recent graduate of La Chambre de la Couture Parisienne, shouldn't come as a surprise. He has family ties to the heritage house—his great-aunt, heiress and novelist Louise de Vilmorin was acquainted with Hélène Rochas, the wife of Marcel Rochas—making de Vilmorin no stranger to the Rochas brand.
"Rochas is a brand that holds a special place in my heart, due to both deep personal family ties and the label’s heritage, which I find so rich and inspiring. I can’t wait to bring my personal touch and reinterpret the codes of this beautiful Maison," said de Vilmorin on his Instagram post.
Phillppe Benacin, charmain and chief executive officer of Interparfums SA has nothing but praises for the new creative director. "Audacity, elegance, timelessness and originality are the foundation of the Rochas legacy. These are also values that define the work of Charles de Vilmorin, creating perfect synergy between our two worlds," he said. "Charles’ youth, talent and touch of wildness will give Rochas new life for years to come. We are delighted to have Charles participate in this new era for our brand," he added.
With his young age to boot, de Vilmorin will re-energise the brand and bring in a new flavour, no doubt, seen by his colourful paintings sprawled all over his Instagram. The young designer is succeeding Alessandro Dell'Acqua, who exited the label after a six-year tenure, who showed his last collection for Rochas in February 2020.
De Vilmorin was also one of the 15 independent and emerging young designers selected by Alessandro Michele, Gucci's creative director, to participate in its GucciFest online festive last November. His designs, using oversize proportions and vibrant patterns, captured the eyes of the fashion community.
De Vilmorin told WWD that he will continue to expand his label while helming the creative director seat at Rochas. "This is a dream come true. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, so I feel mentally prepared. Right now, I’m running my brand solo, so it’s a little challenging to do everything, but that’s going to change. I’m going to bring on people. But I’m very happy and excited about it. It gives me a huge boost and it’s very stimulating," he said.