One person who certainly has the name on the tip of their tongue is Harvey Weinstein, who is rumoured to be bringing the fashion house back again. While the designer’s exquisite gowns are open for the public to view at the Metropolitan Museum, the fact that this British-born man was deemed the USA’s first true couturier certainly raises questions as to why we are not able to purchase this label today.
According to a source speaking to Page Six, “Talks have been ongoing to breathe new life into the Charles James name…There is a lot of interest to carry on Charles’ legacy.” The talks in question have been with the Weinstein Company and James’ children, Charles Jr. and Louise, about a licensing deal with the option to buy the company, which would include “an exclusive couture house” with all licensing rights, including a fragrance.
Not surprisingly, it has also been mentioned that the movie magnate would be looking towards his Marchesa designer wife, Georgina Chapman, and her CEO brother Edward to be “retained as creative consultants” if the deal goes ahead.
Of course, this wouldn’t be Harvey’s first foray into the world of fashion. In 2007, he invested in heritage label Halston, along with actress turned designer Sarah Jessica Parker, but sold his stake in the business in 2011.
According to the source, “The Weinstein Company would be the sole partner with the James family. So there would be one voice, with the Weinstein Company running the business.”
