The rebranding of Nina Ricci was inevitable with the recent replacement of Olivier Theyskens. Peter Copping introduced a much softer vibe to the label, bringing some girly, somewhat Victorian, tiered dresses and little cardigan numbers. The collection was “pretty,” far from the edgy, mysterious look Theyskens contributed to the label. I can’t say it’s a change I’m embracing with open arms, but Copping knows his shtick and I look forward to more from him.

Jump-starting another successful modeling career is Hedi Slimane and his series of photographs featuring 18-year-old Brit, Alex Dunstan. If you recall, Slimane practically catalyzed the careers of Cole Mohr, Georges Barnett, Josh Beech and Ash Stymest, so it isn’t too far-fetched to predict that Alex Dunstan is going to be the next big face in the male-model world. It’s nice to see some fresh blood in the mix, but Cole and Ash will always be near and dear to my heart! Oh, and is it just me, or does this kid look strangely like Olivier Theyskens? 

GALLERY: FIRST LOOK: Alex Dunstan’s First Time

 Check out Hedi Slimane’s Diary here! Thanks for the tip Fashion Copious!

The rumors about Peter Copping heading design at Nina Ricci are true. On Monday, the ex–Louis Vuitton designer officialy replaced Olivier Theyskens, and started working on a resort collection to be unveiled in late June. However, his first runway show won’t take place until next March,  allowing  him plenty of  time to situate himself  in the label before coming-out at Paris Fashion Week.

Olivier Theyskens (right) has officially left Nina Ricci, to be replaced by Louis Vuitton designer Peter Copping (left).

This means a totally new designer for the house for Spring 2010, and a major opening at LVMH, unless Marc’s already found Peter’s replacement, hope we’ll know soon.

Wonder if Olivier will take this opportunity to finally launch his own label? Hope so.

LINKAGE: Fashionista

I’m not one of those people who thrive off of drama, but an occasional rumor or two about something fashion related is an excellent incentive to get up in the morning. Grazia reported yesterday that Olivier Theyskens has left Nina Ricci! The rumors have been floating for a good chunk of time, but we anticipated Theyskens to at least stay through Nina Ricci F/W 2009!  We love Olivier Theyskens as a designer, but I guess his looks aren’t translating to profit for Ricci. 

On the brighter side, Gareth Pugh is rumored to consult for Dior Homme! This rumor took flight when Delphine Arnault, daughter of LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault was seen front row at the recent Pugh menswear show!

Thanks Fashion Copious! 

“When the economy changes, it’s not like you want to start eating bad-tasting chocolate, you have to stay true to what you’re doing, and the house of Nina is about luxury.”

Olivier Theyskens said after showing his pre-fall collection for Nina Ricci in New Yor.

LINKAGE: WWD

The word on the street is that Olivier Theyskens is on his way out of Nina Ricci. Apparently, his Spring 2009 failed to impress buyers.

So sad considering that Anna Wintour herself gave Theysken’s her personal vote of confidence by giving the designer a CFDA award back in 2002 when he was heading design at Rochas at the tender age of 25.

Honestly though, isn’t it about time this designer got his own line?

Sourc The Cut

Accessories designer Natalia Brilli is another one of those grown-up goth visionaries. Like Gareth Pugh and Olivier Bobin, Brilli designs pieces that are dark, conceptual, intriguing, and daring.

Belgian-born and Paris-based, Brilli attended La Cambre in Brussels and started out in the theater, designing sets and costumes.  Gradually she began collaborations with fashion designers.  In 2003 she enrolled at Paris’ Institut Francais de la Mode (IFM).  Here she began her devotion to accessories design.  In 2004 she not only joined Rochas under Olivier Theyskens, but also launched her own line.

Her handmade leather jewelry and accessories are now like ink spreading across the globe.  From sculptural bags to layered necklaces, the weighty black make Brilli’s pieces look serious — but they often have a humorous tint.  She’s made a laptop sleeve with a keyboard molded on the outside, and her signature “Nolex” bracelet (bottom image), which is a leather-wrapped fake watch.

Brilli has also done art installations, and won the Association Nationale pour le Developpement des Arts de la Mode (ANDAM) award in 2006.  

Images from Natalia Brilli’s official site and Flickr.

I thought I would post these photos of SJP at the New York Sex and the City Premiere as a morning treat for all our FI readers. SJP chose a lovely Nina Ricci dress to wear to what seems like the 15th premiere for this movie.

Here is Irina Kulikova wearing the dress on the runway for the Spring/Summer Nina Ricci collection. Olivier Theyskens, the sexual ambiguous fashion designer of Nina Ricci, described the collection as: “It was a group of girls you’d see on the street in the early morning coming from a ball” Maybe it’s a European thing, but has anyone seen a girl do a walk of shame in a $15,000 handmade gown? Guess it’s what makes us Americans different from those Euros

What do you think, would Carrie approve?

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