Dive Brief:
- Hervé Léger has appointed American designer Michelle Ochs as its new creative director, according to multiple reports and an Instagram post by departing creative director Christian Juul Nielsen.
- Ochs will replace New York-based Nielsen, who joined the brand in 2018, just after it was acquired by Authentic Brands Group. She will remain in an advisory role at her Et Ochs label, according to WWD, and will present her last collection for that brand at resort 2024.
- Authentic Brands Group acquired Hervé Léger from former owner Marquee Brands in 2017, just one month after the death of Hervé L. Leroux, the French designer who founded the label.
Dive Insight:
Melissa Lefere-Cobb, senior vice president and division head at Hervé Léger, told WWD that Ochs had “a passion for creating unique and striking designs” and that this, “combined with her deep understanding of the female form, will be instrumental in driving the growth and success of our company.”
Nielsen’s Instagram post said he was “excited to announce that after 5 years I have left Hervé Léger to solely focus on my own brand @aknvas.” He also gave “big congratulations to Michelle Ochs wishing you best of luck.” Before landing at Léger, Nielsen did stints at Dior, Nina Ricci and Oscar de la Renta.
Ochs spent 10 years at Cushnie et Ochs, a label she founded in 2008 with partner Carly Cushnie, before launching her own Et Ochs label in 2021.
Absolute licenses both Hervé Léger and Hervé by Hervé Léger to Centric Brands, which manufactures the label’s apparel. Centric is also the licensee for Absolute’s Izod brand, and additionally owns Zac Posen and denim brand Hudson.
The departure of Nielsen is just the latest in an ongoing fashion industry shuffle of creative directors in 2023. In March, Jeremy Scott parted ways with Moschino after ten years; Charles de Vilmorin left Rochas in April after designing just four collections; Rhude designer Rhuigi Villaseñor left Bally in May after designing only two collections; and Ludovic de Saint Sernin left Ann Demeulemeester, also in May, after putting out just one season.
