Despite His Halston Setback, Harvey Weinstein Is Buying Charles James
Following a swirl of rumors since the Met Gala, Harvey Weinstein has confirmed plans to relaunch the long-defunct Charles James label. According to a statement, the Weinstein Company will license the brand (with an option to buy) from the British-American couturier’s estate, as well as take the exhibition to other cities. Marchesa’s Georgina Chapman (and Weinstein’s wife) will serve as creative consultant, as well as her brother and Marchesa CEO Edward Chapman.
“Charles James was one of the most incredible couturiers in the history of fashion and this label deserves to be a household name in the same ranks as Chanel, Dior and Oscar de la Renta,” he said in a press statement. “There isn’t a single designer in high fashion who wouldn’t name him as a major influence. We are beyond thrilled to be spearheading the revival of this brand and bringing it back to the world’s finest retailers.”
Of course, this isn’t the first time Weinstein has dipped his toe in the acquisition of iconic fashion houses. In 2007, he invested in Halston, along with Sarah Jessica Parker and others, but left the limited licensing arrangement 2011 when it was clear the revival was going nowhere. With Charles James, it’s expected the Weinstein Company would remain the sole partner.