Unfortunately the bad new does not stop with Christian Lacroix SNC filing for voluntary bankruptcy in Paris (Lacroix is seeking court protection from creditors).
Now, talented Belgian designer Veronique Branquinho – whose carefully crafted designs I was fortune enough to be able to appreciate in person during my trip to Paris Fashion Week – has been forced to close her namesake line due to the economic downturn. Both Branquinho and Lacroix were heavily dependant on wholesalers who, as of late, have been significantly cutting back on their orders.
Branquinho’s 11 year old company, named James NV, is owned primarily by the Antwerp designer herself. According to a statement released in Belgium, it is in court-appointed liquidation for a three month period. Therefore, unlike Lacroix who is expected to continue to deliver both his ready to wear as well as an upcoming couture collection in July, the 35 year old designer will cease production of her eponymous line. There is no word yet on the future of the collection already in production.
Branquinho’s only freestanding boutique, located on Nationalestraat in Antwerp, is remaining open to clear out stock. Luckily, the future still seems very bright for the talented young designer. She will focus her attention on her role as the new artistic director of Belgian leather goods brand Delvaux and will continue as a professor at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna.
Images courtesy of the Fashion Spot forums.
