Since the death of the couturier Hervé Leger in 2017, the house has been
mothballed. Today, however, a page turns thanks to his sister who is
preparing to present the new collections during Paris Fashion Week.
Launched in 2000 by Hervé Leger Leroux and Jocelyne Caudroy (sister of the
latter who has been by his side since the launch of his first house in
1985), the Hervé L. Leroux label enjoyed a very good reputation thanks to
its glamorous and sophisticated dresses worn by many stars (from Carole
Bouquet to Iman Bowie, including Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek). But the
disappearance of the founding couturier in 2017 brought the business to a
halt.
Family continuity
Three years later, in 2020, Jocelyne Caudroy decided to relaunch her
brother’s namesake brand and presented the new Hervé L. Leroux collections
in her showroom from 28 February to 5 March 2020, of which she is now the
artistic director.
It was obvious for me to pursue Hervé’s work and passion,” says Jocelyne
Caudroy, “My work is a natural extension of all these years spent working
in pairs. There is both the re-release of his emblematic dresses but also
the creation of new models, the ones he didn’t have time to make”.
The return of the drape
Combining elegance and French savoir-faire, the atelier autumn-winter 2020
collection, which will be presented during Paris Fashion Week, skillfully
blends new ultra-feminine silhouettes with the unmistakable draped dresses
that have made the house famous. In total, more than 20 models made in
France will be unveiled: dresses, skirts, tops in a palette of colours
inspired by precious stones (ruby, sapphire or amethyst, the couturier’s
recurring colour, contrasting with deep black). While the technique of
making seamless pieces, the house’s strong DNA, will be perpetuated. New, a
small line christened “Voyage” offers pieces for “chic and casual”
escapades.
Jacques-Emmanuel Falempin in the driver’s seat
A new structure has been put in place for this relaunch. While the company
does not disclose details of the investors involved, it has appointed
Jacques-Emmanuel Falempin, who was previously an advisor to Hervé L.
Leroux, as its head. A management consultant for fashion and luxury brands
for some twenty years, the man has notably managed the Maxime Simoëns label
from 2011 to 2013. His mission: to succeed in redeploying the house’s aura
and glamorous image.
Photo: Credit: Pierre Verdy / AFP – Silhouette Hervé L. Leroux, 2020
