FASHION DESIGNERS OF THE

XXIst CENTURY

 

 YEAR 2006
Olivier Theyskens was named Fashion Designer of the Year 2006 by the CFDA. This Belgian is not only a fashion designer : he also takes part in artistic events like exhibitions. For example, the “Belgian Fashion Designers” exhibition in New York at the Fashion Insitute of Technology museum.

 
Olivier Theyskens was born on the 4th of Januray, 1977, in Brussels.
At the age of 18, in October 1995, Olivier Theyskens entered the design section of the National Superior School of Visual Arts. But he left this school two years after to launch his own label, in August 1997. But he did not have sufficient founds, and had to close it.
He started to make cotumes for the theatre, and in 1998, he was brought to the public attention thanks to Madonna who wore one of his dresses for the Academy Awards.
In 2002, he became creative director at Rochas. His collections are fresh, elegant ; he manages to keep Marcel Rochas’ codes, the incorporator of the French brand, but mixing the sobriety with the modernity of new volumes. He did his first full collection for Fall 2003, which was acclaimed by the press. Actually, fashion line of French Fashion house Rochas was discontinued before him, and Olivier Theyskens has revived his fashion division, attracting medias.
Today, Olivier Theyskens does not only make a ready-to-wear collection, but also a leather goods and footwear line, especially for women. A lot of accessorizes lines actually exist, but there will be reviewed and harmonized with the ready-to-wear lines. It includes watches, sunglasses, ties, belts, scarves and jewellery.
Moreover, a menswear collection exists, even if it is less known.
His women’s collection are sailed in the most influential department stores of the whole world : it includes Barney’s New York, Saks Fifth Avenue, Joyce in Hong-Kong, Maria Luisa in Paris, Browns in London, Neimann Marcus, Maxfield in Los Angeles, ...
Rochas clients include Nicole Kidman, Madonna, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Bosworth, Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Praker, ...
But in June 2006, Proctor & Gamble, Rochas’owner, annouced that the fashion division of Rochas would be stopped.
That is why the 1st November 2006, Olivier Theyskens became artistic director at Nina Ricci. His first line debuted in March 2007.