Sonia Rykiel closes Its Menswear Business

[Faust]

Yes, there is a fledging French designer called Sonia Rykiel, and yes she did menswear. I wonder why some of these French houses never even register on the American radar. Sonia Rykiel was one of them, Nina Ricci is another, Gaultier's reception has been lukewarm as well. Is it lack of marketing? Bad coverage?

Sonia Rykiel to Close Men?s Business

By Emilie Marsh

June 12, 2008

Sonia Rykiel is closing its men?s wear business after nearly two decades of losses.



The French designer launched Rykiel Homme 18 years ago but the men?s
line has never generated a profit ? in part due to difficulty in
capitalizing on high-growth international markets.



Despite being present in over 33 countries via 150 points of sales in
Europe, Russia and the Middle East, Rykiel Homme generated 78 percent
of sales in France.



The division contributed 5 percent of Sonia Rykiel total revenues,
which in 2007 stood at more than 102 million euros or $158.6 million.



?We are a family run business and we wish to remain so?thus the
decision to focus on our core business which is women,? explained
Nathalie Rykiel, Sonia Rykiel?s daughter and president of the fashion
house.



Rykiel Homme will show its final summer 09 collection at a presentation during Paris fashion week later this month.



The temporary store in Paris will close in January 2009.

[casem]

Re: Sonia Rykiel closes Its Menswear Business

I followed her runway shows but never saw a single thing for men in person in the U.S. I thought it was pretty good, the knits looked especially nice. Always sad when another brand hits the dust (unless it's KVA of course).

[Yan]

Re: Sonia Rykiel closes Its Menswear Business



In order to prosper selling mens design in the current market I think you either have to achieve cult status via forums like sz, the backing of a very large group with deep editorial and advertising pockets or have chav status. It is understandable that brands that dont fall into the above should flounder. When brands do not invoke excitement or a tribal following like Rykiel I cant see where the market is.

On the other hand it is great that the brands such as Ann Hagen can achieve status on sz and who knows, that may help in the future of that brand.

[Faust]

Re: Sonia Rykiel closes Its Menswear Business

[quote user="Yan"]

In order to prosper selling mens design in the current market I think you either have to achieve cult status via forums like sz, the backing of a very large group with deep editorial and advertising pockets or have chav status. It is understandable that brands that dont fall into the above should flounder. When brands do not invoke excitement or a tribal following like Rykiel I cant see where the market is.

On the other hand it is great that the brands such as Ann Hagen can achieve status on sz and who knows, that may help in the future of that brand.

[/quote]

I want commission, yo! From Damir Doma, too.

[Yan]

Re: Sonia Rykiel closes Its Menswear Business

[quote user="Faust"][quote user="Yan"]

In order to prosper selling mens design in the current market I think you either have to achieve cult status via forums like sz, the backing of a very large group with deep editorial and advertising pockets or have chav status. It is understandable that brands that dont fall into the above should flounder. When brands do not invoke excitement or a tribal following like Rykiel I cant see where the market is.

On the other hand it is great that the brands such as Ann Hagen can achieve status on sz and who knows, that may help in the future of that brand.

[/quote]

I want commission, yo! From Damir Doma, too.

[/quote]

You surely dont do it for the money do you Faust????!!!!!!! Also I didnt think you like Damir but I am sure he is grateful for the changing mood within SZ!!!!

[Faust]

Re: Sonia Rykiel closes Its Menswear Business

I surely don't. I was joking. And, yea, not crazy about Damir's clothes, hence I demand the commission in currency. I take commissions from the designers I like in clothes.

[Yan]

Re: Sonia Rykiel closes Its Menswear Business



[quote user="Faust"]I surely don't. I was joking. And, yea, not crazy about Damir's clothes, hence I demand the commission in currency. I take commissions from the designers I like in clothes.
[/quote]

I know you were joking. So was I. Mind you should it not be that the creator receives some recognition from those who benefit?

[Johnny]

Re: Sonia Rykiel closes Its Menswear Business



I agree Faust should get commision from Doma. Doesn't he already benefit by virtue of the increased sales?!

I always quite liked the Rykiel Homme knitwear, but not enoughto bu it. This may render me shallow,but I think the men's brand had serious image problems...totally MOR, therefore difficult to generate interest from new customers.

[Yan]

Re: Sonia Rykiel closes Its Menswear Business

I meant that Faust was the creator....... hence deserves his tribute from designers SZ promote and help grow

[Faust]

Re: Sonia Rykiel closes Its Menswear Business

/\ damn straight! [86]