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
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.
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