Desigual parts ways with Jean-Paul Goude

Desigual has put an end to its collaboration with Jean-Paul Goude, who became the Spanish brand’s first ever artistic director in 2017, terminating their three-year partnership early. The 76-year-old was announced as Desigual’s artistic director in August 2017.

The clothing company founded by Swiss businessman Thomas Meyer confirmed Goude’s exit to FashionNetwork.com. “We have concluded the collaboration with Jean-Paul Goude. We continue to make progress with our transformation plan, which we have been working on for years, and are focused on reviewing our product. The company sees the collaboration as a positive experience and he is now pursuing other personal projects,” the brand said.

Goude’s appointment came as a surprise due to his lack of experience in the world of design. But the French artist and illustrator had previously worked with high-end fashion labels including Kenzo and Hermès, as well as fashion titles such as Paper.

“The artistic collaboration with Jean-Paul Goude signifies a step forward in Desigual’s desire to permit talent from myriad disciplines to contribute to, and enrich, the diversity of the brand by way of their unexpected works,” commented David Meire, Desigual chief client officer, on his appointment in 2017. Desigual had described the collaboration as a reflection of its commitment to a transformation plan that was first introduced in 2015.

Jean-Paul Goude was responsible for every aspect of Desigual’s brand image, overseeing everything from set design to advertising campaigns. In September 2017, the brand’s Spring Summer 2018 collection, curated by its new artistic director, was presented at New York Fashion Week, pushing Desigual into the spotlight. Since then, Jean-Paul Goude also consulted on the label’s advertising campaigns and even released a capsule collection.

Founded in Barcelona in 1984, Desigual made revenues of €323 million in the first half of 2018, down 14.5% on the same period the previous year. In 2014 Eurazeo became a shareholder and a year later the company created by Thomas Meyer launched a major overhaul to review its product, revamp its image and consolidate its distribution network. In August 2018, the firm’s founder and CEO reacquired a majority stake in Desigual from Eurazeo to become its sole owner. Last year, the business reorganised its corporate structure and named Alberto Ojinaga as managing director.

Desigual parts ways with Jean-Paul Goude

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