Photo: Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.Today, in unlikely couturier news: The Weinstein Company has announced via a press release that it plans to resurrect the Charles James label. Charles James was, of course, the legendary American couture house to which this year's Met Ball was dedicated. The Cut reports that Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman, who is also Harvey Weinstein's wife, and her brother and Marchesa CEO Edward Chapman, will be creative consultants at the new company.
“Charles James was one of the most incredible couturiers in the history of fashion, and this label deserves to be a household name in same ranks as Chanel, Dior, and Oscar de la Renta," Weinstein said in a statement. "There isn’t a single designer in high fashion who wouldn’t name him as a major influence. We are beyond thrilled to be spearheading the revival of this brand and bringing it back to the world’s finest retailers.”
James, who died in 1978 and whose namesake label is now defunct, was known for his sweepingly dramatic evening gowns, exemplified by Monday night's Met Ball looks. There's surely less of a market for the style today, but we predict the revived brand will be a hit with socialites, millionairesses, and movie stars at big-deal, industry events. And, with the brains behind Marchesa at the helm, it couldn't be in better hands — we sure wouldn't mind if we saw a few more of these stunners strutting down the red carpet. (The Cut)