Commit this name to memory: Diego Della Valle, founder of Tod's, Parisian businessman, and the current owner of the Elsa Schiaparelli name. He caused quite a stir earlier this week when he announced plans to revive the Schiaparelli label to coincide with the Schiaparelli-Prada exhibit for The Costume Institute at the Met.
With former model and current Schiap spokesperson Farida Khelfa at his side, Della Valle spoke to the NYT about his plans. "I think it's possible to do an incredible, small, charming luxury business. We want to be a little out of the system." Without plans to sell to stores or become a large brand, the new Schiaparelli will mostly cater toward the super-rich, and will most likely show to an exclusive group of editors and clients during private couture shows (Della Valle already has plans to sell perfume and accessories, and expects to use e-commerce… have fun maxing out your credit card in one online transaction, folks).
As for the rumors that he'll be considering the deservedly besmirched Galliano for the job? Reports the NYT: "Finding someone with the skill for Schiaparelli is hard enough, but many designers are used to perks and big budgets, and these don't seem [like] things they will find in a brand trying to create a new experience." A non-answer if we've ever heard one.(WWD)
