Self Portrait designer Han Chong has acquired luxury brand Roland Mouret, which fell into administration on Nov. 26.
Chong, who founded the London-based women’s wear label in 2013, has acquired Roland Mouret through a British fashion group holding company called SP Collection. The acquisition reportedly is just for the intellectual property and certain other corporate assets.
High-profile British designer brands continued to struggle in 2021 following the impact of the Covid pandemic that began in 2020, mostly because Covid restrictions have placed limits on social gatherings and travel. Earlier this year, Ralph and Russo entered administration in May. Both brands have been favored by Megan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. In the case of Roland Mouret, the brand has been best known for its curve-hugging “Mouret Galaxy” dress that was unveiled in 2005. Roland Mouret also has been a fan favorite of Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Victoria Beckham, as well as many other celebrities walking the red carpet.
“As part of SP Collection, Roland Mouret will benefit from the infrastructure and resources necessary to ensure it can flourish in the coming years. The Roland Mouret brand already has a powerful and respected legacy and I’m excited to see how we can develop it for luxury customers around the world. I am also delighted that Roland himself will be a part of this next chapter,” Chong said in a statement, according to a report in Fashion United. The report said Mouret will take on the role of founder and creative chair.
Mouret and Chong have a long standing relationship. A post on Nordstrom.com as far back as 2007 indicates that Mouret, who was working with French footwear brand Robert Clergerie in addition to his own line, suggested that Chong design some footwear, including sandals, resulting in a collection of seven styles. Mouret was later named creative director for footwear brand Robert Clergerie in July 2011 before leaving in May 2017 to focus on his namesake brand.