Mystery surrounding John Richmond

By

Dominique Muret

Published
Nov 25, 2015

Has John Richmond once again become 100% British, as it claims? The men's and women's ready-to-wear rock-style label founded in 1982 by English designer John Richmond has reportedly been purchased in its entirety by Fashioneast, it has stated in a press release, specifying that "the English group and designer are behind the acquisition".

The brand had been 50% owned by Italian group Moschillo since 1996, which produced and distributed the designer John Richmond line as well as the more commercial Richmond line via its Falber garment factory in the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy.

When asked about the acquisition, the group from businessman Saverio Moschillo, which also holds the Husky brand and the Rodolphe Ménudier footwear brand, denied the news, stating that John Richmond is still part of its portfolio.

For its part, Fashion East, a not-for-profit British company that supports emerging British designers, denies having the slightest relationship with John Richmond. And for good reason! Since this article was first published, the John Richmond label issued an ammendment stating that the company in question is Fashioneast S.a.r.l., which is based in Luxembourg. Thus creating even more confusion!

When questioned by FashionMag, the John Richmond House gave no follow-up, even though in its press release the designer affirmed: "with Saverio Moschillo, we now have a different vision on the direction for the brand. It is fair to say that we are no longer working together and I appreciate what he has done in the past for the brand."

The two parties seem to above all have problems in their communications.