Courrèges names Coperni design duo as creative directors

French fashion house Courrèges has tapped the design-duo behind up and coming label Coperni to oversee the creative direction of its women's wear line. Sebastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant have become the first official designers hired for the fashion house since the company was sold by founder André Courrèges and his partner Coqueline in 2011.

"There is one fundamental in the work of André and Coqueline Courrèges that touches us in particular: youth," said Meyer and Vaillant in a joint statement. "It gives us the strength to believe that with Courrèges, anything is possible, even the most ambitious dreams."

In order to turn their full attention to their new roles, the duo have put Coperni on hold, revealed Jacques Bungert, co-owner and co-president of Courrèges with Frédéric Torloting to WWD. Meyer and Vaillant, who won ANDAM First Collections Prize last year, are set to unveil their first collection for spring 2016. "They are incredibly talented," said Bungert.

"They have run their own firm, which means they consider both the creative and commercial aspect of what they do — the wearability of their clothes. They are passionate about fabrics and fabrications, which is clear from their work and matters a lot to us, because at Courrèges, fabric is king." The appointment signals the end of the first stage of the label's redevelopment, which included the renovation of its manufacturing facilities in Pau, in France and taking back its perfume license.

The label will now focus on expanding its retail and wholesale presence. "It’s really exciting because we are entering a new era," added Bungert. "Youth is deeply ingrained in the brand and I think that tapping that youthful energy is not neutral for Courrèges."