Is Harvey Weinstein looking to revive Charles James label?

Couture designer Charles James, who is being celebrated with an exhibition at the New York's Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art this summer for his use of dramatic skirts and over-the-top gowns, could be making a fashion comeback, if rumours are true.

According to US publication Page Six, movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and his wife Marchesa co-founder, Georgina Chapman, are looking to revive the Charles James label with the help of the late couturier’s family.

"Talks have been ongoing to breathe new life into the Charles James name," a source told Page Six, "There is a lot of interest to carry on Charles's legacy."

Harvey Weinstein in talks to revive Charles James label

The Weinstein Company is said to have been in talks with James's children, Charles Jr and Louise, who are in possession of their father's designs and archives, about a licensing deal with an option to buy the company.

The deal would "create an exclusive couture house" and cover all licensing rights, including a fragrance. Weinstein's wife and her brother, Marchesa CEO Edward, would be "retained as creative consultants" in the deal, according to the Page Six source.

This would not be the first time Weinstein has invested in a defunct fashion house; in 2007, he bought Halston with Sarah Jessica Parker and others, and then left the company in 2011 once the brand revival was a success.

"When they bought Halston, Harvey was part of a consortium," said the source. "He always believed in licensing. In this case, the Weinstein Company would be the sole partner with the James family. So there would be one voice, with the Weinstein Company running the business."

A costume Institute exhibit has helped re-launch a designer house before, in 2012 following the ‘Prada and Schiaparelli: Impossible Conversations’ exhibit and gala ball at the Met, the head of Tod's Group, Diego Della Valle orchestrated Schiaparelli's return. Marco Zanini was appointed creative director and helmed the relaunch, which debuted with a well-received spring 2014 Couture showing.

Image: The Metropolitan Museum of Art