Catwalk Queen: Breaking news: Marios Schwab is Halston's new creative director

Browse by:

Get daily news round-up

« Oasis Designer Collective: Flying Saucer says support graduates | Main | CQ Watch: Dior's "The Lady Noire Affair" with Marion Cotillard - full film! »

Breaking news: Marios Schwab is Halston's new creative director

It is official! After months of swirling rumours, our own Marios Schwab has landed the gig of creative director at Halston. He replaces Marco Zanini, who left after just two seasons.

Confirmed via WWD early this morning, he will take over the label from July 1. Despite recent troubles following its revival in 2007, the brand will also shortly launch the Halston Heritage collection, featuring reproductions of archival Halston pieces (see below the cut).

Schwab caught the eye of CEO Bonnie Takhar during his spring '09 show in London. "He used a lot of jersey in the collection in a very modern way. The silhouettes were also very fluid, and we thought they had a very modern Halston interpretation," she said.

Speaking of his new appointment, Schwab added: "While Halston's DNA is crucial to its future success, I very much wish to move the brand forward and make it relevant for today. Simple, effortless pieces realized via modern [fabrics] and technology will play a large role in how I will redefine the brand. The clothes will echo the heritage but with a very distinctive, modern feel that is completely new and completely now.''

He will continue his eponymous label, but just as we feared, we will lose him to New York (sob!) Marios will pack his bags and set up his own studio with Halston's fellow shoe and accessories designers in the Big Apple. He will launch his first RTW collection for fall 2010.

Sketches based on Anjelica Huston's Halston double satin silk dress.

Come September, the Halston Heritage collection will be unveiled, consisting of reworked versions on iconic Halston designs worn by the likes of Anjelica Huston, Bianca Jagger and Lauren Hutton.

Sketch based on Bianca Jagger in Halston original jersey gown.

Pieces will retail between $55 for a T-shirt up to $595 for an evening dress. An e-commerce site is also planned for early 2010, with a face for the collection already being scouted. Who do we think best sums up this range? Perhaps one of their original muses such as Huston or Hutton? Huston for Halston sounds just about right.