By Editor Design.nl /asdf 29-07-2008

Diesel has bought a majority stake in Viktor & Rolf. The Italian denim brand, run by founder Renzo Rosso, acquired the Dutch fashion label for a yet undisclosed amount, stating he would retain the brand's distinctive character.

Only The Brave, Diesel's parent company, is planning to create new licensing agreements, in addition to opening new stores in key cities, all the while building it into a luxury brand.

Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, who founded the company in 1992, are famous for bridging the gap between fashion and art with their eye-catching designs. Snoeren said: "We felt that we needed a strong partner to grow the business. Fashion has changed so much that in order to achieve those dreams you need a good partner," he said. Snoeren added that he and Horsting had found it "frustrating" that although the brand was successful, it lacked the resources to fulfill its potential.

Starting with next year’s autumn-winter season, a dedicated team from Staff International – the prêt-à-porter manufacturer and distributing arm of Only The Brave – will manage the worldwide licensing arrangements for Viktor & Rolf’s womenswear, menswear, shoes and accessory lines.

Distribution will be expanded via use of Staff International’s showrooms in Paris, Milan, Tokyo and New York. Mr Rosso said that he wanted to develop a “new luxury group for the future”. The company also owns young luxury brands Maison Martin Margiela and Sophie Kokosalaki.

(Source: Telegraph)

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