Harvey Weinstein to relaunch Charles James brand

After rumors surfaced Tuesday that the movie mogul would be spearheading the revival of the historic brand currently on display at the Anna Wintour Costume Center, couture fans got understandably excited. Now it’s been confirmed that the deal has been struck: the Charles James brand will be reappearing under license, with Weinstein retaining the right to buy it outright. 

“Charles James was one of the most incredible couturiers in the history of fashion and this label deserves to be a household name in the same ranks as Chanel, Dior and Oscar de la Renta,” Weinstein told The Hollywood Reporter. “There isn’t a single designer in high fashion who wouldn’t name him as a major influence. We are beyond thrilled to be spearheading the revival of this brand and bringing it back to the world’s finest retailers.”

While he’s best known for his career in Tinseltown, Weinstein isn’t a complete upstart when it comes to the world of fashion. He’s been married to Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman since 2007 and was also part of a consortium (alongside Sarah Jessica Parker, Tamara Mellon and Rachel Zoe) who invested in the revival of American brand Halston. 

Chapman, and her brother, Marchesa CEO Edward Chapman, will apparently serve as the label’s creative consultants. The designer, who died in 1978 was known as ‘America’s first couturier’ and was famed for his lavish red carpet dresses and ball gowns. 

“Charles James: Beyond Fashion” opens to visitors Thursday at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City.