Hermès denies rumors that Jean Paul Gaultier is leaving

[Mutterlein]

rumor mill is spinning that Haider Ackermann could replace JPG..........

I think it would make the sale of Hermes women's RTW go through the roof. You get Hermes AND one of the top Belgian designers in one. It worked for Margiela...

 

[FrenchCactus]

And no MARGIELA IS BELGIAN

Oops! Sorry about that.

 

[Spike413]

Ackermann at Hermes??? Now that sounds interesting. His leather work is already pretty gorgeous, could you imagine what he could do with Hermes' workrooms?

 

[BerlinRocks]

i just wanted to quote the Hermes Intl. real thing......

this is 2nd trimester (?) of 2009

HERMÈS

Sales up 7.6% in the first half

During the first half, the Group's sales were €874.9m, up 7.6% at current exchange rates. At constant exchange rates, sales were steady compared to the first half of 2008.
Hermès products are sold through two separate distribution channels, which delivered contrasting results in the first half: the company-owned stores on one side and, on the other side, the concessionaires and specialised distribution networks, which mainly sell perfumes, watches and tableware (wholesales).
Sales growth for the Group's stores was a solid 19% at current exchange rates. At constant exchange rates, after growth of 12% in the second quarter, retail sales were 9% higher in the first half.
Wholesales, which are more exposed to the economic downturn, receded by 22% over the six months ended 30 June.
First-quarter sales by sector and region (at constant exchange rates, except otherwise mentioned)

During the first half, Hermès continued to expand it distribution network. It opened five branches (two in the United States, one in England, one in China and one in Korea) and took over one concession in Japan.
The company-owned stores generated sales growth of 19% at current exchange rates and of 9% at constant exchange rates; sales expanded in all regions except Japan, where they receded by 4%.
Owing to a 22% fall in wholesales, primarily due to further contraction in purchases from the specialised distribution networks, consolidated sales for the main regions edged down slightly, except in France and in Non-Japan Asia, where business momentum was fuelled by robust expansion in China and Korea.
By sector, sales were driven by silk scarves, fashion accessories and the Leather Goods & Saddlery division, with persistently strong demand for leather bags. Despite a small improvement in the second quarter, primarily in Perfumes, sales for the other sectors were lower. The decline was most pronounced in Watches and Tableware, where sales generated through non-Group distribution channels were adversely affected by inventory drawdowns.
2009 outlook

The trend seen in the first half is in line with the Group's target of steady sales for the full year at constant rates, with a slight contraction in current operating income.
Hermès will continue to follow its long-term strategy of maintaining control over its know-how and distribution network. The Group will continue to invest significantly in the second half during which it will open or renovate more than ten stores, primarily in Asia and in the United States.
The Group's business will continue to be driven by its ambitious, alluring creative designs and by the vitality of its craftsmanship. This momentum will be sustained by rallying the distribution network’s efforts to showcase our lavish collections and to highlight customer service.

http://www.hermes-international.com/fr/2009/CA2trim2009.php

This is 1st trimester of 2009 :

Sales rose by 3.2% at current exchange rates to €428.4 million over the first three months despite a difficult business climate. At constant exchange rates, sales edged down 4.7 %.

also ... but this something else, and i'm not sure about it ...
i think Hermès holds 45% of JPG (and not 35%, as I have read somewhere on a french website .... lexpress.fr / styles) since aug. 2008 ...
but i'm not sure about this ! to be confirmed !

 

[KKnardi]

I think he did the hermes collections for the money... and now what?
I really hope he will have the courage to continue his own lines. don't want to see a "lacroix" -situation for gaultier.

 

[Spike413]

^ I don't think that'll be the case too easily. Don't forget, Gaultier has hugely successful fragrances, diffusion lines, RTW, cosmetics and a couture line that does pretty well financially, by couture standards anyway.

 

[sarehak]

Sad to hear this I loved Gaultier's work for Hermes womenswear and I agree, as much as I love Veronique's work for Hermes menswear, I don't think she'd take up the added challenge of designing for womenswear and organizing a show and campaigns etc etc. It would be interesting though.

 

[wheneveriwakeup]

It was never quite right, anyway... even the seasons that were REALLY good were always missing something extra...


This means is primary focus will be his own label. Excited to see what will become of all this extra time on his hands...

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ I don't think that'll be the case too easily. Don't forget, Gaultier has hugely successful fragrances, diffusion lines, RTW, cosmetics and a couture line that does pretty well financially, by couture standards anyway.

He has cosmetics?

 

[Lackuiew]

Yup, he has a male cosmetic line "Le Male" .

 

[droogist]

^ Yes, only it's called "monsieur" ("Le Male" is the fragrance). Somehow I don't get the idea that it's his big moneymaker, though...

 

[BerlinRocks]

as i'm currently loving to read all these numbers ...

just wanted to say ...
Hermès is holding 45% of JPG since august 2008 (and not 35%, as read on there http://www.lexpress.fr/styles/mode-beaute/mode/rumeurs-de-depart-chez-hermes_781585.html - an article written by Caroline Robin who should reread her sources)

also, Japan was one of the biggest market for Hermès - by 30% ! So if the % goes down, means it's not good !

Also, Hermès is a familial group (the Family holds 73% of it !!!!)

for french reader ...
http://www.boursereflex.com/actu/20...e_voit_pas_de_sortie_de_crise_dans_l_immediat

voilà ....

oh and perhaps it's just a rumor !

 

[BerlinRocks]

well .... this was a RUMOR !

JPG stays in !

 

[capt.charly]

Ahhh I was sure it was a rumor !grrrr!! so thanks BerlinRocks for the infos

 

[ToniOrtega]

Why would Hermes suddenly dismiss Jean-Paul Gaultier?
What a VERY GREAT loss on their part! But I would still love Hermes and their Birkin bags and Jean-Paul Gaultier with his sexual sophistication!

 

[ToniOrtega]

Oh it was just a rumor? THANKS GOODNESS!!

 

[haksare]

Yay! Phew, for a second there ..
Glad to know he's staying. Bring on the croc and scarves!

 

[*ana*]

thank god! and thank you BerlinRocks for the info.

 

[KhaoticKharma]

Thank God! He is literally irreplaceable.

 

[BerlinRocks]

i saw TFS posted an article about JPG leaving Hermès ...
I think for something as famous as TFS, it would be appropriate to take this thing away ...

and Hermès holds 45% (NOT 35% !! for X sake) of JPG