Confirming speculation, Marco Zanini has been named the new creative director of Rochas. His first collection, for fall 2009, will walk in Paris in March. Rochas shuttered in 2006, when Olivier Theyskens helmed design, because of financial difficulties, but Procter & Gamble is reviving the ready-to-wear line. This is Zanini’s second gig in a row that charges him with resurrecting a label. He presented the first two collections for the new Halston label, but was let go after underwhelming response from critics. Franco Penè, president of Gibo Co. SpA, which signed the licensing deal with Procter & Gamble to revive Rochas, favors “craftsmanship over showmanship.” Despite the critical response to his work for Halston, Zanini’s collections sold well, especially overseas. Maybe that’s all it will take for the big brass at Rochas to be happy.
