DALLAS, Nov 30, 2004/ FW/ --- In an interview by The Daily, official publication of New York Fashion Week, it was mentioned that Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue told Roland Mouret that he should stay in London because he is the star there.

But the French-born designer had other plans. So, last September, instead of showing in London where his studio is based, he unveiled his Spring 2004 collection at Bryant Park.

His move to New York was not a surprise though. Last December 2002, in an interview, he had mentioned of wanting to go global. He said, “This company is not temporary. I plan to be around 30 years from now."

And in order to grow, he has to be where the retail buyers are --- New York.

Roland Mouret’s eponymous label had expanded since his debut collection in 1998 that was mostly eveningwear. In 2000, he introduced his ready-to-wear collection. During the Fall 2003 season, knitwear, handbags, a small jeans line, and more couture jewelry were added.

In short, the talented designer is ready to take the fashion world by storm. And though he has accepted that his soul is firmly planted in London, he also said that he will “continue to build the foundation of his company.”

And last September at Bryant Park, he laid the cornerstone of his label for the American market.

Sending an avant-garde sportswear collection with a generous sprinkling of his famous eveningwear, Roland Mouret wowed the American audience with his design genius.

From the white long jacket paired with a white pedal pusher and translucent blouse, to the body hugging low-rise jeans worn by Maria Carla until the black halter top flowing gown, it was Roland Mouret’s signature “new couture” all around.

The collection was tight and focused, though it was eclectic and diverse, very much like the American market.

The designer’s love for diversity and his total commitment to the concept paid off. With this collection, he hit the mark on what the American public goes for – unique yet comfortable, no frills yet beautiful.

After this successful presentation, let us hope that Roland Mouret stays in New York.

Of course, the decision might not be his in the end. He has been rumored as the next designer for Givenchy. It is already an accepted fact that he is one of the strong contenders for Chanel when Karl Lagerfeld retires. In early 2002, he turned down the position as Creative Director for Thierry Mugler.

Roland Mouret has a lot of offers from other design houses. From what we saw last September, there is really no reason to wonder why.

Roland Mouret

Roland Mouret