Fashion News Alert: John Galliano Is Back, Armani Grabs the Reins, and Cannes Biopic Examines YSL’s Dark Side

Giorgio Armani recently announced that he is taking 100% control of his fashion-forward brand A/X Armani Exchange. In a bold move, Armani acquired additional 50% of shares added to its 50% already acquired shares from Como Holdings, the company owned by the Singaporean tycoon Ong Beng Seng Singapore.

“It is essential to maintain control over a brand that is so important, especially in the American market. This acquisition will allow us to expand distribution and have more say in the brand’s products and image,” said Giorgio Armani in an interview with Il Sole 24 Ore.

A/X Armani Exchange was launched in 1991 and caters mostly to an American market. The line consists mostly of affordable men’s and women’s jeans, tee shirts, and shirts.

Is Galliano really back?

According the Russian perfume company, Etoile, John Galliano will take the helm of its eponymous brand on May 22.

Since Galliano’s racial slur in 2012, the renowned designer has been without a home, other than at his own eponymous brand. Etoile may change that.

Etoile has over 850 stores in Russia and distributes over 150 brands as well as its own its stores. According to Le Courier de Russie, in 2013 company revenue was up 16%, putting revenue at 1.61 billion.

Yves Saint Laurent’s Nitty Gritty

Bertrand Bonello’s film “Saint Laurent” examines the underbelly of Yves Saint Laurent debuted at the Cannes Film Festival over the weekend.  In contrast to the biopic released earlier in the year that had the full support and approval of Pierre Berge, Yves Saint Laurent’s business and romantic partner, “Saint Laurent” reflects back on the iconic designer’s personal life, a life filled with depression, drugs, illicit sex, and misogyny.

French actor Gaspard Ulliel who portrays YSL in the film told reporters “Yves was born a depressive almost. He had suffered from depression from adolescence at least … His homosexuality also exposed him to mockery and hasty judgments, as did his fragility and slenderness. Part of his success undoubtedly comes from taking revenge on the hand life had dealt him.”

In “Saint Laurent,” Bonello looks back on the designer’s life in the years between 1967 to 1976, conjuring up the wild, hedonistic years before the AIDS epidemic. “Saint Laurent” is one of 18 films in competition for the top Palme d’Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

—William S. Gooch