LONDON — Ports 1961 has a new creative team in stylist Karl Templer and art director Fabien Baron. Michela Piva will be leading the global business strategy of the brand, which is based in London.
Templer will lead the fashion end, while Baron will develop the visual identity. They’ll work in tandem to establish a new brand direction through frequent collaborations with members of the industry.
“Their combined body of work has substantially shaped leading fashion brands, magazines, advertising and retail over three decades,” the brand said. An announcement is expected Friday.
In September, during London Fashion Week, Ports plans to stage a runway show with a “fully reimagined women’s offering,” including ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories.
During Paris Fashion Week, the spring 2020 collection will be showcased with an event that will highlight the redesign of the existing store at 251 Bis Rue Saint-Honoré, a new concept conceived by Italian architect Enrica Pinna.
Previously, Ports was designed by Nataša Čagalj, whose title was women’s creative director. Her final collection was presented in February with a runway show during London Fashion Week. She joined the company in 2014, succeeding Fiona Cibani, who had held the role for four years.
Ports said the brand’s new digital platforms and retail spaces under the direction of Templer and Baron will reflect a “broader universe, a contemporary sensibility and a lasting, signature style.”
Ports 1961 was founded by the Canadian entrepreneur Luke Tanabe and originally inspired by travel. It later expanded into a luxury women’s wear label.
The brand has 550 points of sale. In addition to the flagship at 251 Bis Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, others are at 120 Canton Road in Hong Kong, and 1576 West Nanjing Road in Shanghai.
The brand has seen a host of creatives come and go, including Dean and Dan Caten; Christine and Miki Tanabe, and the Cibani sisters, Fiona and Tia.