Dior had requested compensation from the rival label for ‘hampering’ business with Rome show
LVMH-owned Dior has withdrawn a request for 100,000 euros in compensation from rival fashion label Valentino for allegedly blocking access to its Rome store with a celebrity-packed runway show on the city's Spanish Steps, a source told Reuters.
Also Read: LVMH adds Off-White to its luxury brand list
Earlier this week, luxury fashion house, Valentino had presented its couture show at the Paris Fashion Week. The maison had acquired the necessary permits to hold the show at the Spanish Steps and had intimated the nearby retail stores of the same citing to expect, “guaranteed foot traffic to the stores.” However, Dior complained that the same had not occurred on the day of the show. The House further complained that the buyers were “refused access and blocked at the barriers” and that Dior's “stores remained empty and could not operate from the early hours of the afternoon.”
Valentino designer Pierpaolo Piccioli drew a crowd of movie stars and fashion figures including Anne Hathaway, Anna Wintour, Naomi Campbell, Andrew Garfield and Kate Hudson with a haute couture show on 8 July, sending models down the broad staircase, a major tourist hotspot, at dusk in sheer, shimmery gowns.
The performance lit up social networks around the globe, drawing praise from fans – and apparently frustration from Dior.
Dior had demanded 100,000 euros in light of the “hampered” business that the Valentino showcase caused and demanded the compensation to be paid within 15 days.
The allegation from Dior caused a flare through social media with many netizens trolling the trivial nature of the demand.
Now the house has retracted its demand.
Citing a letter from Dior, the source familiar with the matter said the French label was backing down "in light of the friendly relationship between the two Maisons".
The source said Dior had fired off a first letter to Valentino shortly after the show, saying that clients were blocked from reaching the store, keeping it empty on a normally bustling Friday afternoon, but had now written the second note.
Valentino declined to comment. Dior did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Also Read: Valentino serves a lot of couture drama in Rome
-
FIRST PUBLISHED
13.07.2022 | 08:35 AM IST
- For all the latest Fashion News, Lifestyle News, Food News, Smart Living, Health Tips, and Relationships, only on Mint Lounge.
As a seasoned fashion industry expert with a deep understanding of the dynamics between luxury fashion houses, I find the recent development between Dior and Valentino to be a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of high-stakes fashion events and their impact on business relationships. My extensive knowledge in the field allows me to dissect the nuances of this incident and shed light on the key concepts involved.
First and foremost, the clash between Dior and Valentino revolves around a couture show held by Valentino at the iconic Spanish Steps in Rome during Paris Fashion Week. This choice of venue is significant, considering the Spanish Steps' status as a major tourist hotspot. Valentino had acquired the necessary permits and informed nearby retail stores, including Dior, about the expected "guaranteed foot traffic to the stores."
Dior's complaint centers on the allegation that the Valentino show did not deliver on its promise, leading to blocked access for potential buyers and subsequently hampering Dior's business operations. The specific claims include buyers being "refused access and blocked at the barriers," resulting in Dior's stores remaining empty for a significant duration.
The fallout from this dispute escalated when Dior demanded compensation of 100,000 euros from Valentino, citing the adverse impact on its business caused by the Valentino showcase. This move generated significant attention on social media, with many questioning the nature of the demand and expressing skepticism about its validity.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Dior has withdrawn its compensation request. According to a source familiar with the matter, Dior attributed this decision to the "friendly relationship between the two Maisons" (houses). The source revealed that Dior had initially communicated its grievances to Valentino shortly after the show but had now retracted its demand through a second letter.
This incident highlights the delicate balance between competition and collaboration in the fashion industry, where relationships between prominent brands play a crucial role. The withdrawal of the compensation request suggests a willingness on Dior's part to prioritize amicable relations over pursuing financial retribution, underscoring the importance of maintaining positive connections within the close-knit world of luxury fashion.
In conclusion, the Dior-Valentino episode serves as a compelling case study in the realm of high-end fashion, showcasing the interplay between business interests, competitive tensions, and the ultimately vital factor of maintaining congenial relationships within the industry.
