Vionnet, the iconic French haute couture brand, has been given a new lease on life thanks to the efforts of Chimera Abu Dhabi, a private equity firm, and Haeres Capital, an investment firm specializing in luxury brand acquisitions. Together, they have formed a joint-venture called ChimHaeres, which has set its sights on acquiring and developing luxury and lifestyle brands in Europe.
Headed by CEO Philippe Camperio, ChimHaeres will initially target companies in Italy, France, Switzerland, and the UK. The aim is to support the management teams of these companies and help bring their visions to fruition. To accomplish this, ChimHaeres has put together a team of experts, including Antonella di Pietro, Alberto Nathansohn, and Giacomo Santucci, all of whom have extensive experience working with esteemed fashion brands like Karl Lagerfeld, Bulgari, and Tommy Hilfiger.
Camperio himself is the majority shareholder of Borsalino, a renowned Italian hat-maker. Haeres successfully reinvigorated Borsalino in 2018, with sales reportedly experiencing a 25% growth in 2022. As part of ChimHaeres, the joint-venture has already made three corporate investments. It acquired a majority stake in Zagato, a legendary Italian automobile designer founded in 1919, and has also secured an agreement to purchase a majority stake in Fogal, a Swiss tights brand established in 1921.
Furthermore, ChimHaeres has acquired a 100% stake in Vionnet, a famous French haute couture label founded in 1912 by designer Madeleine Vionnet. Vionnet’s unique designs have influenced the work of esteemed designers such as Cristobal Balenciaga, Christian Dior, and Issey Miyake. After facing a period of stagnation since 2018, Vionnet is anticipated to experience a revival under the ownership of ChimHaeres. While the specific plans and strategies for the brand’s revival have yet to be disclosed, there is much excitement surrounding its future prospects.
Looking ahead, ChimHaeres aims to continue seeking investment opportunities in strong, aspirational brands, with a focus on international expansion, digital transformation, and sustainability. The joint-venture firmly believes in the long-term growth potential of the luxury market and plans to establish itself as a leading investor in the European lifestyle sector. By targeting brands with rich heritage and the ability to appeal to a young, global audience, ChimHaeres hopes to capitalize on the industry’s attractive fundamentals.
The partnership between Chimera Abu Dhabi and Haeres signifies a shared vision to construct and oversee a multi-brand luxury and lifestyle platform. Through their proactive management and ownership approach, the joint-venture aims to develop long-term strategies for each company within its portfolio. Both companies are confident in their ability to navigate the challenges of the luxury market and are eager to embrace the opportunities that await them.
Useful links:
1. Vionnet Official Website
2. ChimHaeres Official Website
