Bright Fame Fashion acquires controlled interest in Thakoon

Vivian Chou's company Bright Fame Fashion has announced they have acquired a controlling interest in Thakoon. The high-end contemporary label, founded by Thakoon Panichgul, was acquired for an undisclosed sum. Speculation began that Chou was considering getting a stake in the firm after she was spotted front row at Thakoon's runway show back at NYFW in September.

Panichgul will continue on as chief creative officer of the brand, and Maria Borromeo will continue on as chief executive officer of Thakoon USA. Further information regarding the brand's new business plan will be released at a later date.

In a statement Chou said "Our partnership with Thakoon comes at a time when the brand's foundation is strong, our collective vision is clear and the industry is incredibly dynamic. The cultural conversation is increasingly provocative and accepting of change, new ideas and channels. What comes next will be an evolution, and a total embrace of innovation for the Thakoon brand."

Vivian Chou's company Bright Fame Fashion acquires controlled interest in Thakoon

Bright Fame's strategy is one of "show now, see now, buy now, wear now", what seems more like a fast-fashion model. Currently, Thakoon's price points and position as a high-end contemporary label are expected to remain the same, although the business model is changing.

Panichgul, who won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award in 2006, is no stranger to fast-fashion models, having done collaborations with Kohl's and Target. Chou's skills for investing in fashion brands runs in her genes. Her father is Silas Chou, the former businessman who invested in Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors, and carried both of the billion-dollar brands through successful IPOs.

The question on every fashion industry insiders mind with this new business model is will Thakoon still be showing at NYFW in February? No announcement has been made for their plans yet, so, it is currently a wait-and-see situation.

photo:theimpression.com