Olivier Theyskens to design Theory

Belgian designer Olivier Theyskens has been appointed artistic director of Theory. Theory, which is owned by Japanese Uniqlo parent company Fast Retailing, was already working with the designer for its Spring 2011 collection. Theyskens,

who left Nina Ricci in 2009, reportedly turned down jobs at both Valentino and Dior.

In other Theory news, Todd Bernstein, the former men’s sales director, recently left the company for Vera Wang, where he is now SVP of sales.

New York-based Theory was founded in 1997 as a contemporary women’s wear company; it added menswear in 1999. The company was acquired in 2003 by its Japanese licensee, Link International.

Theory was founded in 1997 on the principle that men and women want to feel comfortable and sexy in modern clothing. Theory is geared to answer the needs of a contemporary customer, one who has a demanding and versatile lifestyle. Sophisticated, urban, and discriminating, yet seeking comfort and value.

Image: Theory SS11