HMSlatex: Au revoir, rubber
Fans of latex fashion have been saddened to learn that one of the most popular and creative European labels, HMSlatex, is to close at the end of July.
The Paris-based label of designer Sophie Richardoz is shutting its workshop doors on July 31. The news comes after a successful eight-year stint as an exponent of younger, more feminine latex style — fashion conscious and yet also dedicated to catering for ‘real’ body types outside mainstream fashion’s ‘size zero’ aesthetic.
Usually, news of a latex label closing points to lack of profitability — something sadly never that surprising in a business where insufficient money circulation and unrealistic customer expectations conditioned by cheap high-street fashion price tags are constant problems.
However, Sophie has assured her customers that her decision to stop making latex has nothing to do with financial instability. “I am not forced to take this decision,” she wrote a week ago in a confidential letter to her most valued clients. “I’m just ready for another adventure.” She adds that her trusty HMSlatex assistant Clémentine will follow her in her next endeavour, so the successful team will be staying together.
“Latex was a fantastic experience and I will miss it greatly,” insists the designer. “For eight years, I’ve had the best customers in the world. So often I’ve been in awe of how much support and love I’ve received.”
The advance letter to key clients offered them the opportunity, as her most loyal customers, to place one final order before the end-of-July closure. It was followed yesterday (May 18) by a public announcement.
“Latex-making was an unparalleled experience,” the statement continues. “I got to learn and then pass on a rare technique. I wholeheartedly hope that the few amazing people I got to work with will go on to create their own latex when they feel the timing is right.”
The announcement adds that anyone who wants to put in one last order should get in touch as soon as possible. The plan is for Sophie and Clémentine to carry on making latex to the label‘s high standards right up to the closing date, meaning late orders may have to be turned down if their schedule is already full up.
“If that happens, it’s going to suck,” concludes the designer. “But like my mentor in life, Ron Swanson, says: ‘Never half-ass two things, whole-ass one thing’.”
Monday, 19 May 2014
Tags: Clothing, Latex, Retail