The Tamesis
Just when you think the creative reset has settled down, something more happens.
Patou, founded by Jean Patou in 1914, announced on Friday the departure of its artistic director Guillaume Henry, who joined the brand in 2018. “This joint decision will allow Guillaume to devote himself to other projects while the brand explores different future development formats,” the brand said in a statement.
Just a few weeks ago in January, Henry showed his Fall/Winter 2026 collection at Paris Fashion Week – his final collection for the brand.
LVMH acquired Patou in 2018. Prior to its relaunch, the brand had been dormant in the fashion industry for 30 years, focusing on fragrance. Sidney Toledano chose Henry to revive the brand’s status as a fashion house and bring new impetus to this heritage label. Patou is one of eight brands under the LVMH fashion group, which includes Celine, Loewe, Fendi, Givenchy, Kenzo, Pucci and Marc Jacobs. LVMH did not break down sales in the fashion and leather goods divisions, but Patou is among the smaller brands. The company did not elaborate on what Patou’s future model would look like. This follows the resignation of former Patou CEO Sophie Brocart in November 2024 after six years in the role. The brand has since been led by Cyril Rahon, who was promoted to general manager.
Prior to joining Patou, Henry worked at Givenchy and then Paule Ka before being appointed creative director of Carven in 2009 and Nina Ricci in 2015.
Toledano, special adviser to Bernard Arnault, said in a statement: “I would like to thank Guillaume for the energy he brings and wish him great success for the rest of his career. Toledano was at the helm of LVMH until Pietro Beccari took over on January 1. Fashion Group. During these seven years, Guillaume has been an artisan of Patou’s revival, successfully launching ambitious collections that captivated critics and clients alike.”
Henry added: “I would like to thank the LVMH Group and especially Sidney Toledano for their trust over the years. I am very happy and proud to accompany Patou’s renewal and I am forever grateful to all the teams who participated in this adventure and invested their unreserved investment.”
