Employees at French apparel brand, Paule Ka have suffered a severe blow; the women’s fashion label, which was placed in receivership in April 2024, is about to wind down operations ahead of a very likely receivership because there have been no compelling proposals for a potential purchase, according to information obtained by FashionNetwork.com. Thierry Le Guénic’s online store for the brand closed on 11th July, and the network as a whole is scheduled to close on 13th July.
The network of the brand includes four brand shops (two in Paris, one in Lyon, and one in Luxembourg) and four corners (Printemps, Bon Marché, and Galeries Lafayette), all of which will stop selling Paule Ka merchandise this weekend. Serge Cajfinger launched the business in 1988, and it currently employs 32 people. It projected sales of € 8.4 million for the 2023 fiscal year, with a significant loss of € 2.2 million.
Recognised for its sophisticated ensembles and, most importantly, its evening gowns, the label experienced an unsuccessful sale to Swiss business Rodexia in 2020, which resulted in a receivership term. Xavier Marie was the original owner of the brand. A year later, Thierry Le Guénic, who had expertise taking over assets in bad situations, relaunched the brand. However, he failed in his aim in a challenging market environment, much as he had with other of his fashion enterprises that had already been closed up (Habitat, Burton of London, Orcanta).
The label’s numerous assets will once more be up for grabs, piecemeal, if the Paris Commercial Court confirms the company’s liquidation in the next few days. Brands and organisations aiming to establish or solidify their position in the stylish, approachable luxury market may be interested in the Paule Ka name.
