"It's not you, it's me," we imagine Reed Krakoff told Coach as the pair decided to part ways. Krakoff, who is president and executive creative director for the brand, plans not to renew his contract when it expires in June 2014, Women's Wear Daily reported on Tuesday. This decision will terminate a 16-year relationship and allow the designer to focus on his eponymous line.
“His contribution in evolving Coach from a house of American leather goods to a leading international accessories brand is immeasurable," Coach chairman and chief executive officer Lew Frankfort told WWD. "We have great admiration and respect for Reed’s significant accomplishments.” Additionally, Coach calls Krakoff's contributions "triumphant."
While Krakoff breathed new life into an iconic 72-year-old company, it seems his personal accomplishments may have surpassed the brand. He struck up a close relationship with Michelle Obama this year, dressing her on her Vogue cover, for her official White House portrait and for the president's swearing-in ceremony.
We're sure Krakoff's time off won't be spent idly; the creative is also a photographer and vice president of the CFDA. Plus, the decision to shift focus from a storied brand to his own label is a move many a rising designer has made in the past (see: Tom Ford, John Galliano, Marc Jacobs and other household names).
As for Coach's end of the breakup, we're sure they'll keep busy. The brand announced earlier this year that women's clothing is on the way, and according to reports, the company is currently searching for a successor for Krakoff.
Can you count the Krakoff looks?
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