Breaking News: Patou and Guillaume Henry Bid Farewell
In a significant shift within the fashion world, the renowned French brand Patou has announced that its artistic director, Guillaume Henry, is parting ways with the company after an impressive seven-year journey. This decision, made public on Friday, marks the end of a fruitful collaboration in which Henry revitalized a brand that had been dormant for three decades.
Henry, now 48 years old, stepped into the role at Patou following its acquisition by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton in 2018. His commitment to refreshing the brand has not gone unnoticed, as he expressed his gratitude towards LVMH and especially Sidney Toledano for their trust and support throughout his tenure. "I have genuinely enjoyed and am proud to have played a part in the renaissance of Patou. I will always appreciate the dedication of all the teams that joined me on this journey," said Henry in a statement shared exclusively with WWD.
His last collection, showcased for Fall 2026 in January, is seen as a part of Patou's exploration of new directions for its future. Toledano, who serves as a special advisor to LVMH's chairman Bernard Arnault and was instrumental in bringing Henry on board, expressed his thanks for the energy and creativity Henry contributed to the brand’s revival. He wished him success in his future endeavors, emphasizing how Henry helped redefine Patou over the past seven years with ambitious collections that consistently impressed both critics and consumers alike.
While details regarding Henry's next steps remain unclear, it's understood that he will also be leaving LVMH, the parent company of Patou. Prior to his time at Patou, Henry was at Nina Ricci, where he garnered acclaim for his vision. During his time leading Patou, he embraced a sporty chic aesthetic infused with a distinctly French flair, reminiscent of the original founder Jean Patou’s innovative spirit from a century ago.
His debut collection made waves in September 2019, and by July 2022, Patou was holding runway shows at unconventional times, right before couture week, attracting a star-studded audience including Katie Holmes, Maya Rudolph, Kelly Rutherford, Susan Sarandon, and Zooey Deschanel.
Henry's tenure was also marked by creative collaborations with brands like Onitsuka Tiger, the iconic French patisserie Ladurée, and the beloved Finnish series World of the Moomin, further enhancing Patou's eclectic appeal. Notably, he styled Sabrina Carpenter during her recent "Short n'Sweet" world tour, showcasing Patou’s vibrant designs on an international stage.
Under Henry's leadership, Patou expanded significantly, establishing itself in 100 retail locations worldwide and launching stores in South Korea and Japan—regions where the brand quickly gained popularity. The Paris flagship store opened in 2023 at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, following the success of a pop-up event named Patou Market.
But what does this mean for the future of Patou? With a new chapter ahead, the fashion community is left wondering what direction the brand will take next. Will they find someone who can build upon Henry's legacy? And how will this change affect the loyal customers who have embraced Patou's fresh identity? Share your thoughts in the comments below—do you think this is the right move for the brand, or do you believe Henry's departure will leave a void that can't be filled?
