Ahead of London opening, Jacquemus says it’s seeking minority investor

Luxury fashion brand Jacquemus, which is set to open its first store in London next month, has confirmed it is seeking a minority investor to fund its retail expansion and foray into beauty.

Jacquemus had retained Rothschild & Co. to help it find a minority investor to help it expand in the US, Europe and Asia. This comes as luxury faces a slump, which is expected to negatively impact the French brand’s revenues in the upcoming year.

The brand was founded by Simon Porte Jacquemus in 2009 and its appeal has since mushroomed. It’s renowned for its sun-soaked Mediterranean inspirations and effortlessly chic designs, gracing runways and wardrobes alike.

“I value my independence, I want to pass the business on to my children, but I need to break the glass ceiling by finding the right partner who will remain a minority shareholder,” Founder Simon Porte Jacquemus told the French daily Le Figaro.

“This is a very positive step for Jacquemus and its teams. Talks are well advanced, but I can’t say more at this stage. We’re also considering diversifying into beauty,” he added.

In 2021, Jacquemus planned to partner with Puig on a beauty venture. At the time, Puig acquired a 10% stake in the company, but the plan was aborted and Jacquemus repurchased the stake.

After a grand opening in New York’s Soho earlier this month, Jacquemus is set to open a shiny new store in London’s Mayfair on 15 November.

Jacquemus has leased 33 New Bond Street from the art gallery Richard Green. George Saumarez Smith of Adam Architecture was hired to revamp the space that’s complete with a neo-Classical facade.

In a statement Jacquemus said: “I feel extremely proud to be able, independently, to have opened boutiques in Paris, Saint-Tropez, Courchevel, Dubai, New York and now London. It’s a very special moment for the brand and its growth.”