Nina Ricci (brand)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fashion |
| Founded | 1932 in Paris, France |
| Founder | Maria "Nina" Ricci and Robert Ricci |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
| Products | Fashion, Perfumes |
| Owner | Puig |
Nina Ricci is a fashion label created by Maria "Nina" Ricci together with her son Robert in Paris in 1932. Since 1998, it has been under the ownership of the Spanish beauty and fashion conglomerate Puig.
History and Operations
The couture establishment was launched in 1932, with Nina Ricci focusing on gown creation while her son Robert handled the company’s commercial affairs. The brand gained recognition for its delicate, romantic, and feminine style. In 1941, Robert Ricci initiated a perfume division within the company.
After World War II, Robert Ricci contributed to the significant 1945 Théâtre de la Mode exhibition, which aimed to rejuvenate interest in haute couture. The first fragrance, Coeur Joie, was introduced in 1946, followed by the timeless L’Air du Temps in 1948. Prior to the widespread popularity of ready-to-wear, Nina Ricci was among the first to license designs, collaborating with retailers such as Chez Ninon in New York and Betty Clemo in Hong Kong by 1960.
In 1954, Belgian designer Jules-François Crahay assumed the role of head designer and received critical praise. The early 1960s included a short-lived licensing collaboration in Australia with Elvie Hill, which ended due to fitting challenges. After Crahay’s departure in 1963, Gerard Pipart succeeded him and preserved the brand’s sophisticated image.
Following Maria Ricci’s passing in 1970, Crahay returned as head designer while Robert maintained leadership over the perfume division until his death in 1988. Nathalie Gervais served as chief designer until 2001. Later creative directors comprised James Aguiar (2002), Lars Nilsson (2003), Olivier Theyskens (2006), Peter Copping (2009), and Guillaume Henry (2015).
In August 2018, menswear designers Rushemy Botter and Lisi Herrebrugh were named Creative Directors; both departed in January 2022. Subsequently, London-based Harris Reed—renowned for gender-fluid fashion—was appointed Creative Director in September 2022. Reed notably broadened size inclusivity by offering garments up to size 14 and select pieces up to size 18—considerably more expansive than typical luxury brand ranges—earning commendation for advancing diversity within fashion.
Creative directors
- Nina Ricci (1932–1959)
- Jules-François Crahay (1959–1963)
- Gerard Pipart (1963–1998)
- Nathalie Gervais (1998–2001)
- James Aguiar (2001–2003)
- Lars Nilsson (2003–2006)
- Olivier Theyskens (2006–2009)
- Peter Copping (2009–2014)
- Guillaume Henry (2014–2018)
- Rushemy Botter (2018–2022)
- Lisi Herrebrugh (2018–2022)
- Harris Reed (2022–present)
Perfumes
The hallmark fragrance of Nina Ricci, L'Air du Temps, debuted in France in 1948 and reflects the elegance and spirit of the era led by Maria and Robert Ricci. Created alongside perfumer Francis Fabron, its signature twin-dove crystal bottle was crafted by Marc Lalique. Additional notable scents include Farouche, Capricci, Fleur de Fleurs, and Eau de Fleurs, each housed in distinct Lalique crystal flacons. The men’s fragrance collection has featured offerings such as Signoricci, Signoricci II, and Phileas. More recent launches encompass two variations of Nina and the ‘‘Les Belles de Ricci’’ trilogy, along with perfumes like Ricci Ricci, Love in Paris, Premier Jour, Les Delices, Nina L'Elixir, and Nina L'Eau.