Roland Mouret Back In The Fray

When much-loved French designer Roland Mouret lost his label (and the rights to use his name) to his former backers, there was sadness on all the best shopping streets. Today, with the help of his new backer, Spice Girls founder Simon Fuller, he's back with a new label, RM.

The collection that was seen by journalists on Monday and goes on sale today 12:30 New York time exclusively at Net-a-Porter. That is a huge scoop for Net-a-Porter and the web in general, but there's one big problem. Pre-orders on Net-a-Porter are not available for returns or exchanges. Not a problem if RM was doing bags, but he's doing dresses. Intricately-cut dresses. Even the people who work for him are not sure what size they'll be in the new line. Of course, it could be a boon for eBay. Unless RM gets their lawyers on the case ASAP. Buying vintage on eBay is fine. But brands like Chanel don't like it when new goods turn up.

The Roland Mouret couture catwalk show at Paris
Fashion Week on July 4, 2007. Photographers/Source: JEFF MOORE/Maxppp/Landov

But the RM collection is unique in yet another way. There's a small, 20-piece collection of dresses that will always be in store. The fabrics and colors will change, but the shapes will remain the same. Other, more fabulous pieces, like his much lauded Galaxy dress will flit and out of stores. Surprisingly, he's chosen Posh Spice to be the face of his brand. We all know of her ability to kill a label. Maybe, as Business of Fashion thinks, this part of Simon Fuller's greater plan for The Spice Girl Reunion World Domination Tour. We can't think of another reason to use her.