Can Marchesa survive the Weinstein scandal? Prices are already slashed

In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault scandal, celebrities and the fashion press are no longer in love with red carpet darling Marchesa.   Marchesa is co-owned by Weinstein’s wife, former actress Georgina Chapman.   Although Miss Chapman is not the guilty party and has announced she is leaving Weinstein, the Marchesa label may well be collateral damage in the wake of Weinstein’s dismissal from his own company and his dismissal from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.  At the time of this writing, there are now more than 35 women accusing Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment.   New allegations of rape are now emerging and being investigated.

The beautiful designers Keren Craig (left) and Georgina Chapman (right) of fashion. (photo M. Hall)

Although Mr. Weinstein heavily invested in Marchesa and influenced celebrities to wear the brand on the red carpet, there’s no denying that the Marchesa designs were beautiful. However, it’s now coming to light that despite the beauty of the designs, Mr. Weinstein mandated that actresses in his films wear the brand on film premiere and award show red carpets.

Felicity Huffman in a Marchesa dress at the Transamerica premiere in New York City on Nov. 29, 2005. (photo credit Rob Loud/WireImage) via the Hollywood Reporter.

Actress Felicity Huffman has confirmed that  Harvey Weinstein threatened her career if she didn’t support his wife Georgina Chapman’s fashion brand Marchesa in 2005 when she was promoting her film Transamerica.  Ms. Hoffman had to call designer Kevan Hall and tell him she couldn’t wear his dress to a premiere, but Weinstein mandated she wear Marchesa.  It’s alleged that actress Sienna Miller  was also told she must wear Marchesa at an appearance to promote her film Factory Girl. Harvey Weinstein admits he influenced actress Renee Zellweger to wear Marchesa to an event to promote the Bridget Jones Diary film.

The Cognitive Dress from Marchesa. The dress changes colors based on fan sentiment. Worn by Karolina Kurkova at the Met Gala 2016.

Where does all this bad press leave Marchesa? The New York Post reports employees (and Marchesa employs 130 employees) are trying the flee the fashion house fearing it will sink.  The Post reports that Harvey Weinstein terrorized Marchesa employees, and that it was never a good place to work.  “Harvey would call Marchesa employees and yell at them, scare the s–t out of them,” said a top fashion publicist.

The Marchesa creators Keren Craig (L) Georginia Chapman (R).

With employees looking to exit, I wonder if the talented co-creator of the brand, Keren Craig can reorganize the business? Perhaps Ms. Chapman will take a leave of absence and let Ms. Craig became the face and guiding light of Marchesa.  In my opinion, that change is long overdue.  Ms. Craig is deeply talented and in terms of employee relations, she seems to have more skill than others at her label.

Marchesa lovers can find the brand on sale at The Outnet now.

As a 13 year old luxury brand with a following, its possible Marchesa will survive.  Just don’t look for Marchesa on any red carpet, or any celebrity anytime soon. At the moment, no celebrity wants to be seen wearing this label.  It would be akin to wearing a scarlet letter in Hollywood and being marked as an outcast.  There is no doubt this brand will suffer and that they may have to change their merchandising and pricing model.  It is expected that top luxury retailers will discontinue selling the line.

Meantime, prices for the luxury brand’s gowns are slashed as much as 70% of online site The Outnet.  At online sale site 6 pm, Marchesa dresses and shoes are reduced.  Watch this space, because I think prices on Marchesa will continue to plummet for a while, and if you like the romantic style of Marchesa with all the beautiful handiwork, you may be able to score big deals.