CAUTIONARY TALES: Can Devi Kroell Go On Without Devi Kroell?

It was only a few years ago that accessory designer Devi Kroell's giant snakeskin hobo bags in whimsical colors captured the fashion world's attention and a CFDA award, and the suddenly hot designer quickly expanded into shoes, apparel and, just last Fall, a bright fuchsia fronted boutique on Madison Avenue. Was it too much too fast?

WWD reports today that after only six years, Kroell has resigned as the chief executive officer and creative director of the company that bears her name but will retain a seat on the board of directors as an equity shareholder. Translated: Her backers forced her out but she will hang around until somebody buys her out completely. Europe's Bartel family, which has been backing Kroell's expansions will take control of the brands operations.

Now, this is not a departure on the scale of Tom Ford's exit from Gucci, or Jil Sander's on-off-on again-off forever relationship with her namesake label, so the question here is, can a young, niche luxury brand really survive without the direction of the person who invented it and whose name it bears, especially if, as WWD suggests, that still vital designer has new, potentially competing projects already in the works? Does the Devi Kroell brand really have a strong enough image in a crowded marketplace to have a reason for being without Devi herself guiding its course? If the bright fuchsia storefront on Madison Avenue suddenly vanishes, then we will know the answer.

Devi Kroell Exits Devi Kroell (WWD)