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Parisian luxury house Casablanca has announced its new CEO and “significant” new investment, as it positions for international growth.
Frederick Lukoff, who has worked in the fashion industry for nearly two decades, will take the helm, working alongside the brand’s founder and creative director Charaf Tajer. Lukoff joins from premium fashion brand Scotch Soda, where he spent the last four years as CEO. Before that he was president and CEO of Stella McCartney for more than 10 years. His CV also includes stints at Lanvin, Paco Rabanne and Courrèges. Nadia Khan was Casablanca s previous CEO.
Paris fashion house Casablanca unveils a first collaboration with a major luxury brand this week, partnering with LVMH-owned Bulgari. And there’s more expansion on the cards, founder Charaf Tajer tells Vogue Business.
The investment comes from a group of strategic advisers, the company said in a statement on Monday. It did not disclose the amount but described it as “significant” and “long-term”. It plans to use the funds to open its first flagship in Paris, expand product lines, enhance its digital capabilities and invest in its supply chain to support international expansion.
“Frederick has worked with legends who I have always looked up to, namely André Courrèges and Alber Elbaz. A new era for the brand is on the horizon, and it’s time for Casablanca to take the next step,” Tajer said in the statement.
Casablanca has gained popularity thanks to its tennis-inspired aesthetic featuring bright colours and fine silk, presented during Paris Fashion Week. Tajer was one of the eight finalists of the LVMH Prize in 2020. Last year, revenues were estimated to be between $50-$100 million, sources close to Casablanca told Vogue Business. Sales doubled in 2020 and again in 2021, per the brand. Casablanca, which has over 300 stockists worldwide, does not yet have any of its own bricks-and-mortar stores.
“I am delighted to be joining Charaf and his team to help accelerate the already incredible rise of Casablanca within luxury fashion,” Lukoff said. “The brand universe that Charaf has created for Casablanca is highly compelling, impressive by its breadth and depth, and I absolutely love its positivity.”
Correction: This article has been updated to correct the headline and first line — Nadia Khan was the first CEO at Casablanca, not Frederick Lukoff.
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