Carly Cushnie

Siiigh….this one hurts.

Carly Cushnie, the designer behind luxury women’s ready-to-wear and bridal brand Cushnie, has announced she will be shutting down her brand. In a letter to the media Thursday, Cushnie said the fashion and retail landscape has become “increasingly challenging over the years” for designers.

“While my brand has persevered through unending headwinds, the effects of COVID-19 have hurt my business beyond repair, and it is with great sadness that I share Cushnie will be closing its doors,” she wrote.

Cushnie’s Pre-Fall 2020 is the last collection that was produced and shipped.

Founded on the desire to serve the modern woman she launched the label as Cushnie et Ochs in partnership with Michelle Ochs in 2008. Known for its clean, sculptural lines, precise tailoring and balanced proportions, it embodied a refined sense of cosmopolitan minimalism and femininity. The brand was favored by a number of powerhouse women including Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Gal Gadot, Lupita Nyong’o, Ava DuVernay, Jessica Biel, Jennifer Lopez, Ashley Graham, and Padma Lakshmi, among many others.

Cushnie

In a reportedly difficult split, Ochs left the label in 2018, forcing Cushnie to rethink the brand on her own. Becoming the majority owner, the designer proved her staying power on her own and continued to design in demand, modern clothes as well as extending her handbag line and launching denim and bridal lines. She also was one of the first Black designers to launch a successful collaboration with Target in 2019 which quickly sold out.

“While there are many achievements I am so proud of, it would be neglectful not to acknowledge having to fight much harder than my male peers to afford the same opportunities,” she wrote in the letter. “One of the great ironies of the fashion industry is that while it caters to and profits from women, it has never felt like an industry that supports them. This is especially true for women of color.”

“The desire to set an example for young women of color has always been a driving force in my career and I am confident and hopeful that the distance I have traveled will help to pave the way for the next generation of diverse talent,” she continued. “As one of the few Black female designers to achieve this level of success, I am both humbled and empowered by the undeniable mark that I have made.”

Carly Cushnie

Cushnie, who was appointed to the Board Of Director of the CFDA and participated in the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, ended her letter on a hopeful note.

“While this past year has been challenging, it has allowed me the time to reflect, reset and realign my goals and my passion for design has never been stronger. I recognize the power of my presence and will continue to fight for the causes and values I believe in, and will always continue to create. “

As we mourn, shop 10 last chance styles from the final Cushnie collections below.

 

Twisted Colorblock Silk Dress $399 SHOP NOW

Flared Slit CadyTrouser, $950 SHOP NOW

Cushnie

Bag $678 SHOP NOW

Cushnie 3

Floral Jacquard Knit Tank Top $528 SHOP NOW

Cushnie

Off-The-Shoulder puff Silk Jumpsuit $3,115 SHOP NOW

Cushnie

Open Back Bodysuit $363 SHOP NOW

Cushnie

Asymmetric Off Shoulder Dress $678 SHOP NOW

Cushnie

Cropped Organza-Paneled Satin Top $149 SHOP NOW

Cushniw

Stretch-Crepe Peplum Midi-Dress $1,650 SHOP NOW

Cushnie

Silk Draped Asymmetrical Midi Skirt $850 SHOP NOW