Ozwald Boateng's Bespoke Couture hopes to revive plans for a diffusion line after the High Court terminated its agreement with Marchpole with immediate effect.
Bespoke successfully extricated itself from its seven-year licence agreement with Marchpole after clashing over a number of issues, including the timing of when Bespoke's previous diffusion tie-up with Debenhams came to an end.
But despite being involved in the dispute since November 2004, Bespoke is keen its plans for a diffusion line continue. A spokeswoman said: "It certainly isn't a question of once bitten, twice shy for Ozwald. He understands the importance of a diffusion line, but Marchpole just wasn't the right partner. He is also interested in the potential of adding a womenswear diffusion line."
Marchpole said Boateng had been loss-making for the company, in common with the early years of most licences, but chief executive Greg Tufnell admitted the termination of the licence was a blow.
"It's frustrating because we created a good brand with excellent distribution in just four seasons. But it was a UK licence and Marchpole's focus has become much more global since we signed the deal," he said.
One stockist said: "It's a shame and we'll try and keep the label if we're offered it. Marchpole did a good job because the product was distinctive, but it was always quite secretive about the dispute. We'll take our delivery in spring and see how things turn out."
The two companies are now negotiating in an effort to agree on a selling-off period for Boateng.
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