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VIKTOR & ROLF has had an injection of Diesel power – fashion heavyweight Renzo Rosso has purchased a majority stake in the cult Dutch fashion label.

The two powerhouses have reportedly been in talks since September 2006, but have been taking things slowly to ensure the deal – of which details have not been disclosed – is right for both parties.

Design duo Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren have admitted they were impressed by Diesel boss Rosso’s handling of Maison Martin Margiela, a similarily concept-led label, which his Only the Brave holding acquired in 2002.

“It’s a new chapter to start building on the brand and to focus on creativity,” a buoyant Rolf Snoeren tells WWD. “We needed to team up with a strong partner to realize our dreams. It’s like a marriage: You have to be sure you have the right partner. What we like most [about Rosso] is his openness toward creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.”

On the agenda are investments to bolster the duo’s ready-to-wear business, add new lines – including eyewear and jewellery – and open freestanding stores to raise the Viktor & Rolf profile worldwide.

via Vogue UK

TAGS: Diesel, diesel buys Viktor & Rolf, renzo rosso, V&R team up with renzo rosso, viktor & rolf