Les Copains

Trend Les Copains is the younger, reasonably priced line from Les Copains. And, not surprising for a label associated with luxe Italian knitwear since its inception in the late fifties, Trend Les Copains interprets knits for a contemporary audience and produces fragrance and accessories as well. Sardinian designer Antonio Marras signed on to launch the expansion line in 2000 but prematurely ended his contract in April 2005, due to overextension (he also designs Kenzo and an eponymous label). The designer for the main Les Copains label, Antonio Berardi, took over upon Marras's sudden exit, only to stay a few years before his contract ended in February 2008. With Albino D'Amato at the helm as of April 2008, the growth of Trend Les Copains seems to have moved to the backburner, as D'Amato turns the house's attention more toward men's and the main Les Copains line.