ICB (International Concept Brand) become well-known thanks to its previous high-profile creative directors, such as Michael Kors and Viktor & Rolf. The label owned by Japanese group Onward Kashiyama seems to want to regain its former prestige by hiring one of New York’s emerging talents: Prabal Gurung. The American designer, who is of Japanese origin, will thus be designing the label’s main collection, destined for the Asian market, but also another line for the American and European markets, which had been abandoned a few years ago by ICB.

Prabal Gurung (photo by pixelformula)

The brand’s return to the US is scheduled for the autumn of 2012, and then one year later to Europe. This will be the first large initiative taken by Onward Kashiyama’s new president, Akinori Baba. The group, which holds both manufacturing and distribution licenses, also has its own portfolio of brands. The latter includes brands launched by the group itself, such as ICB, but also brands that were acquired, such as Joseph and Jil Sander. ICB, its mid-range/upscale label, targets classic, modern and elegant women.

Akinori Baba has also given ICB a new studio in New York, the same city where Prabal Gurung hosts his own catwalk shows. The young designer launched his eponymous label in 2009, after working for many years as Bill Blass’ creative director.