Lubov Azria Exits BCBG Max Azria

It’s the end of an era at BCBG Max Azria: Lubov Azria is leaving the company after more than 20 years.

Azria, who first joined the BCBG Max Azria Group in 1991, served as chief creative officer and oversaw the group’s labels, including BCBG Max Azria, Herve Leger and BCBGeneration. The 49-year-old designer met her now-husband, founder Max Azria, after joining the company and has long been the attractive blond figurehead of the L.A. brand.

Azria’s decision to step down comes on the heels of BCBG filing for bankruptcy and closing its stores to shift its focus to e-commerce. Last year, 123 employees were laid off from its Vernon, Calif.-based offices. BCBG Max Azria Group is being advised by AlixPartners, LLP and Jefferies LLC for its debt load.

The retailer has replaced Azria with Bernd Kroeber as the executive vp and creative director. Kroeber previously worked with Hussein Chalayan, Donna Karan and Elie Tahari before joining BCBG in 2007.

Kroeber will lead the creative strategy of the group’s three labels and oversee all design aspects. His first collection will debut for the spring 2018 season. He’ll report directly to Marty Staff, interim acting CEO.

“He brings a creative aesthetic that meets the tastes of tomorrow with a complete respect and appreciation of BCBG’s DNA. We are looking forward to his designs and ability to build on our strong foundation and further enhance it to realize our full potential in all areas of the business,” said Staff, who replaced Max Azria after he left the company last year.

Added Kroeber in a statement: “I look forward to working with our executive team and with our global retail partners to bring modern contemporary fashion to today’s consumer.”

BCBG (which stands for “bon chic, bon genre”) was founded by Max Azria in 1989 and became a favorite for high school proms and red carpets in the ‘90s and mid-2000s. Lauren Conrad, Camilla Belle and Miley Cyrus, who collaborated with Max on a short-lived Wal-Mart collection in 2009, were among the brand’s famous fans. The company once boasted $1 billion in retail sales.

Lubov Azria Exits BCBG Max Azria

Stephanie Chan

The Royal Family Reportedly Isn't Interested in Giving Prince Harry a 'Warm Reception' If He Decides To Go To King Charles III's Coronation

'Million Dollar Listing' Stars Josh and Heather Altman Buy Pricey Newport Beach House

Kandi Burruss Calls LaTocha Scott “Corny” For Making Fun Of Her Voice

Cheating Anglers Net Plea Deal to Avoid Jail but Give Up Boat

What is Blood Flow Restriction Training? The Actual Science Behind This Oddly Efficient Conditioning Method

This Stunning Coastal Manse in Ireland Has Its Own Private Island. Now It Can Be Yours for $10.6 Million.

Chaka Khan And Rufus’ “Ain’t Nobody” Is Now Certified Platinum

Victoria Monét Finally Gets Her Moment, Teases ‘Jaguar II’ Era at First Headlining Show in L.A.

Have a Tip?