The stylist and creative director will debut her first collection for the French label in Milan and Paris this spring
A.P.C. has appointed Ludivine Poiblanc as artistic director, marking the first time the French brand has named an external creative lead since its founding in 1987 by Jean Touitou.
Poiblanc’s first collection for the label will debut at A.P.C.’s Milan showroom on May 20 before being presented in Paris at Rue Madame on June 15, signaling the beginning of a new chapter for the minimalist French house.
Based between Paris and New York, Poiblanc has built a career spanning styling, creative direction, and brand consultancy, collaborating with fashion houses on projects ranging from product development to visual identity. She has also contributed to publications including WSJ Magazine, Vanity Fair, and Harper’s Bazaar.
Her appointment comes as A.P.C. looks to accelerate growth while maintaining the understated aesthetic that has defined the brand for nearly four decades. Known initially for its raw denim, the company has evolved into a broader ready-to-wear and accessories business with an international retail footprint and a strong cultural presence through collaborations with brands including Sacai, Carhartt, Lacoste, and A Bathing Ape.
Stephanie Phair, president of A.P.C., framed the hire as part of a broader strategic evolution for the company. “The business is focused on targeted growth by continuing to bring to life what makes A.P.C. unique in the market, its deep heritage in denim and accessories, and a ready-to-wear offering that speaks to a customer with a point of view,” she said.
Founder Jean Touitou emphasized Poiblanc’s alignment with the brand’s identity, citing both her creative background and personal sensibility. “Her personality, personal style and wit make me confident that she will embody the brand I founded in 1987, and write a new chapter in A.P.C.’s adventure, respectful of the past and imaginative for the future,” he said.
Poiblanc described the role as a “unique opportunity,” noting her long-standing appreciation for the label’s “radical simplicity” and distinctly French approach to dressing. Until now, Jean and Judith Touitou had overseen collections alongside the brand’s internal design team.
The appointment follows a period of transformation for A.P.C., which has been majority owned by L Catterton since 2023. The private equity-backed expansion strategy aims to strengthen the brand’s positioning internationally while deepening its ties to art, music, and contemporary culture. At the time of the acquisition, A.P.C. generated annual revenues of just over €100 million, with L Catterton signaling ambitions for significant long-term growth.