Grey/Ven, the renowned luxury fashion house celebrated for its contemporary yet elegant designs, has taken a significant step forward with the appointment of Ilana Kugel as creative director for its women’s collections. This announcement was made during New York Fashion Week (NYFW) in February 2025, coinciding with the unveiling of the brand’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection, titled “The Journey.”

A New Era for Grey/Ven

Ilana Kugel brings a distinct creative vision to Grey/Ven, backed by her impressive background in the athleisure sector. She previously co-founded Koral Swimwear and made history as the first athleisure designer to be inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Her expertise in combining functionality with high-end style is expected to redefine Grey/Ven’s women’s wear and luxury handbag division, making her appointment a strategic move for the brand’s future.

Scott Weissman, CEO of Grey/Ven, described this transition as a “significant milestone” for the company. Kugel had already contributed to Grey/Ven’s resort and pre-fall collections in previous seasons, making her appointment as creative director a natural progression. With her at the helm, industry insiders anticipate a refined approach to modern luxury design.

“The Journey” – A Statement of Timeless Minimalism

NYFW provided the ideal stage for Kugel’s highly anticipated debut collection with Grey/Ven. “The Journey” presents a minimalist yet sophisticated aesthetic, featuring an effortlessly curated selection of sweaters, dresses, and lightweight layering pieces. The collection emphasizes long-lasting elegance, moving away from fast-changing trends to focus on timeless fashion that remains relevant year after year.

“I wanted to create something that feels elegant yet adaptable, a wardrobe that resonates for years to come,” Kugel shared during the event.

Among the most notable moments of the night was the introduction of Grey/Ven’s first luxury handbag collection, further positioning the brand as a key player in high-end accessories. The event, held at Casa Cipriani in New York City, reinforced the exclusivity and refinement synonymous with Grey/Ven’s vision.

Looking Ahead: Grey/Ven’s Growing Luxury Ambitions

Kugel’s appointment signals a new creative direction for Grey/Ven, reinforcing its standing in the luxury fashion landscape. Known for her ability to seamlessly blend aesthetics with function, Kugel’s leadership is expected to bring continued innovation and expanded offerings to the brand.

For fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals, this transition represents an exciting evolution for Grey/Ven. By maintaining a balance between sophistication and accessibility, Kugel’s influence will likely shape the brand’s future collections with a fresh yet timeless perspective.

With “The Journey” setting the foundation, Grey/Ven appears poised for a new chapter of refined elegance and understated luxury under Ilana Kugel’s creative direction. Fashion lovers can now anticipate how her vision will continue to evolve and further define the brand’s identity in the years to come.