Emanuel Ungaro
Asim Abdullah (privately owned since 2005, per Wikipedia) · France
Emanuel Ungaro is a Paris couture house founded in 1965 by the designer Emanuel Ungaro, who died in 2019. It is known for draped, colourful womenswear and fragrances. Wikipedia lists Asim Abdullah as owner since 2005 and Kobi Halperin as creative director since 2021.
| Founded | 1965 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Emanuel Ungaro (1933 to 2019) |
| Owner | Asim Abdullah (per Wikipedia; a reported 2025 sale is unconfirmed) |
| Headquarters | Paris, France |
| Creative director | Kobi Halperin, since 2021 |
| Website | ungaro.com |
What is Emanuel Ungaro?
Emanuel Ungaro is a Paris fashion house founded in 1965 by the French designer Emanuel Ungaro (1933 to 2019), who was born in Aix-en-Provence. The official website offers women's and men's fashion and accessories, fragrances and home décor under an art de vivre heading.
History
Ungaro ran the house for about 30 years without outside investment. Ready-to-wear was added in 1968, menswear in 1973, and the Diva perfume in 1983. The house took part in the 1973 Battle of Versailles show. It belongs to the 1960s Space Age generation of designers with Courrèges, Cardin and Rabanne, and is best remembered for 1980s draping, shirring and print mixing. Actress Anouk Aimée was his longtime muse.
In 1996 the house entered a partnership with Salvatore Ferragamo, and in 1997 Emanuel Ungaro Parfums was formed with Ferragamo and Bulgari. Ferragamo sold the label in 2005 to Asim Abdullah for 84 million US dollars, and in 2012 the Italian company Aeffe took over production and distribution. A 2015 line included a smart ring.
Creative directors
After the founder, creative directors included:
- Giambattista Valli, 1998 to 2004
- Peter Dundas, 2005 to 2007
- Giles Deacon, 2010 to 2012
- Fausto Puglisi, 2012 to 2017
- Marco Colagrossi, 2017 to 2020
- Kobi Halperin, from 2021 per Wikipedia, credited on the official site for the spring/summer 2025 womenswear collection
Ownership
Wikipedia lists Asim Abdullah as the current owner and mentions a 2025 report by Puck that the stylist Law Roach and financial backers were preparing to buy the house. The page does not confirm that sale, and it is not treated as completed here. The official website carries only a 2021 copyright line and names no owner.
Why it matters
Ungaro illustrates the pattern of heritage couture houses changing hands several times and relying on revolving creative directors, while keeping a recognisable colour-and-drape identity.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Emanuel Ungaro?
Wikipedia lists Asim Abdullah, who bought the label from Salvatore Ferragamo in 2005. A 2025 report that Law Roach and backers planned to buy it is not confirmed in the sources reviewed.
Where is Emanuel Ungaro from?
It is a French house founded in Paris in 1965 by Emanuel Ungaro, who was born in Aix-en-Provence.