Chaus and Steffe Split

New York–based manufacturer Bernard Chaus parted ways with designer Cynthia Steffe, and the contract between the company and the designer will be allowed to expire at the end of the year. Chaus has owned the brand since 2004. “We believe that it is the right time to take the Cynthia Steffe brand, and overall business, to a new level,” said Josephine Chaus, chairwoman and chief executive officer, in a company statement. Chaus will name a new design director and president for the brand. Richard Roberts, president of Cynthia Steffe and the designer’s husband, will also be leaving the company at the end of the year.