PARIS, France — French luxury group LVMH has bought a majority stake in Jean Patou with a view to relaunching the pret-a-porter line at the French fashion house best known for its perfumes.

LVMH bought the stake from British group Designer Parfums, a spokesman for the French company said, confirming a report on the Fashion Network website. Financial terms were not disclosed.

LVMH has recruited former Nina Ricci creative director Guillaume Henry, who helped resurrect Carven, to breathe new life into the Parisian maison.

Founded in 1912, the brand was an early innovator in sportswear but is now known mainly for its fragrances, especially its perfume "Joy," the same name that LVMH brand Dior gave its most recent women's perfume.

By Pascale Denis and Leigh Thomas; Editor: Richard Lough.