News
March 14, 2008
Tommy Bahama CEO, Co-Founder Retires
Tommy Bahama CEO and co-founder Tony Margolis has announced that he is retiring June 1st. He will be replaced by retail veteran Terry Pillows, who is moving from New York to Seattle to head the West Coast company.
Pillows has worked with companies such as Coach, Neiman Marcus and Polo Ralph Lauren over his 30-year career. He will be the first CEO to head the company other than Margolis.
Margolis will remain an advisor to the company after his retirement.
Posted by Blacks on 10:05 AM | Comments (0)
March 12, 2008
Theory's Leavitt Tapped To Lead Kate Spade
Former Theory exec Craig Leavitt has been named the new co-president and chief operating officer of Kate Spade. Leavitt will share his president role with creative director Deborah Lloyd.
Kate Spade parent company Liz Claiborne hopes that the two executives will be able to triple sales at the brand by 2010. They will also be charged with drawing up a five-year plan to launch in new product categories.
Posted by Blacks on 10:01 AM | Comments (0)
March 11, 2008
Chloé Taps MacGibbon As Creative Director
Longtime Chloé collaborator Hannah MacGibbon is taking over as the company’s new creative director. MacGibbon, 38, worked for five years under previous Chloé creative director Phoebe Philo and has recently done consulting for the brand.
The new director will be doing her first collection for the Spring 2009 season, debuting in October.
MacGibbon replaces Paulo Melim Andersson. Melim Andersson is an edgier designer but his designs reportedly produced slower sales.
Posted by Blacks on 09:53 AM | Comments (0)
March 04, 2008
Kors Plans European Expansion; Names New VP
Michael Kors is planning significant European expansion and has named Cedric Wilmotte as its new senior vice president of European operations. Wilmotte was most recently European sales director for Marc Jacobs and has done a stint at Donna Karan.
Kors sees great potential in Europe and plans to open a headquarters there as well as a number of freestanding and concept stores.
Wilmotte will be in charge of all retail and wholesale in the region.
Posted by Blacks on 09:38 AM | Comments (0)
February 29, 2008
Puma Names Chalayan As New Creative Director
Puma has signed designer Hussein Chalayan as its new creative director, saying that he will bring new technology and fashion-forward thinking to the business. As part of the deal Puma has taken a majority stake in Chalayan’s self-named brand.
The designer is known for his high-concept designs and artistic execution.
Puma said that Chalayan is the first fashion designer to be creative director of a sportswear company.
Posted by Blacks on 09:53 AM | Comments (0)
February 18, 2008
Hugo Boss Loses CEO Over Management Issues
Hugo Boss CEO Bruno Sälzer is leaving the company over a difference of opinion on how to manage the fashion house. Sälzer has headed the business since 2002 and is credited with strengthening the brand’s accessories and women’s wear business.
He is reportedly unhappy with some of the demands set down by Permira, the private equity group that acquired Hugo Boss last year.
A successor for Sälzer has yet to be named.
Posted by Blacks on 09:00 AM | Comments (0)
January 11, 2008
Jil Sanders Appoints New Retail Director
Jil Sander has appointed Lorenza Cavalli as its new worldwide retail director, replacing Barbara Calo.
Cavalli will be in charge of scouting new retail locations, overseeing buying and brand image.
The company is looking to expand its retail profile and has recently added new stores in London and Sardinia. What’s more, a new store concept is reportedly in the works.
Posted by Blacks on 09:39 AM | Comments (0)
November 29, 2007
Pucci Taps Marni Exec As New U.S. Head
Marni exec Luca Voarino has been tapped as the new U.S. president of Pucci. Voarino currently serves as Marni’s vice president and director of U.S. sales. He will take his post at Pucci Jan. 2.
Part of his responsibilities will be overseeing the opening of new Pucci stores in the U.S. in locations such as Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
The appointment underscores how important the U.S has become to the luxury Italian brand. It currently accounts for almost a quarter of its business.
Posted by Blacks on 09:37 AM | Comments (0)
November 02, 2007
Calvin Klein Jeans Names New U.S. Head
Warnaco Group has named Janice Sullivan the new head of Calvin Klein Jeans, replacing Patricia Royak. Sullivan will oversee design, merchandising, sales and marketing of the brand in the U.S.
Sullivan hails from Liz Claiborne Inc. where she worked with DKNY Jeans and Activewear and was most recently the president of Narciso Rodriguez. As part of her new role she will help to build Calvin Klein’s global jeans business.
Posted by Blacks on 09:31 AM | Comments (0)
October 22, 2007
Brooks Bros. Appoints New President & COO
Brooks Bros. has selected Diane Hamilton to be the company’s new president and chief operating officer, reporting directly to chairman and CEO Claudio Del Vecchio.
Hamilton hails from Lighthouse Retail Group where she worked as a consultant to Brooks Bros. and other retail clients.
In her new role she will be in charge of operations, finance, human resources and supply chain management, among other duties.
Posted by Blacks on 08:02 AM | Comments (0)
October 11, 2007
Banana Exec Takes Top Role At Kate Spade
Kate Spade has named Deborah Lloyd as its new creative director and co-president in preparation for expanding the brand into new categories.
Lloyd hails from Banana Repubic where up until now she has held the title of executive vice president of product design and development. She will effectively replace company founder Kate Spade, who recently announced that she was stepping down from her position as designer. Her husband, Jack Spade, is also stepping down, leaving a vacancy in the retail and merchandising part of the business.
With the management change the company hopes to strengthen its position in handbags and then possibly move into jewelry and apparel.
Posted by Blacks on 10:00 AM | Comments (0)
October 08, 2007
Claiborne's Top Merchandiser Leaves For Coach
Liz Claiborne President and Chief Merchandising Officer Michele Parsons has left the company to join Coach as a vice president of women’s handbags. She will report directly to Senior Vice President of Women’s Handbags Francine Della Badia.
Parsons’ exit comes just a year after joining Liz Claiborne and in the middle of the fashion company’s restructuring efforts.
Posted by Blacks on 09:31 AM | Comments (0)
September 21, 2007
Dior Couture Appoints New U.S. Head
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton executive Pamela Baxter has been named the new president of Christian Dior Couture in the U.S.
Baxter replaces Patricia Malone, who took the post just a year and a half ago. Moore is leaving to pursue other interests, according to the company.
Baxter currently heads up LVMH’s perfume and cosmetics division and counts on over 30 years of experience in the cosmetics industry. She will assume her new position at Dior on Oct.1.
Posted by Blacks on 09:30 AM | Comments (0)
August 09, 2007
St. John Taps D&G Exec As New CEO
St. John has tapped Glenn McMahon as its new CEO, filling the vacancy left by Richard Cohen when he left the company in 2006.
McMahon is currently president of Dolce & Gabbana USA and will start in his new position Sept.1.
St. John said it selected McMahon for his good product sense and deep experience in women’s wear. Previous to his position and D&G, McMahon was president of Ellen Tracy and vice president at Donna Karan.
Posted by Blacks on 09:20 AM | Comments (0)
July 27, 2007
Gap Names Drugstore Exec As New CEO
In a somewhat surprising move, Gap selected former Canadian drugstore retailer Glenn Murphy its new chairman and CEO. Murphy was the top executive at Shoppers Drug Mart Inc., where he led a turnaround by introducing more upscale goods.
Despite his success, Murphy has no apparel experience, making him a curious choice to lead the struggling clothing chain. Gap hasn’t shown sales growth for five years and its brand is starting to wane, in large part due to its merchandise decisions.
We will be eager to see how Murphy will approach the retailer’s challenges.
Posted by Blacks on 09:52 AM | Comments (0)
July 16, 2007
Gap Considers Apparel Outsider As New CEO
Gap is circling in on its next CEO, according to reports. Possible candidates include acting president and CEO Robert J. Fisher and apparel outsider Glenn Murphy, who used to head Canada’s Shoppers Drug Mart Inc.
Murphy managed to turnaround the drug store chain and is regarded for his ability to integrate higher margin and higher value merchandise.
Despite his previous successes, it remains to be seen if Murphy can handle the particular challenges of the apparel industry, and Gap’s flagging position in the marketplace.
Posted by Blacks on 09:58 AM | Comments (0)
July 12, 2007
Jones' CEO Resigns Amid Barneys Sale
Jones Apparel Group President and CEO Peter Boneparth has resigned amid the group’s high-profile sale of Barneys New York. Boneparth will be succeeded by current Chief Financial Officer Wesley R. Card.
Boneparth spent five years atop the company after a career as an investment banker. He started to come under scrutiny last year when Jones reported a $144 million net loss and Boneparth failed in his plan to sell the company as a whole.
There is currently a bidding war for the company’s top property, Barneys, which could go to Japan’s Fast Retailing Co. or Dubai-based private equity group Istithmar.
Posted by Blacks on 09:43 AM | Comments (0)
July 04, 2007
Furla Taps Fontanelli As New CEO
Italian accessories brand Furla named Paolo Fontanelli as its new CEO, succeeding Giovanna Furlanetto, who will stay on as chairman.
Fontanelli was previously chief financial officer at Giorgio Armani and will now lead Furla through its planned expansion.
Former CEO Furlanetto said that she wants to double the company’s sales by 2011 by introducing new fashion footwear lines and growing its handbag division.
Posted by Blacks on 08:59 AM | Comments (0)
July 02, 2007
Sullivan Leaves Liz For Top Role At Talbots
Liz Claiborne Inc. president Trudy F. Sullivan resigned last week to take the top role at Talbots Inc. Sullivan will succeed former Talbots president and CEO Arnold Zetcher, who is stepping down after two decades at the company.
Sullivan will be charged with reversing waning sales at Talbots and its J. Jill property. However, her experience at Liz Claiborne should bode well. Both Claiborne and Talbots focus on customers over 35 and carry strong brand loyalty.
Posted by Blacks on 09:37 AM | Comments (0)
June 22, 2007
Liz Claiborne Restructures; Splits In Two Groups
Liz Claiborne went through a major restructuring this week that saw the elimination of five group president positions, including menswear leader Karen Murray.
The company has decided to reorganize into two distinct divisions: a “direct brands” retail unit and a “partnered brands” wholesale unit.
The direct brands unit, which includes Juicy Couture and Lucky Brand, will be led by former direct-to-consumer group president Jill Granoff.
The partnered brands unit, which includes Dana Buchman and Ellen Tracy, will be headed by Liz Claiborne president Trudy Sullivan.
Posted by Blacks on 09:36 AM | Comments (0)
June 14, 2007
Jones Closer To A Barneys Sale?
All eyes are on Jones Apparel Group’s annual shareholders’ meeting today to see if the group will announce a buyer for its Barneys New York chain.
Speculation over a possible sale increased this week with Jones’ appointment of Jay Friedman as president of company-owned retail footwear and apparel. Barneys was not mentioned in the appointment and observers think Jones may be ready to cut the property loose.
There are reportedly two suitors going head-to-head over the luxury department store chain: an investment fund from Dubai and an investor related to the royal family of Qatar.
Posted by Blacks on 09:20 AM | Comments (0)
May 24, 2007
Gap HIres Robinson For Design Turnaround
The Gap has hired former Paco Rabanne designer Patrick Robinson as it new executive vice president of design for Gap Adult and Gap Body in North America. The appointment comes as Gap struggles to turnaround its flagging brand, which has been criticized for a lack of fashion innovation.
Robinson has also worked at Anne Klein, Perry Ellis and Giorgio Armani and is known for his clean designs. It will be interesting to see how he interprets The Gap’s basics.
In separate news, the San Francisco based retailer reported a 26 percent decline in net profits for the first quarter of this year and a 4 percent drop in same-store sales.
Posted by Blacks on 09:24 AM | Comments (0)
May 10, 2007
Gucci Appoints New Balenciaga Head
Gucci Group is about to appoint Isabelle Guichot as the new president and CEO of Balenciaga, according to reports. Guichot is currently president and CEO of Sergio Rossi, and will lead both brands until her void at Rossi is filled.
The appointment comes after the announced departure of Balenciaga head James McArthur. McArthur, a Gucci Group veteran of 12 years, has yet to announce his next move.
Posted by Blacks on 09:56 AM | Comments (0)
April 23, 2007
Sadove Named CEO & Chairman Of Saks
Stephen Sadove is taking over as the new chairman and CEO of Saks Inc., effective May 4. Sadove, who has been CEO since Jan. 2006, is replacing R. Brad Martin as chairman, following his retirement.
Martin served as chairman since 1987 and was CEO of the company from 1989 to 2006.
Posted by Blacks on 09:17 AM | Comments (0)
April 04, 2007
Jones CEO To Leave In 2009
Jones Apparel Group President and CEO Peter Boneparth will be leaving the company when his contract expires on March 31, 2009. His contract could have been extended for another year.
During his tenure Boneparth tried to sell the company but the bids that came in were deemed too low.
Despite this challenge, the company has gone forward with its business strategy and reaped significant gains from its Barneys New York operations.
Blacks’s Take: Boneparth’s departure may offer the company the opportunity to take a new direction, but much will depend on who is chosen to fill his shoes.
Posted by Blacks on 09:14 AM | Comments (0)
March 29, 2007
Dior To Replace Slimane?
Dior Homme is reportedly considering replacing designer Hedi Slimane with Belgian Kris Van Assche.
The French fashion house is aiming to begin a new era in its men’s wear collections, and Van Assche could be a good fit. The designer worked alongside Slimane before setting out to create his own signature collection in 2005.
Despite being highly praised in the fashion world, Slimane reportedly irked Dior heads with numerous contract demands.
Posted by Blacks on 10:16 AM | Comments (0)
March 15, 2007
Zoe, Mellon To Sit On Halston Board
Halston has recruited star stylist Rachel Zoe and Jimmy Choo founder Tamara Mellon to sit on the company’s advisory board. In their new roles, the fashionistas will help set up a new creative team and oversee fashion shows.
The Halston brand was purchased by Harvey Weinstein and private equity firm Hilco Consumer Capital earlier this week and speculation is running rampant about who will be selected as chief designer.
Posted by Blacks on 09:41 AM | Comments (0)
March 12, 2007
New Exec To Oversee Jospeh Abboud
Private equity firm J.W. Childs Associates has named William E. Watts executive chairman of JA Apparel Corp.
The move is fueling speculation that the company is preparing for a sale of the J.A. Apparel’s top menswear brand Joseph Abboud, given that Watts will now oversee the operation.
Posted by Blacks on 09:39 AM | Comments (0)
February 13, 2007
Talbots Begins Search For New CEO
Talbots head Arnold B. Zetcher plans to retire in 2008, after 20 years with the company. Serving as president, chairman and CEO, Zetcher shepherded the initially regional company into a powerful industry player.
Talbots reinforced its growth last year through the acquisition of J. Jill; both companies focus on selling to women 35 and older.
The Massachusetts-based apparel firm has organized a search committee to seek Zetcher’s replacement, and is looking at candidates both inside and outside of the organization.
Posted by Blacks on 09:38 AM | Comments (0)
February 09, 2007
Head Gap Designer Exits Company
The shakeup at Gap continued this week with the departure of the company’s head designer in North America, Charlotte Neuville.
The San Francisco-based company did not specify the circumstances of Neuville’s exit, saying only that it was looking for a replacement outside of the company.
The troubled chain has seen a series of executive changes in recent weeks, including the departure last month of president and CEO Paul Pressler.
Posted by Blacks on 09:26 AM | Comments (0)
February 06, 2007
Department Stores Resume Hiring
Department stores added a seasonally adjusted 2,100 hundred jobs in January, signaling growth in the sector. The hiring surge follows a series of cuts which equaled a loss of over 50,000 jobs last year. Many of the losses resulted from consolidation, such as Federated Department Stores buy of May Department Stores.
Apparel and accessories stores fared better last year, adding 28,200 jobs to their payrolls. They trimmed back last month, however, by cutting 6,700 jobs.
Posted by Blacks on 09:34 AM | Comments (0)
February 02, 2007
Gap Taps Hansen As New North American Head
Gap appointed company insider Marka Hansen as its new North America president on Thursday after Cynthia Harriss resigned from the role.
Until now Hansen has been president of the company’s Banana Republic division.
The executive shakeup comes just two weeks after the troubled chain bid adieu to president and CEO Paul Pressler for failing to lead the company to a turnaround.
Posted by Blacks on 09:34 AM | Comments (0)
February 01, 2007
Tim Gunn To Head Design At Liz Claiborne
Tim Gunn, chair of the department of fashion design at Parsons The New School for Design, is stepping down from his post to take a new role at Liz Claiborne. He has been named chief creative officer and will oversee design for the company’s 47 diverse brands.
Gunn has recently gained fame with a starring role in the reality TV show “Project Runway” and will continue to appear in the show.
Gunn’s appointment was made by new Liz Claiborne CEO William L. McComb.
Posted by Blacks on 10:00 AM | Comments (0)
January 23, 2007
Gap Seeks Direction As CEO Steps Down
Gap said goodbye to CEO Paul Pressler on Monday after both the board and Pressler agreed that it was time or him to step down. The move follows 24 months of sluggish sales at the apparel retailer due to a reported lack of direction on merchandise decisions.
The San Francisco-based chain said that it will be looking for a retail expert to lead it and may also consider a possible sale.
Posted by Blacks on 09:46 AM | Comments (0)
January 18, 2007
Report: Jones Considers Breakup
After an unsuccessful bid to auction itself off, Jones Apparel Group is contemplating a breakup, according to reports. The group, which owns properties such as Barneys New York, Nine West and Enzo Angiolini, among others, was unable to get the price it wanted at auction and hopes that the individual properties will bring in higher offers.
The reported breakup plan appears to be in the early stages, however, as the group has yet to select a bank to advise it on its prospects.
Posted by Blacks on 09:47 AM | Comments (0)
January 15, 2007
Rory Tahari Takes On Expanded Role
Elie Tahari has named his wife, Rory Tahari, vice chairman of his eponymous brand. In her new role, Rory Tahari will be in charge of retail expansion, brand development and strategy as well as creative functions.
Elie Tahari Ltd has grown into a thriving business in recent years, estimated to be worth $500 million. Not only has the brand expanded its retail base, but it has also added a men’s wear line and accessories collection.
Posted by Blacks on 09:56 AM | Comments (0)
December 18, 2006
Zegna Appoints Gildo As Sole CEO
Zegna shareholders have appointed Ermenegildo “Gildo” Zegna as the company’s lone CEO, after he spent years sharing the title with his cousin Paolo.
Paolo will now serve as chairman of the Italian luxury brand. Industry watchers are speculating over whether the executive reshuffle will lead to any changes at Zegna.
The company has been a leader in its market for some time and has even lined up the launch of Tom Ford’s new menswear range, due out next spring.
Posted by Blacks on 10:14 AM | Comments (0)
December 04, 2006
Abercrombie Exec Gets Post At Tom Ford
Tom Ford International has appointed Abercrombie & Fitch exec Tom Mendenhall as its new chief operating officer. Mendenhall will manage the brand’s distribution and retail development.
Mendenhall recently served as senior vice president and general manager at Abercrombie. Like Ford himself, he also hails from Gucci.
Posted by Blacks on 10:38 AM | Comments (0)
November 13, 2006
Benetton Loses CEO, Financial Director
Benetton CEO Silvano Cassano has resigned, and the company’s financial director Pier Francesco Facchini has quit.
The Italian brand said that it would name a successor for Cassano shortly. He was put in charge of restructuring the company and that job is now complete, the company said.
Benetton has performed well during the first three-quarters of the year so the shakeup doesn’t appear to be for financial reasons.
Posted by Blacks on 09:39 AM | Comments (0)
November 06, 2006
Miu Miu Appoints New Head For U.S. Push
Former Juicy Couture VP and fashion director Michelle Kessler Sanders has been named U.S. head at Miu Miu.
The Prada-owned brand is planning an aggressive push into the U.S. market after performing well in Europe. Currently, there are only three Miu Miu retail outlets in the U.S. – two in New York and one in L.A.
As part of her new role, Kessler Sanders will be in charge of the brand’s U.S. retail expansion.
Posted by Blacks on 09:46 AM | Comments (0)
November 01, 2006
Chanel Appoints Coty Exec As U.S. COO
Chanel has named former Coty Beauty president John Galantic as its new U.S. chief operating officer.
Galantic is taking over from Maureen Chiquet, who was recently promoted to Chanel’s global head.
In his new role, Galantic will be in charge of fashion, accessories, jewelry and Chanel retail stores.
Posted by Blacks on 09:43 AM | Comments (0)
October 23, 2006
Brioni Still Hunting For CEO
Brioni is still searching for a new CEO, following the recent exit of Umberto Angeloni. The Italian company may be considering board member Andrea Perrone for the role, according to a report out Monday.
Brioni has yet to confirm the appointment, however, and industry watchers are doubtful that the company would choose a leader from outside the family, even though Perrone is the grandson of Brioni cofounder Gaetano Savini.
Posted by Blacks on 10:04 AM | Comments (0)
October 10, 2006
Report: Weber To Lead Donna Karan
Former Phillips-Van Heusen CEO Mark Weber is poised to be president and CEO of Donna Karan International, according to reports out Tuesday.
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, which owns the Karan brand, is expected to make an announcement on the appointment shortly.
In addition, LVMH could put Weber in charge of Thomas Pink in America due to his experience with menswear and shirts in particular.
Posted by Blacks on 09:12 AM | Comments (0)
October 06, 2006
Report: Richard Cohen Wooing Tahari
Richard Cohen is reportedly negotiating a deal to lead Elie Tahari’s bridge sportswear company.
The former Zegna U.S. and St. John exec is knocking on Tahari’s door during a time of growth and expansion for the company. Tahari recently launched a men’s collection and is planning to expand its freestanding stores.
While the talks have yet to be confirmed, all eyes will be on Cohen in coming weeks to see if the collaboration takes flight.
Posted by Blacks on 08:52 AM | Comments (0)
October 02, 2006
Report: Brioni Without A CEO
A board shakeup has left Brioni without a CEO, according to a report out Monday. Although Umberto Angeloni headed the Italian brand for 15 years, last summer the company decided to dissolve the board and form a new one and a new CEO has yet to be appointed.
Despite the shakeup, Umberto claims the company is performing well. There is no word on when a new chief executive will be appointed.
Posted by Blacks on 09:24 AM | Comments (0)
September 21, 2006
LVMH Names New North America Head
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton has tapped Daniel Lalonde to become the company’s new North America head, effective in January.
Lalonde is currently president and CEO of the company’s watch and jewelry business in North America.
He has led his division to strong sales in recent years, and is expected to do the same with the company’s overall business in the region.
Posted by Blacks on 09:55 AM | Comments (0)
August 22, 2006
Saks President Steps Down
Saks Fifth Avenue President Andrew Jennings has resigned, leaving company CEO Steve Sadove to assume his responsibilities.
Jennings gave no reason for his departure, other than he wanted to return overseas where he spent a majority of his career. Saks has no plans to replace Jennings.
Saks Vice Chairman and Chief Merchant Ron Frasch could get a career boost in the wake of the management shakeup, according to industry insiders.
Posted by Blacks on 09:09 AM | Comments (0)
August 09, 2006
Seven Fills Vacant CEO Position
Seven For All Mankind has named former VF Corp. president Michael Egeck to fill its vacant CEO position.
At VF, Egeck was in charge of the company’s outdoor business, overseeing the Vans, Eastpak and JanSport brands, among others.
His appointment at Seven is aimed at solidifying the company’s position as a leading denim brand. Seven’s previous CEO, Andreas Kurz, left the company several months ago, after just one year on the job.
Egeck will assume his new position on Aug. 15, and will report to the company’s board.
Posted by Blacks on 08:40 AM | Comments (0)
July 31, 2006
Donegar Group Names New Fashion Head
Fashion merchandising and consulting firm The Donegar Group has named Roseanne Morrison as its new fashion director.
Morrison has a long history with research and consulting firm Tobe, which Donegar purchased last year.
In her new position she will coordinate between the merchandising and creative sides of the business, as well as serve as a fashion spokesperson.
New York-based Donegar began as a buying office and now offers merchandising and trend consulting.
Posted by Blacks on 06:30 PM | Comments (0)
July 17, 2006
Levi's Names New CEO
Levi Strauss & Co. Asia-Pacific veteran John Anderson will takeover as president and CEO of the company in November. Anderson will succeed current CEO Phil Marineau, who announced his resignation earlier this month.
The executive shuffle comes as part of larger changes at Levi’s, including a reduction of its executive board.
The San Francisco-based jeans maker has been trying to restructure itself for some time as it’s faced increased competition in the denim market.
Posted by Blacks on 03:49 PM | Comments (0)
July 12, 2006
Report: Top Donna Karan Exec Plans Exit
Donna Karan International President Jeffry Aronsson could be leaving the company in a matter of days, according to WWD.
His departure would come as little surprise given that DKI parent LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton has been meeting with possible replacements over the last year.
Since purchasing DKI in 2001, LVMH has been unable to turn the business around, and has gone through a succession of CEOs. It remains to be seen if the next DKI head can stabilize the business.
Posted by Blacks on 09:40 AM | Comments (0)
June 27, 2006
St. John Appoints New Retail Head
St. John has selected Ralph Polese as the company’s new retail head, in charge of merchandising and retail across the organization.
Polese joined the Irvine, California, company in March as its Asia CEO. In his new role as executive vice president of retail, Polese will join the company’s executive committee and report to interim CEO Phillip Miller.
Posted by Blacks on 08:29 AM | Comments (0)
June 19, 2006
Update: Barrato Leaves Brioni
As Blacks first reported Friday, Joseph Barrato has left his position as U.S. CEO of Brioni.
Brioni is taking the post of president of Ralph Lauren Purple and Black Label, according to a DNR report out Monday. He was originally rumored to be going to St. Andrews.
Brioni was under pressure to cut the veteran loose after complaints from retailers over minimums, among other issues, according to inside sources.
Brioni requires retailers to order 15 units a season, but since the items have a retail cost of around $4,000 to $8,000 each the outlay is substantial. What's more, the sell-through on rack goods is low, and retailers pushed back.
Posted by Blacks on 08:52 AM | Comments (0)
June 13, 2006
Jil Sander Appoints New U.S. Head
Jil Sander has selected former Balenciaga executive Michele Sodi as the new head of its U.S. business.
Sodi will start as president of Jil Sander America on Monday, reporting to company CEO Gian Giacomo Ferraris. The two executives were previously colleagues at Gucci Group.
Sodi will be based in New York and oversee the German fashion house’s North American retail and wholesale business.
Posted by Blacks on 09:40 AM | Comments (0)
June 06, 2006
Exec Named To Grow Marc Jacobs Worldwide
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton has named a new head for Marc Jacobs International, emphasizing the company’s momentum abroad.
Current Louis Vuitton finance and administration executive Bertrand Stalla-Bourdillon will take on the roles of chairman and CEO of Marc Jacobs International beginning in September.
Stalla-Bourdillon has been with LVMH for 20 years and is known for his enthusiasm for the product and brand.
Posted by Blacks on 09:40 AM | Comments (0)
May 23, 2006
Hilfiger Gets Business Makeover
Tommy Hilfiger announced a major restructuring on Monday, including plans to trim underperforming businesses and move its corporate headquarters to Amsterdam.
Tommy said it plans to put an end its children’s line and close its H Hilfiger retail business. As part of its reorganization, the company also laid off 230 employees, saying that it is consolidating management positions and getting rid of some back office functions.
New Tommy CEO Fred Gehring said the company is concentrating on improving its brand in the U.S. and building on its premium image worldwide.
Gehring was appointed chief executive of the company two weeks ago, following Tommy’s sale earlier this year to private equity firm Apax Partners.
Posted by Blacks on 09:18 AM | Comments (0)
April 20, 2006
Former Gucci CEO Named Head Of Dior
Former Gucci America CEO Patricia Malone has been named President and Chief Operating Officer of Christian Dior.
Malone will begin her career at the French fashion house next week where she will oversee various departments including couture, fashion, retail, cosmetics and spirits.
Malone was successful at building the Gucci brand in the late ‘90s and is expected to give the same boost to Dior.
Posted by Blacks on 07:20 AM | Comments (0)
April 05, 2006
Another Arnault To Join LVMH Board
Bernard Arnault’s son Antoine is being asked to join the board of LVMH, the luxury giant announced this week. Antoine’s sister Delphine is already on the board of their father’s company, making it a family affair.
Antoine Arnault, 27, recently completed his studies at business school INSEAD. His father Bernard is one of the world’s richest men, having assembled a number of successful luxury brands under the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton banner.
Posted by Blacks on 09:05 AM | Comments (1)
April 04, 2006
Cohen Exits As St. John CEO
St. John CEO Richard Cohen has left the company for “family reasons,” the luxury label said this week.
Cohen made some significant changes during his 18-month tenure at St. John, such as temporarily putting the company’s accessories business on hold and replacing the long-time face of the brand for model Gisele Bundchen and then actress Angelina Jolie.
Saks Fifth Avenue CEO and St. John board member Philip Miller will serve as interim CEO of the Irvine, California, company until a successor for Cohen is named.
Posted by Blacks on 09:48 AM | Comments (0)
March 14, 2006
Neiman Names New Fashion Head
Neiman Marcus has finally selected a new fashion director to replace veteran Joan Kaner, ending months of speculation over who would gain the coveted position. Ken Downing, Neiman’s current vice president of PR, will take the role of senior vice president and fashion director, the store announced this week.
He will report to Ann Stordahl, the executive vice president of women's apparel, while menswear will still be run Colby McWilliams.
Although Downing was considered a favorite for the post when Kaner left in October of last year, months of searching outside the company created some doubt.
Kaner had been with Neiman for over 16 years, leaving Downing with big shoes to fill.
Posted by Blacks on 08:35 AM | Comments (0)
March 06, 2006
Armani To Name New U.S. Head
Giorgio Armani is set to announce the appointment of a new U.S. CEO, WWD reported Monday.
The Italian fashion house has selected Bridget Ryan Berman to head up its U.S. operations, it said.
Berman, a former Polo Ralph Lauren executive, was named vice president of Apple Computer’s retail unit in 2004. While it remains to be seen how she would parlay her diverse background into pushing the Armani brand, her potential appointment comes at a time when Armani is riding strong, particularly in the luxury segment.
Posted by Blacks on 08:40 AM | Comments (0)
January 31, 2006
Giannini To Be Gucci's Sole Designer
Gucci menswear design director John Ray is resigning from his post, according to reports out Tuesday.
Ray’s exit would leave Frida Giannini as the brand’s sole designer, in charge of women’s ready-to-wear, men’s and accessories.
The move would represent the final break in the design triumvirate left in charge after the exit of Tom Ford in 2004.
Giannini was originally put in charge of accessories while Alessandra Facchinetti looked after women’s RTW. When Facchinetti left after receiving mixed reviews, Giannini took on the women’s collection as well.
Now positioned as Gucci’s sole designer, Giannini is expected to bring coherence to upcoming collections, something that the brand was criticized for lacking under three very different designers.
Posted by Blacks on 08:35 AM | Comments (0)
January 06, 2006
Bergdorf Select New Fashion Head
Linda Fargo has been tapped as the new women’s fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman. She succeeds Robert Burke, who is leaving the company later this month to start up his own consulting firm.
Fargo has been lauded in her role as a visual merchandiser at Bergdorf, but she will have to fill big shoes in her new position. Burke is credited with developing an eclectic mix of brands that helped give the iconic store its distinctive stamp.
Posted by Blacks on 07:52 PM | Comments (0)
December 23, 2005
Apax Picks Up Hilfiger For $1.6B
Private equity firm Apax Partners has swiped up Tommy Hilfiger Corp. for $1.6 billion in cash. Hilfiger, which includes the Tommy Hilfiger and Karl Lagerfeld brands, rounds out Apax’s diverse investments in assets such as Tommy Bahama, Phillips-Van Heusen and others.
With the Hilfiger buy Apax hopes to tap further into the luxury market. It plans to continue to grow Hilfiger worldwide and has retained the company’s founder and namesake as principal designer and chairman of strategy and design.
The deal is expected to close by Spring 2006.
Posted by Blacks on 12:23 PM | Comments (0)
December 09, 2005
Bloomingdale's Loses Fashion Director
Bloomingdale’s fashion director Kalman Ruttenstein passed away on Thursday. Ruttenstein was seminal is defining the high-end store’s fashion direction and strategy. His absence is expected to have a noticeable impact on Bloomingdale’s fashion presentations.
Ruttenstein was famous for spotting emerging trends and marketing them in a way that captured shoppers’ imaginations, such as linking them with movies or Broadway musicals.
A successor has yet to be named.
Posted by Blacks on 12:11 PM | Comments (0)
November 18, 2005
Fashion Guru Burke To Leave Bergdorf
Bergdorf Goodman’s Senior Vice President of Fashion and Public Relations, Robert Burke, has announced that he is leaving the store to start up his own consulting business.
In his position atop the luxury outfit Burke took a particular interest in Bergdorf’s menswear business and has been credited as one of the most influential figures in the sectors. Burke leaned toward an eclectic mix of brands such as Etro, Hickey Freeman and Brunello Cucinelli.
It will be interesting to see how Bergdorf’s fashion position evolves following Burke’s exit in January.
Posted by Blacks on 08:14 PM | Comments (0)
November 17, 2005
GUS To Buck Burberry
GUS PLC, majority stakeholder in Burberry Group, plans to spin-off the British fashion house next month. After reporting a 5.7% dip in half-yearly profit, GUS is looking to breakup some of its businesses in an effort to stabilize its share price.
The group owns a 65% stake in Burberry and plans to unload the business through a stock consolidation.
Burberry has been hit with one change after another in the last few months, including management changes at the top and a publicity nightmare for the supermodel face of its brand.
While rough waves appear on the horizon, industry watchers are still predicting smooth sailing for the fashion house given the enduring popularity of its classic apparel.
Posted by Blacks on 11:50 AM | Comments (0)
November 15, 2005
Blake Leaves Burberry
Burberry President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Blake is leaving the company due to ‘family reasons.’ The former Gucci exec will step down at the end of the year, after just two years on the job.
His exit comes as the company is already dealing with a transition between Chief Executive Rose Marie Bravo and her replacement Angela Ahrendts, who begins in January.
But despite the tumult, Burberry is making rosy predictions for the season ahead, saying it expects sales of its iconic scarves and raincoats to spike as the weather continues to cool.
Posted by Blacks on 02:30 PM | Comments (0)
October 11, 2005
Liz Claiborne VP To Be New Burberry Chief
Liz Claiborne executive Angela Ahrendts will replace Burberry head Rose Marie Bravo when she resigns from her post next year, the British fashion house announced this week.
Ahrendts has been in charge of both men’s and womenwear brands as executive vice president at Liz Claiborne. She is due to take over at Burberry in July of 2006, while Bravo will move into the newly-created role of vice chairman.
The appointment of Ahrendts squelches rumors circulating last week that former Gucci COO Brian Blake was poised for the role.
Posted by Blacks on 12:29 PM | Comments (0)
October 06, 2005
Ex-Gucci Man Could Head Burberry
Rumor has it that former Gucci COO Brian Blake could be tapped to take the top spot at Burberry after the British fashion house spins off from majority shareholder GUS later this year.
Current Burberry Chief Executive Rose Marie Bravo is expected to step down next year, following completion of the spinoff, but may still retain a top position at the company.
When Blake joined Burberry as COO in July of last year cognoscenti speculated that it was part of early planning for a change at the top. Blake was with Gucci for 17 years, but despite the success of the Italian brand, some wonder if he will be able to maintain Burberry’s current momentum.
Posted by Blacks on 05:14 PM | Comments (0)
September 20, 2005
Escada Founder To Retire
In yet another major leadership change atop a luxury brand, Escada founder and CEO Wolfgang Ley announced this week that he will be leaving his post on January 31, 2006. The position of CEO will be filled by company veteran Frank Rheinboldt, 39, who is currently CEO of the group’s Primera business.
The ascendance of Rheinboldt, who has been with the company for 15 years, will ensure a smooth succession of leadership, according to the German company.
Ley, age 67, will continue to promote the company as “Founder and Creative Chairman of Escada Group.”
Posted by Blacks on 11:41 AM | Comments (0)
September 16, 2005
Hermès Head To Step Down
After decades at the helm, Hermès artistic director and CEO Jean-Louis Dumas announced last night that he was stepping down from his posts at the luxury brand. The role of artistic director will be split between his son and niece, and current co-CEO Patrick Thomas will be the sole proprietor of the chief executive title when Dumas departs in January.
Dumas is credited with much of Hermès success in stamping a coherent brand image across a disparate product line. He has also steered the iconic brand to profitability; it reported a 12-percent profit increase for the first-half of this year, thanks in large part to strong sales of its scarves and Gaultier fashions.
Posted by Blacks on 12:49 PM | Comments (0)