[ad_1]
The collection’s new-to-the-label pops of color and stretchy jeans may shock a few longtime customers. However, some principles are non-negotiable under the new Sans-John-Varvatos label. It doesn’t spoil masculinity by serving champagne at its stores and events. Mezcal, yes. Bourbon, of course.
Still, black or red walls and dark leather furnishings will soon be gone from most Varvatos stores — though not the New York Bowery flagship located in the famous former CBGBs club. “If you feel like you’re walking into a museum, that’s not good,” Wood said of the Bowery store. We want to stay relevant.
Wood is wearing black skinny jeans, leopard print boots, a gray golf shirt and a waxed canvas tailored jacket – all Varvatos. “I was a late developer,” joked the Scottish executive, as his story revolved around financial issues.
Wood is the CEO of British fashion label All Saints. He will report to chairman of Lion Capital, the British private equity group that bought All Saints in 2011 and John Varvatos in 2012. Lion has also invested in Bumble Bee Tuna, Kettle Foods, American Apparel and Jimmy Choo.
Fashion brands walk a fine line when trying to meet the growth and profitability demands of private equity investors — even stalwarts like Lion Capital say Wood is long-term with Varvatos after more than a decade of ownership.
John Varvatos, the man, founded the brand in 1999 after his stints at Calvin Klein and Polo Ralph Lauren based on his obsession with rock and roll fashion and music. Like Ralph Lauren, he was a student of the story-telling aspect of fashion where a brand creates a lifestyle. Soon the brand was dressing Bruce Springsteen, Iggy Pop and Bob Dylan.
[ad_2]
Source link
