JV is one of our favorite brands at CNY so we wanted to do a little history lesson on the famed fashion designer.
John Varvatos is a distinguished American fashion designer renowned for his fusion of classic tailoring with rock 'n' roll sensibilities. Born on August 8, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan, he was raised in Allen Park, where he cultivated an early interest in fashion and music.
Early Career
Varvatos began his fashion journey in 1983 with Polo Ralph Lauren. In 1990, he joined Calvin Klein as Head of Menswear Design, overseeing the launch of the men's collection and the cK brand. Notably, he introduced the concept of boxer briefs during his tenure, blending boxers and briefs into a single design. He returned to Ralph Lauren in 1995, leading menswear design and creating the Polo Jeans Company.
In 1999, Varvatos launched his eponymous brand, debuting his first collection in 2000. His designs are characterized by a seamless blend of vintage aesthetics and modern innovation, heavily influenced by rock music. The brand has expanded to include accessories, footwear, eyewear, and fragrances.
Collaborations and Innovations
Varvatos has engaged in notable collaborations, including a partnership with Converse in 2001 to create high-end sneakers and apparel. In 2012, he collaborated with Chrysler to design special edition 300C vehicles, infusing automotive design with his fashion sensibilities.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Varvatos has received multiple accolades from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA):
- Perry Ellis Award for Menswear in 2000
- Menswear Designer of the Year in 2001 and 2005
- In 2007, GQ named him Designer of the Year.
Recent Endeavors
In 2021, Varvatos introduced a new fashion label, OTD (On This Day), marking a fresh chapter in his design career. In September 2023, he was appointed Chief Design Officer at Under Armour, bringing his extensive experience to the performance apparel company.
John Varvatos's enduring influence in the fashion industry is a testament to his ability to harmoniously blend music-inspired elements with contemporary menswear design.
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