Under Armour announced that fashion industry veteran John Varvatos will join the company as chief design officer, effective September 11.
Varvatos, who started consulting for UA earlier this year, will lead the creative design direction for the company and oversee its design studios in New York, Baltimore and Portland, OR.
Varvatos began his fashion career at Ralph Lauren working for Polo in 1983. He moved to Calvin Klein in 1990 where he was appointed head of menswear design and oversaw the launch of the men’s collection and the CK brand. He is credited with creating the boxer brief at Calvin Klein. Varvatos returned to Ralph Lauren in 1995 as head of menswear design for Polo Ralph Lauren brands and created the Polo Jeans Company during his employment.
At the end of 1999, he started his fashion house, debuting with a men’s collection at New York Fashion Week the following year. Known for his rock ‘n’ roll ethos, the designer’s first store opened in the former home of the underground music club, CBGB, in New York City. His brand includes belts, handbags, footwear, eyewear, watches and fragrances. He is also credited with creating the laceless sneaker for Converse during the brand’s fifteen-year collaboration with the John Varvatos brand.
“We are thrilled to welcome John into the Under Armour family,” said Stephanie Linnartz, Under Armour president and chief executive officer. “His track record and thirty-year career speaks for itself. John will work in partnership with our product team to bring apparel, footwear and accessories from concept to commercialization, blending performance and style.”
“I am so excited to join Under Armour, an iconic American brand,” Varvatos commented. “The innovation, design and mission of the brand have never been more relevant as consumers demand clothes that function for both sport and everyday activities. I cannot wait to unveil that next chapter in Under Armour’s incredible story.”
Photos courtesy Under Armour
