Famous Stars & Straps, the apparel and accessories brand established by musician and entrepreneur Travis Barker, has hired Bill Gage as the company’s president, effective immediately. Gage spearheaded the growth of Metal Mulisha and spent six years
building the brand with Irvine-based licensing company, La Jolla Group. 

Earlier in his career, Gage served as the Vice President of Sales at
Alpinestars, where he was instrumental in building the company’s apparel
division.

Gage will be based out of the company’s Ontario, CA headquarters and will report to Barker. 

Gage brings more than twenty years of apparel industry experience to Famous, and will be responsible for mapping out the brand’s domestic and international strategies, including efforts to expand retail partnerships and identify new marketing opportunities.  Prior to this new role,

“Im thrilled to have the opportunity to work directly with Travis on repositioning Famous from where it currently sits in the market, rebuilding an effective and user friendly sales and customer service staff, and enhancing retail relationships,” said Gage.  “Famous Stars & Straps is one of the original streetwear brands and speaks to a very broad audience, given its strong association with music.  There’s great potential for growth as a result and Im looking forward to taking it to the next level.”

Barker added: “Im excited to see what the future holds for us and have extreme faith in this team, especially with the addition of Bill [Gage].  With his experience, relationships and leadership, this team is solid and focused as we look to the rest of 2013 and beyond.”

Gage has already made some key hires to the Famous Family, including Tyson Rossi as National Sales Manager. Rossi was voted “Sales Rep of the Year” by Transworld Business and has strong relationships with retailers.  Luca Izzo was also added to serve as International Sales Manager for the brand.  Izzo held the same role at La Jolla Group for four years before joining Famous, and has more than ten years of experience in the industry.   These new additions join an already strong team, which includes Design Director Luis Antonio, who founded and ran Green Apple Tree Clothing for many years.

Famous Stars & Straps was created by Travis Barker from the multi-platinum rock band Blink-182 in 1999. Influenced by punk rock and hip hop music, Famous and its stylized “F” logo – known as the “Badge of Honor” — is worn by respected musicians and athletes.