John Varvatos

Specialties

John Varvatos is a brand that occupies a unique place in the landscape of American design. It unites old world craftsmanship and refined tailoring with modern innovations in textiles and a rock ‘n’ roll sensibility. Launched in 2000 with a collection of tailored clothing and sportswear, the brand now represents an entire lifestyle that includes belts, bags, footwear, eyewear, limited edition watches, luxury skincare and fragrances, as well as the younger, edgier John Varvatos Star USA collection and Converse by John Varvatos.

History

Established in 2000.

From the very beginning, John Varvatos infuses his namesake collection with a creative spirit and intrinsic edge so recognizably his own. In his own words, he designs the line for «a guy who appreciates beautiful fabrics and great details, without being too over-​the-​top.» The signature Varvatos approach translates the best vintage looks and tailoring techniques into an original style that is always relevant and unmistakably modern.

«My philosophy is about reaching back to move forward,» says John. «I have something different to say with a sensibility that is both old and new.»

The designer credits his early obsession with rock music and the eclectic style of the artists as the catalyst for his interest in fashion. In a classic move, the first thing he does after leasing space for his Chelsea design studio is buy a killer audio system. Great music inspires his first collection and becomes a unifying theme in his design, seen to this day in every

Meet the Business Owner

John Varvatos V.

Business Owner

John Varvatos joined Polo Ralph Lauren in 1983. Recruited by Calvin Klein in 1990, he was appointed head of menswear design and oversaw the launch of the men’s collection and the influential cK brand. In 1995, he returned to Polo as Head of Menswear Design for all Polo Ralph Lauren brands and created the highly successful Polo Jeans Company.

For Fall/​Winter 2000, John launched his première men’s collection and in the same year was recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) with the Perry Ellis Award for New Menswear Designer. He received a second CFDA award for Menswear Designer of the Year in 2001; this successive honor was an unprecedented achievement in this category. In 2005, John was once more recognized by the CFDA with the Menswear Designer of the Year Award and in 2007 GQ magazine named John _​Designer of the Year_​in its 12^th Annual _​Men of the Year_​issue.