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 men’s lifestyle that includes footwear, bags, belts, eyewear, limited edition
watches, men’s and women’s luxury skincare and fragrances, as well as the younger, edgier
John Varvatos USA collection. A wildly successful collaboration with Converse gave rise to
reinterpreted versions of the classic Chuck Taylor All Star and Jack Purcell sneakers, including the
creation of the John Varvatos Laceless Chuck Taylor. In Fall 2006 the partnership with Converse
led to the launch of Converse
Inspired by the passion, creative spirit and deeply original style of talented musicians, John Varvatos
credits his early obsession with rock ‘n roll as the catalyst for his interest in fashion. A unifying
theme in his design, it is deeply ingrained in all his efforts and evident in every expression of the
brand. The memorable ad campaigns for the main collection—shot by Grammy-nominated music
documentarian Danny Clinch—have featured such legendary icons as Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper and
Slash. These strong characters and their eclectic personal styles lend a fresh perspective and timeless
relevance to John Varvatos’ authentically detailed clothes.
Music is also central to the brand’s philanthropic efforts, including VH1’s Save the Music
Foundation that is dedicated to restoring instrumental music programs in public schools around the
country, and the annual Stuart House benefit that raises money for a treatment center for sexually
abused children. What began as a small in-store event in Los Angeles has become an afternoon of
live musical performance that closes down Melrose Avenue. Past years have featured Jackson
Browne, Chris Cornell, Macy Gray and Cheap Trick.
John Varvatos has been recognized by the CFDA with the Perry Ellis Award for New Menswear
Designer in 2000, and as Menswear Designer of the Year in 2001 and 2005. In December 2007, he
was named GQ magazine’s “Designer of the Year” for its 12th annual “Men of the Year” issue. In
September 2000, within months of showing his first collection, John Varvatos opened a freestanding
boutique in Soho. The collection is currently distributed in freestanding John Varvatos stores across
the US including the 315 Bowery boutique in the space that formerly housed the seminal
underground music club CBGB’s. In addition, the collection is available in luxury retail stores and
better specialty boutiques throughout the world.
John Varvatos Eyewear (John Varvatos Sunglasses and Eyeglasses) are now distributed in The United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa by Eye Respect Ltd.
To join our John Varvatos Facebook Page.
