Image via Complex Original
“I don’t think I designed a single piece of clothing until I was 29, which is late. I wasn’t a cookie-cutter person.” – John Varvatos
Rock-n-roll aficionado John Varvatos didn’t start out designing—the Detroit native began his decades-long and award-winning career working in retail sales. Things have certainly changed since those early days, and since founding his label in 1999, Varvatos has influenced the way men dress, drive, drink tequila, and smell. Here, we take a look as his illustrious career, which has made its mark on the personal style of men everywhere.
1983, Polo Ralph Lauren
“Ralph was the first to really create a brand out of a personal style. He nailed it and he owns it.” – John Varvatos
After beginning in retail sales and merchandising, Varvatos joined the Ralph Lauren corporate offices to begin his career. (He had two stints here, but this is where he began his long-lasting friendship with Lauren.)
1990, Calvin Klein
At Calvin Klein, Varvatos oversaw the launch of the men’s collection and cK brand, but you might be more familiar with the infamous Calvin Klein boxer-brief he designed. Or as Vanity Fair put it, “the most replicated form of men’s underwear since cavemen fashioned loincloths.” Two years later, the brand made waves for introducing the world to a steamy ad campaign featuring Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg.
1995, Polo Ralph Lauren
Varvatos returned to his preppy beginnings, now as the Head of Menswear Design for all of the Polo Ralph Lauren brands. While there, he lead the launch of the Polo Jeans Company. We tracked down one of the first commercials for the brand; see if you can spot a young, up-and-coming Tyson Beckford.
Watch it here.
1999, Launched John Varvatos
“When you do men’s wear, it’s less about thinking outside the box than about pushing the walls of the box outward. Men want to be evolutionary, not revolutionary.” – John Varvatos
Varvatos founded his eponymous company in 1999, and the first designs hit runways in the fall of 2000. The company began to create clothes and accessories that represented Varvatos’ rock-n-roll meets menswear vision for men’s fashion—winning him multiple awards and accolades.
2000, CFDA’s Perry Ellis Award; 2001 CFDA’s Menswear Designer of the Year Award; 2005 CFDA’s Menswear Designer of the Year
“When I was talking to Ralph about going out on my own, he told me, ‘You should only do it if you really have something new to say,’” John recalls. “So now, whenever I see him, he gives me a hug and says, ‘You’re doing it. You’re really doing it.’” – John Varvatos
In 2000, Varvatos received the Perry Ellis Award for New Menswear Designer. This marked the first of many recognizing his work because he went on to win Menswear Designer of the Year twice.
2001, Converse Partnership
“They had never worked with a designer before, and they saw my respect for old world, heritage, pop culture, and my affinity to music. Now we’re in our eighth year working together. It’s definitely the most successful collaboration ever in the footwear industry.” – John Varvatos
In the fall of 2001, Varvatos partnered with the classic company to create a line of shoes true to the brand’s style, but with a rock-n-roll twist. The collaboration continues today, and you can expect to see Varvatos incorporating designs and textures true to his style: leather, metal, and our favorite, laceless.
2004, John Varvatos Fragrance Launch
In 2004, Varvatos took another groundbreaking step to extend his brand by launching a fragrance line. The first execution (aptly named John Varvatos) focused on highlighting masculine and sophisticated scents appealing to men from the soundboard to the boardroom.
2012, Patrón Tequila Collaboration
“Wine, tequila, and beer. Why not?” – John Varvatos
Rock-n-roll and libations are relatively synonymous, so it seemed natural for a designer who caters to rock stars to partner with a liquor brand that does the same. You can see his influence in the redesigned guitar bottle stopper, which is the only time in the brand’s history it has changed its bottle design.
2013, Chrysler 300 Collaboration
This year, Varvatos went back to his hometown roots, collaborating with Chrysler for a limited edition 300S. Originally thought to be a one-off, the first car was auctioned off and proceeds went to The Rape Foundation, the parent organization of the Stuart House Charity, which Varvatos supports. Ultimately, the relationship with Chrysler continued, and Varvatos went on to partner with the auto giant on John Varvatos Limited Edition and John Varvatos Luxury Edition models.