Press Releases
Continuing its growth as a lifestyle brand, John Varvatos is pleased to introduce a full collection of leather goods for the John Varvatos * USA label, debuting in stores for the Fall/Winter 2010 season. John Varvatos * USA is geared to a younger sensibility than the designer’s eponymous collection, with a preppy-meets-rocker style based on an “imperfectly perfect” appeal. Despite its youthful slant, it still features a very grown-up and meticulous attention to detail and highly innovative finishes. The new accessories collection, including belts, bags, small leather goods and accessories, will integrate seamlessly with the label’s established look.
The new John Varvatos * USA accessories deliver strong design aesthetic with many of the products featuring hand finishes. This is particularly noteworthy, given the line’s very accessible price points. “This collection brings both design and value to our customers. It’s not just about a price point though, it’s also about giving this younger guy accessible options that he can really relate to.” says Varvatos.
This is partly a reflection of the label’s collaboration with highly regarded Cipriani Accessories. Varvatos continues, “The collaboration with Evan Mittman and his team at Cipriani has been very exciting. Their passion, skilled craftsmanship and understanding of my aesthetic are evident in each piece in the collection.”
In keeping with Varvatos’ signature approach to textiles and materials, all the fabrics and hardware for the * USA accessories are developed exclusively for the label. There are five groups, including caribou leather; antique calf; pebble grain; canvas; and a nylon/leather group that is silkscreened with typically irreverent * USA motifs: a skull, a guitar, a marijuana leaf. Another iconic symbol, the peace sign hand and flag, is used throughout the collection and stamped on the inside of wallets and used as a lining for bags.
The bags are hand-stitched in Italian leather, with raw-cut edges and chunky hardware that give an edge to their refinement. Wallets are made from soft skins but clip onto tough biker chains. Zippers, studs and hanging medallions featuring the peace sign, contribute just enough attitude to bracelets and belts, which are hand-stained with feathered edges. An element of some belts is a special “x-ray” detail, where studs are actually covered in leather for a unique look.
Price points for the collection range from $65-$550, with bags starting at $150; small leather goods starting at $68; and belts starting at $65.
John Varvatos * USA accessories will be available nationwide in all John Varvatos boutiques and will receive double exposure from wholesale accounts, featured on main floors as well as shop-in- shops.
About John Varvatos
Launched in 2000 with a collection of tailored clothing and sportswear, John Varvatos 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 and Converse by John Varvatos. The designer has been recognized three times by the CFDA with an American Fashion Award for New Menswear Designer (June 2000) and Menswear Designer of the Year (June 2001 and June 2005) and was honored as GQ’s “Designer of the Year” in 2007. The collection is distributed in freestanding John Varvatos boutiques across the US, as well as in better specialty stores throughout the world.
About Cipriani:
Cipriani Accessories was founded in 1972. The company produces belts, small leather goods, gifts, bags and cold weather accessories for license partners including Lacoste, Calvin Klein, Guess and Michael Kors.
For inquiries:
Donna Faircloth
VP Corporate Marketing & Communications
212 812 8008
Donna_faircloth@vfc.com
Courtney-Brooke Johnson
Press & Celebrity Manager
212 812 8050
Courtney_Johnson@vfc.com
July 27, 2009 – New York, NY — John Varvatos looks to rock and roll’s heritage for inspiration so it was no surprise when he selected ZZ Top, one of the longest running major US rock bands, for his Fall 2009 advertising campaign. Photographer Danny Clinch shot the campaign against a life size diorama of American buffalo at the Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles – a setting perfectly fit for the trio from Texas.
ZZ TOP, comprised of Billy F Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard, have been together for 40 years of rock, blues, and boogie on the road and in the studio. ZZ Top’s music is always instantly recognizable, eminently powerful, profoundly soulful and 100% Texas American in derivation. In 2004 the Texas trio was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They are a certified rock institution, contemporary in every way, yet still completely connected to the founding fathers of the genre.
“ZZ Top is a music institution that has remained relevant through the changes and trends of the last four decades, it was inspiring to work with them” said John Varvatos.
YARD Creative Director Stephen Niedzweicki drew the campaigns inspiration from ZZ Top’s 1976 World Wide Texas Tour, an unparalleled rock extravaganza where the band brought the icons of Texas — including a menagerie of longhorns, brooding vultures, and a buffalo — to the world. The backdrop combined with textured leathers of John’s Fall/Winter 2009 collection and the panoramic photography of Danny Clinch elicited hauntingly beautiful imagery.
“The idea of using the buffalo diorama was an intriguing representation of ZZ Top’s American rock and roll history. Shooting with Danny I am always confident in his innate ability to draw musicians true personas into the camera lens. The combination worked perfectly.” said Stephen Niedzweicki.
Concepted by YARD and photographed by Danny Clinch the previous nine campaigns have served to underscore the brand’s affinity for eclectic and iconic style makers. Past seasons feature Franz Ferdinand, Perry Farrell, Cheap Trick, Alice Cooper, Velvet Revolver, Iggy Pop, Chris Cornell, Joe Perry and Ryan Adams.
For nearly two decades acclaimed music photographer and documentary filmmaker Danny Clinch has captured some of the most iconic names in music: Cash, Springsteen, Dylan and Tupac, just to name a few. The organic feel and texture of his work lets the subjects breathe and the music flow. His work has appeared in such publications as Vanity Fair, Spin, Rolling Stone, GQ, Esquire, the New Yorker and the New York Times Magazine, and his photographs have appeared on hundreds of album covers.
Since its founding in 2002, YARD has conceptualized, art directed, and produced an award-winning range of work in print and television advertising, packaging, editorial, and product design. YARD is a hybrid creative agency that blends the expertise of a style-driven fashion shop with that of a consumer-minded ad agency. By marrying an artistic eye for image-making with a strategic gut for brand-building, YARD creates arresting visuals that drive contemporary culture while crafting relevant storylines that resonate with the targets of fashion clients such as John Varvatos, Converse and LeSportsac, beauty clients like Bobbi Brown, Henri Bendel and Method, and entertainment clients like The Sundance Channel, Lifetime and MTV.
Launched in 2000 with a collection of tailored clothing and sportswear, John Varvatos 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 and Converse by John Varvatos. The designer has been recognized three times by the CFDA with an American Fashion Award for New Menswear Designer (June 2000) and Menswear Designer of the Year (June 2001 and June 2005) and was honored as GQ’s “Designer of the Year” in 2007. The collection is distributed in freestanding John Varvatos boutiques across the US, as well as in better specialty stores throughout the world.
Contacts:
John Varvatos John Varvatos
Donna Faircloth Courtney-Brooke Johnson
212-812-8008 212-812-8019
donna_faircloth@vfc.com courtney_johnson@vfc.com
www.johnvarvatos.com www.johnvarvatos.com
YARD
Stephen Niedzwiecki
212-625-8372
Stephen@yardnyc.com
Also:
www.dannyclinch.com
NEW YORK–April 27, 2009– SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) announced today that the award-winning fashion designer John Varvatos will host Born In Detroit, an exclusive monthly show on SIRIUS XM’s Faction channel.
Born In Detroit will launch on Tuesday, May 5 at 9:00 pm ET with a special live performance by the punk rock pioneers, the New York Dolls, from their official record release party for their latest album Cause I Sez So. The performance will be broadcast live from John Varvatos 315 Bowery, the boutique in the space that formerly housed the seminal underground music club CBGB. Born In Detroit will regularly air the first Sunday of every month at 8:00 pm ET on Faction, SIRIUS channel 28 and XM channel 52. Varvatos will host the show from SIRIUS XM Radio’s studios in New York City.
On Born In Detroit, Varvatos, a motor city native, will bring his broad expertise and his deep passion for music to SIRIUS XM listeners as he shares songs from various artists who have influenced him throughout his career in fashion. During his monthly show, listeners will hear interviews with special guests as well as live performances by various artists.
“I’m very excited to kick off my first show on SIRIUS XM’s Faction with a live performance by the New York Dolls,” said John Varvatos. “On my Born In Detroit show, I want to take listeners on a musical journey from the past to the present with music from the Motor City and interviews with those who were influenced by it. Right on Detroit Rock City!”
Varvatos, whose clothing and apparel brand has been described as having a rock and roll sensibility, has always been inspired by the passion, creative spirit and original style of musicians. Varvatos credits his early obsession with rock and roll as the catalyst for his interest in fashion, and sites music as a unifying theme in his design.
“Fashion and music go hand-in-hand and many designers pride themselves on having an affinity for rock and roll, but few actually understand punk rock like John, as evidenced by his love for music and in his passion to preserve the spirit of CBGB,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SIRIUS XM Radio. “His take on music will find a perfect home on SIRIUS XM where we dive deep into an array of rock and roll music.”
John Varvatos grew up in Detroit – the music melting pot of America – where Motown, rock and roll, blues, jazz and punk melded together in an unforgettable period of music history. At an early age John was exposed to defining musicians including The Who, Led Zeppelin, Detroit’s own MC5, Alice Cooper, Bob Seger and The Stooges. The creative spirit, electricity and edginess intrinsic in the personal style of these rock and roll icons inspired John at an early age, and influenced the evolution of his eclectic sensibility.
For Fall/Winter 2000, John launched his premiere 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 has a total of three awards from CFDA and in 2007 was honored as GQ’s “Designer of the Year.”
SIRIUS XM’s Faction is where heelflips, handplants, half-pipes and hard rock join hip-hop and the biggest names in skateboarding, surfing, freestyle skiing and more. Faction is the music that defines the action sports lifestyle. Faction listeners will hear exclusives from Tony Hawk, Bam Margera and more as well as much from System of a Down, Offspring, NOFX, Metallica, 50 Cent, Green Day, Beastie Boys, AFI, Korn, Snoop Dogg, My Chemical Romance and Sex Pistols.
For more information, please visit www.sirius.com/faction or www.xmradio.com/faction.
For more information on John Varvatos, please visit www.johnvarvatos.com
About John Varvatos
Launched in 2000 with a collection of tailored clothing and sportswear, John Varvatos now represents an entire lifestyle that includes belts, bags, footwear, eyewear, Limited Edition watches, luxury skincare and fragrances (including one for women), as well as the younger, edgier John Varvatos Star USA Collection and Converse by John Varvatos. The designer has been recognized three times by the CFDA with an American Fashion Award for New Menswear Designer (June 2000) and Menswear Designer of the Year (June 2001 and June 2005) and was honored as GQ’s “Designer of the Year” in 2007. The collection is distributed in freestanding John Varvatos boutiques across the US, as well as in better specialty stores throughout the world.
About SIRIUS XM Radio
SIRIUS XM Radio is America’s satellite radio company delivering commercial-free music channels, premier sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather, to more than 19 million subscribers as of December 31, 2008.
SIRIUS XM Radio has content relationships with an array of personalities and artists, including Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, Oprah Winfrey, Jimmy Buffett, Jamie Foxx, Barbara Walters, Opie & Anthony, Bubba the Love Sponge®, The Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Bob Edwards. SIRIUS XM Radio is the leader in sports programming as the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, Major League Baseball®, NASCAR®, NBA, NHL®, and PGA TOUR®, and broadcasts major college sports.
SIRIUS XM Radio has arrangements with every major automaker. SIRIUS XM Radio products are available at shop.sirius.com and shop.xmradio.com, and at retail locations nationwide, including Best Buy, RadioShack, Target, Sam’s Club, and Wal-Mart.
SIRIUS XM Radio also offers SIRIUS Backseat TV, the first ever live in-vehicle rear seat entertainment featuring Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network; XM NavTraffic® service for GPS navigation systems delivers real-time traffic information, including accidents and road construction, for more than 80 North American markets.
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the business combination transaction involving SIRIUS and XM, including potential synergies and cost savings and the timing thereof, future financial and operating results, the combined company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as “will likely result,” “ are expected to,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “intend,” “will,” “should,” “may,” or words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of SIRIUS’ and XM’s management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of SIRIUS and XM. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statement: our substantial indebtedness; the businesses of SIRIUS and XM may not be combined successfully, or such combination may take longer, be more difficult, time-consuming or costly to accomplish than expected; the useful life of our satellites; our dependence upon automakers and other third parties; our competitive position versus other forms of audio and video entertainment; and general economic conditions. Additional factors that could cause SIRIUS’ and XM’s results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in SIRIUS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and XM’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, which are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and available at the SEC’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and SIRIUS and XM disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.
Contacts for SIRIUS XM Radio:
Samantha Bowman
SIRIUS
212 901 6644
April 21, 2009 — New York, NY — John Varvatos Enterprises announces the first John Varvatos « USA “FREE THE NOISE” battle of the bands, a global online search for the next great rock n’ roll band that will be hosted on Spinearth.tv. The winning band will receive a development deal with Island Records and be featured in the next John Varvatos « USA advertising campaign, as well as featured on SPIN Earth.
The competition kicks off April 21, 2009 and entries will be accepted through July 31, 2009. The contest invites up-and-coming, unsigned bands to upload a video of a recent performance of original music to Spinearth.tv/freethenoise for consideration. In addition, SPIN Earth’s network of more than 350 correspondents will be scouring the globe, the clubs and the festivals for the freshest talent.
In August the finalists will be chosen and flown to New York City to perform at John Varvatos 315 Bowery, the former home of CBGB’s, during New York Fashion Week in September 2009. That evening John Varvatos and a VIP panel of rock star judges will select the winning band.
“Music is the heart and soul of this brand. I’m excited to be able to partner with SPIN Earth and Island Records to go global with this opportunity to discover rising talent in today’s music community.” said John Varvatos.
“For 25 years, SPIN has been uncovering new music. SPIN Earth is giving music enthusiasts all over the world an online platform to share the latest sounds.” said Tom Hartle, President, Spin Media.
“Island Records is fortunate to join forces with John Varvatos and SPIN Earth to find the next great rock n’ roll star.” says Mark DiDia, EVP/General Manager, Island Records.
For more information, contest rules, or to check out the incredible talent we’ve discovered please visit us at www.Spinearth.tv/freethenoise
The FREE THE NOISE campaign was concepted and designed by John Varvatos agency of record YARD. www.yardnyc.com
April 2009 – New York, NY − John Varvatos Rock Volume One will debut in June 2009 as the latest addition to the designer’s fragrance collection from JV Fragrances & Skincare, a subsidiary of Shiseido America Corporation. Rock Volume One is launching as the first of a limited edition series all inspired by music.
As with each of his fragrances, John Varvatos was intimately involved in the development of Rock Volume One. Inspired by the creative spirit and deeply original style of talented musicians, the designer credits his ongoing obsession with rock ‘n roll as the catalyst for his early interest in fashion. “Like a great song, the right scent can also trigger a secret memory,” says Varvatos. “Rock Volume One plays on the emotions and, like a classic melody, it only gets better with time.”
With music as a unifying theme of the brand, Rock Volume One is just one of the ways that John Varvatos pays tribute to his passion. The memorable ad campaigns for the main collection—shot by Grammy-nominated music documentarian Danny Clinch—have featured such legendary rockers as Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper and Velvet Revolver. These strong characters and their eclectic personal styles infuse Varvatos’ authentically detailed clothes with the same maverick spirit expressed in Rock Volume One.
The packaging for Rock Volume One emits an edgy, rocker vibe embodied by a series of classic icons. With their subtle allusion to a royal crest, these make reference to the trappings of rock’s finest, from their extreme belt buckles to their recording studios.
Music is also central to John Varvatos’ philanthropic efforts. He is an avid supporter of VH1’s Save the Music Foundation (VH1 STM) that is dedicated to restoring instrumental music programs in public schools around the country. Rock Volume One fits seamlessly into this initiative, allowing Varvatos to further build upon the existing partnership with VH1 STM Foundation to help raise awareness and money for this important cause. JV Fragrances & Skincare will donate $1 from every Rock Volume One fragrance sale to VH1 STM (guaranteed maximum donation of $30,000 by December 31, 2009).
For Rock Volume One, John Varvatos again partnered with Rodrigo Flores-Roux of Givaudan, the collaborative perfumer for the John Varvatos fragrance collection. A surprising and edgy interpretation of John Varvatos Classic, this limited edition is an intricate blend of rose absolute and coffee beans with a new level of sensuality and a rock’n roll vibe. John Varvatos Rock Volume One brings Varvatos’ passion for music to life in a scent that evokes his original fragrance but has its own distinctive, hard-edged appeal.
The Eau de Toilette 4.2 oz. will preview exclusively with Bloomingdale’s, John Varvatos boutiques and at johnvarvatosfragrance.com in June. Nordstrom will launch Rock Volume One in September and shortly thereafter the limited edition will expand to approximately 900 upscale department and specialty stores across the country and key international markets.
Suggested Retail Price:
- Eau de Toilette 125 ml (4.2 fl. oz.), $82.00 US MSRP
About John Varvatos
Launched in 2000 with a collection of tailored clothing and sportswear, John Varvatos now represents an entire lifestyle that includes belts, bags, footwear, eyewear, Limited Edition watches, luxury skincare and fragrances (including one for women), as well as the younger, edgier John Varvatos « USA Collection and Converse by John Varvatos, clothes for guys and girls. The designer has been recognized three times by the CFDA with an American Fashion Award for New Menswear Designer (June 2000) and Menswear Designer of the Year (June 2001 and June 2005) and was honored as GQ’s “Designer of the Year” in 2007. The collection is distributed in freestanding John Varvatos boutiques across the US, as well as in better specialty stores throughout the world. www.johnvarvatos.com
About JV Fragrances & Skincare
JV Fragrance & Skincare (formerly Zirh International Corp.) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shiseido Americas Corporation. The JOHN VARVATOS brand launched in 2004, and is sold in 34 countries worldwide. www.johnvarvatosfragrance.com
For more information, please contact:
Cara Krystofiak Jonathan Leacock
Coordinator, Public Relations Manager, Public Relations
212.805.2380 212.805.1299 Krystofiak@bpi.shiseido.com jleacock@bpi.shiseido.com
December 2008 – New York, NY. John Varvatos ARTISAN will debut in March 2009 as the latest addition to the designer’s fragrance collection from JV Fragrances & Skincare, a subsidiary of Shiseido America Corporation. ARTISAN completes the trilogy of the John Varvatos men’s fragrance portfolio and continues to build on the impact of this highly original lifestyle brand.
John Varvatos was closely involved with every step of the development of his new fragrance, so ARTISAN bears his imprint: the finely wrought details, the signature mix of old world craftsmanship and modern technique.
According to the designer, “Every aspect of my new fragrance, Artisan—from the carefully calibrated elements that comprise this unique scent to the handwoven flask that contains it—reflects the artisanal hand. The result is a truly timeless quality, one that evokes both my respect for the past and my vision of the future.”
John’s clothing design often references history as a point of inspiration, creating from it something entirely new. While conceptualizing ARTISAN, he set out to create a fragrance that would embody a sense of craftsmanship yet still exude modernity. John Varvatos ARTISAN does just that, bringing John’s concept to life in a scent that alludes to his previous two fragrances, Classic and Vintage, but has its own distinctive appeal.
John Varvatos ARTISAN is redolent of the invigorating, untouched smell of nature. Fresh and intriguing, it conveys the freedom of a long summer weekend; the experience of the great outdoors in its purest, most simple form.
The ARTISAN bottle was inspired by the clean lines and casual elegance of a traditional flask. Its profile echoes the contemporary silhouette of the Classic and Vintage fragrances but, as with all John Varvatos fragrances for men, different textures create a striking new design. Handwoven rattan in a rich caramel color encases the flask, giving each bottle its own eclectic character. The metal cap with an antique blackened finish features a debossed logo. The result is an unmistakable sense of painstakingly crafted luxury that exudes its own unique charm.
Once again, John Varvatos partnered with Rodrigo Flores-Roux of Givaudan to create this signature scent. A masculine, contemporary and very personal take on the citrus theme, John Varvatos ARTISAN represents a merging of the classical citrus and herbal tonalities used in a traditional Eau de Cologne. The fragrance delivers a new riff on this classic theme, reinventing that familiar “splash” feeling by blending state-of-the-art, abstract perfumery notes for a refreshingly modern twist.
Top Notes: The scent opens with an electrifying citrus explosion. Drenched Sicilian clementines mix with juicy tangelo fruit from Florida, adding extra fizz to the festive smell of Mexican winter mandarin oranges. Toned and taut herbal accents of wild thyme, marjoram from Spain and Greek lavandin peek through.
Heart Notes: The heart of the fragrance is as innovating as it is inviting. It features solar floral notes of North African orange tree blossoms and Indian murraya, the generous orange jasmine tree, never before used in a men’s fragrance. An interesting trio of ginger extracts provides an element of surprise: tingling fresh cut ginger roots from China and warm, mouth-watering Nigerian ginger absolute join the intriguing character of purple ginger, a Givaudan exclusive development.
Background: In the background, an ultramodern, abstract woody harmony supports the ongoing freshness. Givaudan’s own woody specialties, Kephalis and Georgywood, join captive materials such as ambery Belambre and musky Serenolide, providing a high-tech finish that is both smooth and powerful.
Collection and Suggested Retail Prices:
- Eau de Toilette 125 ml (4.2 fl. oz.), $75 US MSRP
- Eau de Toilette 75 ml (2.5 fl. oz.), $55 US MSRP
- Deodorant Stick 75 g (2.6 oz.), $22 US MSRP
The Eau de Toilette 4.2 oz. will preview exclusively with Nordstrom, the John Varvatos boutiques and at johnvarvatosfragrance.com in March. Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue will launch Artisan in mid-March and the entire range will launch nationwide in approximately 900 upscale department and specialty stores in April. Shortly thereafter, John Varvatos ARTISAN will expand to key international markets.
About John Varvatos
Launched in 2000 with a collection of tailored clothing and sportswear, John Varvatos now represents an entire lifestyle that includes belts, bags, footwear, eyewear, luxury skincare and fragrances (including one for women), as well as the younger, edgier John Varvatos « USA Collection and Converse by John Varvatos, clothes for guys and girls. The designer has been recognized three times by the CFDA with an American Fashion Award for New Menswear Designer (June 2000) and Menswear Designer of the Year (June 2001 and June 2005) and was honored as GQ’s “Designer of the Year” in 2007. The collection is distributed in freestanding John Varvatos boutiques across the US, as well as in better specialty stores throughout the world. www.johnvarvatos.com
About JV Fragrances & Skincare
JV Fragrance & Skincare (formerly Zirh International Corp.) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shiseido Americas Corporation. The JOHN VARVATOS brand launched in 2004, and is sold in 34 countries worldwide. www.johnvarvatosfragrance.com
For more information, please contact:
Cara Krystofiak Jonathan Leacock
Coordinator, Public Relations Manager, Public Relations
212.805.2380 212.805.1299 Krystofiak@bpi.shiseido.com jleacock@bpi.shiseido.com
November 25, 2008 – New York, NY — With a nod to John Varvatos’ ongoing international expansion, the brand’s latest ad campaign features Glasgow-based band Franz Ferdinand. One of the most successful British exports in recent history, with a string of international hits, the band is poised to release its third album, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand. Lead singer Alex Kapranos (who splits his time between Europe and the U.S.), Nick McCarthy, Paul Thompson and Bob Hardy worked their infectious charm and signature cool in front of the camera in a classic New York locale.
This season’s collaboration between John Varvatos; creative agency, Yard; and renowned music photographer Danny Clinch took its cue from Alex Kapranos’ infatuation with classic Americana. “We were inspired by black-&-white photography of New York street scenes from the ‘40s through the ‘70s,” says Stephen Niedzwiecki, Yard’s creative director. “There was a juxtaposition of strength and vulnerability that really resonated with both Varvatos and Franz Ferdinand.”
The campaign highlights the band’s lighthearted spirit as the four lads order ice cream from a vintage Mister Softee truck. Danny Clinch took advantage of the beautiful weather, capturing sun-splashed moments in his gritty reportage style. “The guys were easygoing and fun-loving,” says Danny. “They all jumped right in and were able to be really natural and playful even while wearing slim fitting suits.”
Lead singer Alex Kapranos said, “John is a serious music fan, so it was nice to be asked to model his latest collection. We had a good laugh eating cone after cone with him and Danny Clinch in Harlem.”
John Varvatos’ lifestyle collection for men is known for richly detailed tailoring that references classic menswear in a very modern way. “Franz Ferdinand have a great sense of style and they are the perfect choice to express the sleeker mod-inspired edge of my spring collection,” says Varvatos. Previous campaigns featuring Perry Farrell, Cheap Trick, Alice Cooper, Velvet Revolver, Iggy Pop, Chris Cornell, Joe Perry and Ryan Adams have served to underscore the brand’s affinity for eclectic and iconic style makers. According to Stephen Niedzwiecki, “John Varvatos has an authentic connection to the world of rock ‘n’ roll, a legitimate relationship based on mutual admiration and shared references.”
For nearly two decades acclaimed music photographer and documentary filmmaker Danny Clinch has captured some of the most iconic names in music: Cash, Springsteen, Dylan and Tupac, just to name a few. The organic feel and texture of his work lets the subjects breathe and the music flow. His work has appeared in such publications as Vanity Fair, Spin, Rolling Stone, GQ, Esquire, the New Yorker and the New York Times Magazine, and his photographs have appeared on hundreds of album covers. Clinch has shot the eight previous Varvatos campaigns. Casting is handled by Sharon Ainsberg of Starworks, the agency renowned in the fashion industry for connecting luxury brands with high profile talent.
Since its founding in 2002, YARD has conceptualized, art directed, and produced an award-winning range of work in print and television advertising, packaging, editorial, and product design. YARD is a hybrid creative agency that blends the expertise of a style-driven fashion shop with that of a consumer-minded ad agency. By marrying an artistic eye for image-making with a strategic gut for brand-building, YARD creates arresting visuals that drive contemporary culture while crafting relevant storylines that resonate with the targets of fashion clients such as John Varvatos, Converse and LeSportsac, beauty clients like Bobbi Brown, Henri Bendel and Method, and entertainment clients like The Sundance Channel, Lifetime and MTV.
Launched in 2000 with a collection of tailored clothing and sportswear, John Varvatos now represents an entire lifestyle that includes belts, bags, footwear, eyewear, luxury skincare and fragrances (including women’s), as well as the younger, edgier John Varvatos « USA collection and Converse by John Varvatos, clothes for guys and girls. The designer has been recognized three times by the CFDA with an American Fashion award for New Menswear Designer (June 2000) and Menswear Designer of the Year (June 2001 and June 2005) and was honored as GQ’s “Designer of the Year” in 2007. The collection is distributed in freestanding John Varvatos boutiques across the U.S., as well as in better specialty stores throughout the world.
Inquiries:
John Varvatos Franz Ferdinand
Donna Faircloth Press Here Publicity
212-812-8008 Chloe Walsh
donna_faircloth@vfc.com 212.246.2640
YARD
Stephen Niedzwiecki
212-625-8372
Stephen@yardnyc.com
Also:
www.dannyclinch.com
November 2008 – New York, NY. John Varvatos, fashion designer, ardent collector of rock and roll music and memorabilia, and avid watch aficionado now adds the role of timepiece designer to his growing resume. Partnering with master watchmaker Leonid Khankin of Swiss watch brand Ernst Benz, the two have collaborated to bring time and design together with the introduction of the Ernst Benz by John Varvatos Limited Edition ChronoScope.
The partnership with Varvatos and Khankin began after the two met and connected over a mutual love for vintage watches. The two-year relationship began as Varvatos showed Ernst Benz watches on the runway at his fashion show in 2007. He has since carried the watch collection at his boutiques nationwide. “I have collected vintage watches for years because of their intricate design and architecture. It was a natural next step to create my own special timepiece with Leonid Khankin translating my design philosophy and blending my aesthetics intricately into the watch components,” commented Varvatos.
The design emerged through a series of studies between the two, discussing at length different watch details and their shared interest in mid-century vintage watches, which is also the inspiration and core of the Ernst Benz collection. They broke every aspect of the watch down piece by piece. From the angle of the bezel, design of the pushers and different dials, numerals, and hands, to the contrast finishing of the case, they drew inspiration from every element while at the same time remaining respectful to John’s signature style.
Varvatos added, “My fascination with watches has only grown with time and I have always wanted to design my own timepiece. Working with Leonid on this process has been an unparalleled experience. And the result is a watch that is the ultimate accessory for me and a perfect complement for people who buy my collections.”
The Ernst Benz by John Varvatos Limited Edition ChronoScope will be initially released in two dial design variations, vintage black and vintage anthracite, in time for the holidays. Two additional models, vintage white and vintage silver, will be released early next year to coincide with Varvatos’ Fall 2009 collection. A “perfectly imperfect” color scheme matching Varvatos’ seasonal hues and signature palette of black, brown, and gray organically became the focus of the collection. The shape and finish of the timepiece, which were designed to have a vintage feel, are what distinguish Varvatos’ design from other Ernst Benz models. The dial has been treated in a special way to achieve a natural patina, giving the timepiece the appearance that it has a history and soul, much like the timeless feel of John’s clothing.
Khankin remarked, “I was thrilled to have an opportunity to be able to partner with John on his first watch and I thoroughly enjoyed the collaborative design process. The finished product has far surpassed even my expectations!”
Other features include contrast finishing with the case crafted in brushed stainless steel, and the bezel, pushers, and crown finished in polished stainless steel. The hands are completely unique and tooled out based on the design of a timing gauge that Varvatos was attracted to. Exotic skin straps including alligator, crocodile, bison and calf in Ernst Benz’s aviator design, will be custom executed with special colors and finishes exclusive to the collection. Varvatos has personally designed a unique custom leather watchcase utilizing leathers from his trademark leather goods. Produced in both black and brown, it features a one-of-a-kind hinge system and hand stitched leather tie. The timepiece undoubtedly represents the unique vision of the precision instruments of Ernst Benz and the eye and detail of designer John Varvatos.
The Ernst Benz by John Varvatos Limited Edition ChronoScope will be numbered and limited to 250 watches per variation. The watch will retail for $6,800 on exotic straps and will be available exclusively at John Varvatos boutiques nationwide.
About John Varvatos
Launched in 2000 with a collection of tailored clothing and sportswear, John Varvatos now represents an entire lifestyle that includes belts, bags, footwear, eyewear, luxury skincare and fragrances (including one for women), as well as the younger, edgier John Varvatos « USA Collection and Converse by John Varvatos, clothes for guys and girls. The designer has been recognized three times by the CFDA with an American Fashion Award for New Menswear Designer (June 2000) and Menswear Designer of the Year (June 2001 and June 2005) and was honored as GQ’s “Designer of the Year” in 2007. The collection is distributed in freestanding John Varvatos boutiques across the US, as well as in better specialty stores throughout the world. www.johnvarvatos.com
About Ernst Benz
Functional and timeless, Ernst Benz has optimized legibility and precision, which has translated into a unique collection of technically exceptional timepieces recalling the aviator watches of the 1940’s, from which they are inspired. Designed and manufactured in Switzerland in the traditional Swiss manner, Ernst Benz watches are unrivaled in their durability, accuracy, and reliability. As a second-generation watchmaker, Leonid Khankin is deeply passionate about his watches and ensures that all Ernst Benz timepieces are built to exacting criteria and without compromise, yielding the highest quality of precision timepieces that the brand is renowned for.
For inquiries:
Donna Faircloth
John Varvatos
212.812.8008