JOHN VARVATOS

The designers' first fragrance for women

In April 2008 John Varvatos opened a new boutique in the original birthplace of Punk in New York. In summer the men's wear designer presented his first fragrance for women.

The woman

The multi-layering of the floral-chypre, amber-fruity scent is the olfactory expression of Varvatos' view on the diversity of today’s woman who is an elegant woman as well as a playful chic girl; it just belongs to her and the situation which role she is choosing. Consequently she is far from being all things to all people - she is always herself.

John Varvatos' woman is a natural beauty with a quiet intensity born of intelligence and accomplishment; unmistakably sexy. She loves art, film, books, ... and shops in vintage stores as well high end boutiques. You can not foresee, where and when you will meet her.

The designer

Born in Michigan, John Varvatos joined Polo Ralph Lauren in 1983. In 1990 he was Calvin Klein's Head of Menswear Design. Varvatos was responsible for the launch of the men’s collection and the CK brand. In 1995, he returned to Polo as Vice President of Menswear Design for all Polo Ralph Lauren brands. During this period, he created and launched the successful Polo Jeans Company.

The Fall/Winter 2000 men's collection marked the debut of the brand John Varvatos.

“Our philosophy is about reaching back to move forward. We have something different to say with a sensibility that is both old and new. There is a vintage feel and a modern edge to our style,” John Varvatos

John Varvatos was recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2000 with the Perry Ellis Award for New Menswear Designer and in 2001 as Menswear Designer of the Year. In 2005 John was once again recognized by the CFDA with the Menswear Designer of the Year Award.

The bottle

The design was inspired by the fragility and beauty of Italian grappa bottles! Conveying an air of frailty coupled with confidence
and style, the bottle is a reflection of the girl who embraces this scent.

Varvatos' shops

In October 2000 Varvatos opened his first free-standing store in Soho, NYC. Four additional stores have opened over the following six years - East Hampton, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, South Coast Plaza.

On 17th April 2008 John Varvatos opened a new store in a legendary Punk club in New York. The music club CBGB’s closed in October 2006. The final show on its stage was performed by Patti Smith.

Video: A video tour with New York's Tim Murphy and Phil Pinto; www.nymag.com. John Varvatos in an interview about his new store at 315 Bowery (opening April 2008) in a space that formerly housed the underground Punk music club CBGB’s. Varvatos pays tribute to the music heritage of the legendary space. His personal passion for rock & roll is often expressed in his men's wear collections.

Inside, the walls remain untouched and are still inscribed with graffiti and plastered with the original concert posters, stickers and band fliers. Furnishings and fixtures are largely found objects and vintage pieces that exhibit a distinct character and the patina of authenticity. A 25-foot mahogany bar reclaimed from its former life in a pub on 14th Street. Vintage rolling racks hold the Varvatos clothing collections, augmented by a carefully sourced selection of vintage denim, leather jackets, rock-tee’s, accessories, and boots. These special pieces have been hand picked in collaboration with the nation’s premier vintage shop, What Comes Around Goes Around (WCAGA). John Varvatos' own collections of rare vinyl and picture discs, books and 1970’s audio equipment are in this boutique. A stage has been constructed to house occasional in-store performances in a salute to the place where underground rock lives. 

“I am beyond excited about this new concept store at 315 Bowery. The space itself has such an amazing history and we intend to do it right by making this store a cultural experience for all rock music lovers. We will have an amazing collection of memorabilia, vinyl records and the finest selection of vintage 1970’s audio equipment in NYC. We will also host concerts for up-and-coming artists through an artist development fund.  As CBGB’s was a unique arena for the music scene, this store will be the same for fashion and rock & roll. They have always been intertwined and here they will live together!” says John Varvatos.

Video: John Varvatos FW 08/09

Check out more about John Varvatos www.johnvarvatos.com

more beautyme>>>

fig.: John Varvatos' new store at 315 Bowery, New York, in a space that formerly housed the underground Punk music club CBGB’s. Varvatos pays tribute to the music heritage of the legendary space. His personal passion for rock & roll that is often expressed in his men's wear collections.