NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A classic sailing jacket first made famous by John Wayne is being reborn through the efforts of two of the leading figures of the fashion industry – Marty Staff and Bert Pulitzer.
The new venture, Survivalon, has been formed to oversee the production and distribution of the jacket. A first run of the garment – which will be sold in better specialty and department stores around the world, as well as at marinas and boat shows – has already sold out. The garment will be officially introduced at Project New York on July 22.
“We are so excited about the possibilities for this jacket – and for this company,” said Mr. Staff. “This is an iconic outerwear silhouette that has already been selling very quickly. We think this jacket is the perfect garment for launching Survivalon.”
Mr. Pulitzer, the designer of the jacket, is a former close associate of Ralph Lauren. He has been credited for a wide range of fashion innovations in his pioneering career, most famously for bringing the so-called “Ivy League style” to the mass market.
“I am so pleased to be working with Marty and his team as we bring this wonderful jacket to the market,” Mr. Pulitzer said. “Young men today are looking for the real true classics and this jacket is just a wonderfully versatile garment. I am confident that Survivalon is in good hands as we build this lifestyle brand from the ground up.”
“Bert Pulitzer has been the designer behind successful menswear brands for as long as I’ve known him,” said CEO of Advanstar Fashion Group, Tom Florio. “The re-launch of the iconic Survivalon jacket at PROJECT adds to the great energy the men's fashion industry is experiencing.”
Made of a unique, water-resistant cotton fabric, the nautical jacket is being made at a Massachusetts factory that previously manufactured military outerwear. Mr. Pulitzer carefully researched the history of the jacket to ensure that every element of the garment is authentic. It will eventually be offered in 10 different colors.
Mr. Staff is managing Survivalon’s day-to-day operations through his new consulting firm, Marty Staff Associates. Assisting Mr. Staff is David Pergola, a former senior executive in charge of sales at Hugo Boss. Mr. Pergola will oversee sales at Survivalon.
About Marty Staff
In a career of nearly 40 years, Mr. Staff has served in senior management at leading fashion companies that include Polo Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, American Apparel and JA Apparel Corp. At each company, Mr. Staff has further cemented his reputation as one of the fashion industry’s most unique executives and a builder of leading brands.
In 2011, Mr. Staff served as President of Business Development and Chief Business Development Officer at American Apparel. Before joining American Apparel, Mr. Staff was President and Chief Executive Officer of JA Apparel Corp., owner of the Joseph Abboud brand.
In March 2004, Mr. Staff led a private equity acquisition of the company, and as CEO he successfully spearheaded the company’s transition from a traditional maker of men’s suits into a global lifestyle brand with a presence in 55 new countries, including China, and an array of new products for men, boys, and the home.
Prior to joining JA Apparel, Mr. Staff was President and CEO of Hugo Boss Fashions, Inc., President and COO Calvin Klein Fashions Inc. and Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Polo Ralph Lauren, among other positions. Mr. Staff began his professional career in 1973 at Bloomingdales as an Assistant Buyer.
Follow Marty Staff and Bert Pulitzer on Twitter @MartyStaff and @BertkP. Please find more information at http://martystaffassociates.com/ and http://www.pulitzerparadigmstrategy.com/.
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