Michael Kors appoints president of menswear

Luxury fashion and lifestyle label Michael Kors has appointed Mark Brashear, former Hugo Boss chairman and chief executive for the Americas, to the newly-created role of president of men’s. Brashear, who was with Hugo Boss for five years, started his new role with Michael Kors earlier this month, and the company

noted that his appointment marks a key element in the brand’s “strategic development of its men’s business”.

As president of the menswear division, he will oversee the major expansion of the Michael Kors menswear business, covering apparel, watches, fragrances and leather goods, and will push forward with the labels plans to open a number of freestanding menswear stores next year.

“The men’s world represents a significant opportunity for us, and we’ve been putting the pieces in place to grow that business,” said John Idol, Michael Kors chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Mark’s appointment is a big step forward because he brings with him a wealth of skills and experience in men’s brand-building.”

Michael Kors plans menswear push with new appointment

Idol added: “In the coming months we are launching a men’s fragrance, introducing a new collection of men’s watches and opening our first flagship store to feature the full men’s offering, in SoHo. The addition of Mark to our team now enables us to build substantially on the momentum we’ve created.”

The luxury label is hoping that the appointment will help the menswear line prosper into a one billion dollar business, with WWD reporting that one-third of that is expected to come from watches, one-third from apparel and one-third from leather goods.

Brashear's background covers many aspects of the men's luxury business sector. Prior to Hugo Boss he was president of Façonnable for seven years and executive vice president, Southwest Unit, at Nordstrom, where he worked from 1993 to 2001.

Commenting on his appointment, Brashear said: “The potential for Michael Kors Men’s is simply enormous, as anyone who knows the brand can see. I’m excited to be joining such a dynamic team and look forward to contributing to the growth of this powerful brand.”

Images: Mark Brashear and Michael Kors menswear AW14 collection