True Religion appoints creative director

Denim and lifestyle company True Religion Apparel has appointed former Levi’s director Gary Harvey as creative director, to succeed the brand’s founder Jeff Lubell, who stepped down earlier this year. Harvey, who has spent the last eight years

helming his creative consultancy GaryHarveyCreative, will report to chief merchandising officer Lynne Koplin and will work to “define the creative vision and design” for the brand.

Most recently, Harvey has worked with companies including Adidas, Chanel, Diesel, and Nike at his own London-based agency. Prior to this, he served as creative director of Levi’s Europe for five years, where he was responsible for creating visionary concepts, and he has held senior design roles with UK fashion retailers Arcadia Group and French Connection.

His appointment marks an important step for the denim brand, which recently named David Conn as its new chief executive following the label being acquired by New York-based investment firm TowerBrook Capital Partners.

True Religion appoints Gary Harvey

Commenting on Harvey’s appointment, Conn stated that he hoped that he would bring a “fresh perspective” to the denim and apparel label and help “evolve the brand into the future” as the company looks to accelerate its growth in both the US and internationally.

“Gary has a depth of experience in the denim and apparel industries, along with an impressive talent for both men’s and women’s design,” said Koplin. “He is able to combine the highest level strategic thinking with an ability to inspire our team and roll up his sleeves to turn a vision into reality. I look forward to working with him in this next phase of True Religion’s growth.”

Harvey added: “True Religion is an established leader in the premium denim market and I am looking forward to working with the company at such an exciting turning point. Collaborating with the talented team at True Religion, we will develop an innovative vision and design ethos to ensure that customers experience a forward-looking and aspirational brand when they wear True Religion’s product, walk into its stores, and engage with its marketing.”

True Religion operates 130 stores in the US as well as 33 international. The brand is also found in contemporary department stores and boutiques in 50 countries on six continents.

Image: True Religion AW13