Bio
John Varvatos
John Varvatos is Chief Executive Officer of John Varvatos Enterprises Inc. Mr. Varvatos founded his namesake company, inspired by the creative spirit, electricity and edginess of rock 'n' roll more than a decade ago.
Mr. Varvatos began his career at Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. in 1983. Recruited by Calvin Klein in 1990, he was named Head of Menswear Design and oversaw the launch of the men's collection and the influential ck Calvin Klein brand. In 1995, he returned to Polo Ralph Lauren as Head of Menswear Design for the company's portfolio of brands and created the successful Polo Jeans
Company.
In 2000, Mr. Varvatos launched his own men's collection and that same year was recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) with the Perry Ellis Award for Menswear. He then wowed the industry by receiving the CFDA award for Menswear Designer of the Year in 2001 and again in 2005. In 2007, GQ magazine named him Designer of the Year in its 12th Annual Men of the Year issue.
A long-time music lover, Mr. Varvatos credits the rock 'n' roll, Motown, blues, jazz and punk music he experienced while growing up in Detroit as main influences for his eclectic work. For the last two years, he has hosted Born In Detroit, a monthly radio show on Sirius XM's Faction channel that features songs by his favorite artists as well as interviews and live performances. He also writes a music blog, JV's Fun House, which gives fans insight into his trips to concerts, festivals, parties and backstage jam sessions around the world.
Encyclopædia Britannica Article
- shoe
Outer covering for the foot, usually of leather, with a stiff or thick sole and heel, and generally reaching no higher than the ankle (unlike a boot). Early examples from Mesopotamia were moccasinlike wraparounds of leather; not until the Hellenistic Age did shoes become luxurious. The Romans developed shoes fitted for the left and right feet, and differentiated according to sex and rank. In the 14th–15th century, shoes became extremely long and pointed, the points attaining a length of 18 in. (45 cm) or more. In the 16th century, the toes became extremely broad, like a duck's bill. In the 17th century, shoes had moderately high heels and were often decorated with large rosettes of lace and ribbons, which gave way to gold or silver buckles in the 18th century. The first shoe factory opened in 1760, in Massachusetts, but not until the development of modern machinery in the 19th century were shoes made quickly and inexpensively.
- shoe on britannica.com
© 2010 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
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