Marcus Wainwright, co-founder of the renowned fashion brand, Rag & Bone, announced his departure as chief brand officer.
A force to be reckoned with since its establishment in 2002, Rag & Bone has imprinted itself indelibly on the American fashion scene. With Wainwright and his co-founder, David Neville, at the helm, the brand quickly became a symbol of understated cool, deftly blending classic English heritage with a distinct New York edge. Now, even as Wainwright departs, the brand looks poised to retain its unique appeal under the able leadership of its long-time team members.
Marcus Wainwright, whose visionary leadership catapulted the brand to global recognition, will continue to be a significant shareholder and a member of the board of directors, even after he relinquishes his position. The mantle of creative leadership will be shared by Jennie McCormick, the chief merchandising and design officer, and Kyle Sweeney, the senior vice president of men’s design and merchandising.
Despite Wainwright’s departure, Rag & Bone‘s top-tier management remains largely unchanged, with Nicolas Vermot continuing as chief operating officer, Rebecca Seidenstein as chief people officer, and Benjamin Harris as chief commercial officer. The combined expertise of these industry veterans ensures the brand’s future is in safe hands.
Andrew Rosen, the chairman of the board of Rag & Bone, credited Wainwright’s dedicated leadership for the brand’s resilience and remarked, “Marcus’ legacy will be felt in those who will carry on the culture he created, his vision, and the Rag & Bone aesthetic”.
Wainwright himself reflected poignantly on his journey, stating, “Rag & Bone began 21 years ago, and after 84 seasons, 168 collections… I’ve earned a bit of a break“. Expressing immense pride for the brand he’s helped build and the people who contributed along the way, Wainwright seems at peace with his decision to step away. His farewell letter to his staff acknowledged his complicated feelings, affirming, “After over 30,000 designs, hundreds of shoots, endless discussions… I’ll be saying farewell at the end of this month”.
The fascinating journey of Rag & Bone, from a factory in Kentucky making jeans to its expanded product range featuring ready-to-wear for both men and women, footwear, and accessories, showcases the brand’s innovative spirit and dedication to craftsmanship. Today, it operates 37 stores worldwide, with its products available in over 53 countries.
The story of Rag & Bone is not just a testament to Wainwright and Neville’s vision, but also the talent of the team that has grown with the brand. Despite the transition, the brand’s future looks bright as ever. As Wainwright aptly stated in his farewell, “I leave with the brand as strong as ever and with an incredible team driving it forward“.
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