LOS ANGELES, Jan 4, 2008 / FW/ — Brooks Brothers veteran Simon Kneen has been named Executive Vice President of Design and Creative Director for Banana Republic, The Gap, parent company of Banana Republic announced today.
Kneen, who will start at his new post on January 9, will set the product direction for Banana Republic apparel and accessories, as well as set the overall creative direction for the brand. Mr. Kneen is bringing to Banana Republic more than 25 years of experience in designing for apparel brands in the U.S. and Europe.
Prior to Banana Republic, Simon Kneen served as creative design director for the Retail Brand Alliance, where he led the creative vision for such well-known brands as Brooks Brothers and Adrienne Vittadini.
He was the first to design a fashion collection for men’s and women’s at Brooks Brothers, and was part of the leadership team that helped reposition the brand. While at the Retail Brand Alliance, he was also responsible for designing the collections under the Casual Corner label from 2003 until 2005, prior to the brand’s sale.
His résumé also includes serving as Creative Director for Italian fashion house Maska (2001 – 2003) and head designer for ready-to-wear at the French fashion house Balmain.
Mr. Kneen also led his own successful design firm and produced the Simon Kneen Collection, a line of suiting, separate, knitwear and accessories sold through luxury apparel retailers in Italy.
[HEIDE WINKENWERDER]
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