INDUSTRY PAYS TRIBUTE TO “NECKTIE KING” MERVYN MANDELBAUM

Meryvn Mandelbaum, who gained industry fame as the “Necktie King” as the owner of Superba, passed away on Wednesday, November 29 at the age of 75.

A South African immigrant who grew up working in his family’s tie business, he moved to the U.S. in 1979, where he took over long-established company Superba Cravats and moved it from Rochester, New York, to Los Angeles. Over the next quarter of a century, Superba ruled the neckwear industry, producing millions of ties for major labels including Donna Karan International, Ike Behar, Tommy Hilfiger, Hart Schaffner & Marx, and Jones New York, to name a few.

In 2006, PVH bought Superba for a reported $110 million cash, plus an earn-out of up to $70 million based upon earnings over the next three years. Mandelbaum stayed with PVH, where he served as the chief executive officer of PVH Neckwear Group of Phillips-Van Heusen Corp.

“Mervyn was a high-quality, driven entrepreneur focused on building the world’s largest quality neckwear company. In a world of clothing guys, shirt guys and shoe guys, he was the Tie Guy!” commented Allan Ellinger, senior managing partner of MMG Advisors.

“He was the sharpest businessman, who knew how to make a deal but was always fair,” adds Ronny Wurtzburger, head of Peerless Clothing Company. “He was a true gentleman and those who came in contact were better for knowing Mervyn.”

“Mervyn was a true class act: compassionate, creative, candid, and so so smart,” says Karen Alberg Grossman, editor-in-chief of MR. When we first launched MR magazine back in the heyday of neckwear, he was the first one I would call to gain insight into the business. His brand portfolio was always balanced so there was something for everyone and, although he was not born here, he was extremely proud to produce a luxury product in America. Truly an icon in the industry who influenced and inspired so many who followed, he will be missed.

“It’s amazing to think about how many lives my father has touched,” comments his daughter, Danielle Mandelbaum, who worked with her father for many years before founding Bespoke Fashion, a neckwear and accessories company specializing in private label products, in 2012. “I have learned so much more in the last few days, as the tributes and testimonials have come in. He was a true gentleman, in every sense of the word. I am so honored to be his daughter.”

In addition to Danielle, Mervyn Mandelbaum is survived by his wife Jeanette and another daughter, Jackie.