Michael Kors Names Marcel Ostwald SVP of Menswear

Michael Kors Holdings Limited has added another executive to its menswear team. Marcel Ostwald, formerly of Hugo Boss, joins Michael Kors as SVP of menswear, a new position. He will work with Mr. Kors and menswear president Mark Brashear on brand strategy and product vision, the company said.

“I look forward to working with Marcel,” said Kors in a statement. “His talent, experience and understanding of brand-building make him the perfect addition to help our continued expansion of the Michael Kors men’s business.”
“We are very pleased that Marcel Ostwald is bringing his talent, experience and innovative spirit to Michael Kors,” added CEO John D. Idol. “We’ve stated our intention to build a substantial, global men’s business at Michael Kors, and exceptional design is critical to achieving that goal. We look forward to Marcel’s leadership in creating both exceptional product and a strong men’s fashion identity that captures the essence of the Michael Kors brand DNA.”

Ostwald had been at Hugo Boss for 11 years, most recently as senior head of creative management and concept design for Boss Sportswear. He has also worked on the company’s clothing, shoes, leather and accessories categories. From 2001 to 2003 he was a menswear designer at Joop.

“I am excited to be joining Michael Kors at this special moment in the development of its menswear business,” said Ostwald. “It’s a tremendous brand with a unique sensibility. I look forward to working with Michael Kors, Mark Brashear and the deep pool of talent at the company to take the men’s business to the next level.”

Michael Kors has been making investments in its menswear business over the past year. In July 2014, former Hugo Boss Americas chief Mark Brashear joined the company in the newly created position of president of menswear. In February, the company opened a three-level flagship store in New York that features a 4,000 sq. ft. menswear department – the first time menswear has been featured at a company-owned store.

Designer Michael Kors founded his brand in 1981.