Polo Names Barrato President of Purple, Black Labels

NEW YORK – Confirming widespread market reports, Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. said Monday that Joseph Barrato will join the company as president of Ralph Lauren Purple Label and Black label, effective July 10.

Barrato, who was part of the early brain trust that launched the Polo label with Lauren, has been president and chief executive officer of Brioni USA. His career has included retail posts with stores including Brooks Brothers, Bergdorf Goodman and Garfinckels.

He will report to Jacki Nemerov, executive vice president, and work closely with Joy Herfel, president of Polo Ralph Lauren menswear with responsibility for Polo by Ralph Lauren, RLX and Golf. Herfel has recently been assigned the task of expanding the Ralph Lauren men’s denim business, Polo said.

In a statement, Nemerov said that Barrato’s “appreciation for the Ralph Lauren aesthetic, couple with his extensive experience in the luxury menswear industry, make him uniquely qualified to lead the expansion of our Purple Label and Black Label menswear lines.”

As reported, Blacks Retail Analysis said Friday that Barrato would leave Brioni and join St. Andrews, the Italian firm that manufactures Ralph Lauren Purple Label.