John Varvatos

Recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to menswear, John Varvatos pioneered the widely adopted boxer briefs during his tenure as head of menswear design at Calvin Klein, a role he assumed in 1990. This innovation gained widespread recognition after a prominent 1992 advertising campaign featuring Mark Wahlberg. During his time at Calvin Klein, he also oversaw the successful launch of the men’s collection and the cK brand, solidifying his reputation. Prior to this, Varvatos co-founded Fitzgerald’s Men’s Store in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1980, marking an early entrepreneurial venture.

Demonstrating a passion for music, he established John Varvatos Records in 2014, partnering with Monte Lipman’s Republic label and signing diverse artists such as the Zac Brown Band. Most recently, in September 2023, John Varvatos was appointed Chief Design Officer at Under Armour, a pivotal role that leverages his iconic design vision to innovate within the global performance apparel, footwear, and accessories brand. This appointment marks a significant new chapter, further solidifying his enduring impact and versatility across the fashion and lifestyle industries.