Vazquez named president of Hollywould unit

US: Laura Vazquez named president of Kellwood’s Hollywould unit

By just-style.com | 17 May 2007

Laura Vazquez has been named to the new post of president of the Hollywould division of Kellwood Co.

Based in New York, she will work closely with Holly Dunlap, founder and creative director of the brand, and report to Robert Skinner, chairman, president and CEO of Kellwood. Hollywould was acquired by Kellwood last December.

Vazquez was most recently managing director of Adrienne Vittadini and prior to that spent two years as executive vice president of Perry Ellis women's sportswear, which at the time was licensed to Kellwood. Earlier in her career, she was with Ann Taylor for 12 years, culminating in her appointment as divisional vice president.

Skinner said that he and Dunlap "were searching for an executive with the appropriate blend of merchandising competence and business acumen, and a strong branding focus. [Vazquez's] vast experience with several key apparel brands will provide the leadership needed to support the expansion of Hollywould in becoming a global lifestyle brand."

Hollywould is among the upscale brands acquired or licensed by Kellwood in recent years as it's looked to lessen its reliance on lower-margin mid-tier brands.

The brand is sold in its own stores in Palm Beach, Florida, and New York and also at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and other fashion specialty stores.

By Arnold J Karr.

Sectors: Apparel, Finance, Footwear

Companies: Kellwood, Perry Ellis, Ann Taylor, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom