Former St. John Exec Heads to Menswear
Richard Cohen, the short-lived chief executive at St. John in Irvine, Calif., has been appointed chief executive and president at California menswear company Robert Talbott Inc.
Cohen, who built up the business at Italian fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna North America before leaving in 2004 to take the helm at St. John, has been consulting for Robert Talbott during the past year. He will also become a partner in the Carmel Valley, Calif.–based company.
Cohen left St. John in April 2006 after making some drastic changes at the womenswear company, known for its high-end knit suits that sell to a well-to-do crowd. He tried to entice a younger customer by bringing on Gisele Bundchen as the 45-year-old company’s signature model. She was later replaced with actress Angelina Jolie.
But older customers, the backbone of the company’s sales, complained they didn’t like the newer, more modern St. John clothing and curtailed their shopping. The company’s revenues dipped below its all-time high at the $400 million mark.
Robert Talbott, founded in 1950 by Robert and Audrey Talbott, started out making expensive neckwear and later expanded to dress shirts, sports shirts, sweaters, outerwear, cufflinks and belts.
Company owner Robb Talbott, son of the founders, will spend more time running the family vineyard in Monterey, Calif., but will remain chairman of the menswear concern. —Deborah Belgum
