MajorsAug 05, 2022
Former Nike Executive Joins Team at David Yurman MajorsSep 15, 2022
Reed Krakoff, Former Head of Design at Tiffany, Joins John Hardy
Krakoff is the jewelry brand’s new creative chairman and strategic advisor to L Catterton, the private equity firm that owns John Hardy.
A file photo of Reed Krakoff from his time at Tiffany & Co. Krakoff, who worked at Coach for 16 years and spent four years at Tiffany as chief artistic officer, is now creative chairman at John Hardy. It is a newly created role for the company.
New York—Reed Krakoff, who spent nearly two decades as creative director at Coach and about four years at Tiffany & Co., is now joining John Hardy.
The jewelry brand announced Wednesday it has named Krakoff to the newly created role of creative chairman as well as strategic advisor to L Catterton, the private equity firm that holds a majority stake in John Hardy.
As creative chairman, Krakoff will work alongside CEO Kareem Gahed and oversee the creative and artistic direction of the business. He’ll also become a minority stakeholder in John Hardy.
“John Hardy has a strong reputation for its authentic combination of artistry, sustainability, and craftsmanship, and I believe the brand has tremendous untapped potential,” Krakoff said.
A graduate of Parsons The New School of Design in New York, Krakoff has more than 30 years’ experience with luxury brands.
He rose to prominence during his time with Coach (1996-2013), most of which was spent as president and executive creative director. He is credited with overhauling and reviving the brand’s image and turning it into a $5 billion business.
Related stories will be right here …
The jewelry brand announced Wednesday it has named Krakoff to the newly created role of creative chairman as well as strategic advisor to L Catterton, the private equity firm that holds a majority stake in John Hardy.
As creative chairman, Krakoff will work alongside CEO Kareem Gahed and oversee the creative and artistic direction of the business. He’ll also become a minority stakeholder in John Hardy.
“John Hardy has a strong reputation for its authentic combination of artistry, sustainability, and craftsmanship, and I believe the brand has tremendous untapped potential,” Krakoff said.
A graduate of Parsons The New School of Design in New York, Krakoff has more than 30 years’ experience with luxury brands.
He rose to prominence during his time with Coach (1996-2013), most of which was spent as president and executive creative director. He is credited with overhauling and reviving the brand’s image and turning it into a $5 billion business.
From 2017 to 2021, Krakoff served as chief artistic officer at Tiffany & Co., lending his touch to the jeweler’s in-store restaurant, the Blue Box Café, which opened in 2018; the collection of “Everyday Objects,” which included the $1,000 tin can that lit up the internet right before the café’s opening; and the “Paper Flowers” jewelry collection.
He left the company shortly after LVMH’s acquisition of the jeweler was complete, exiting alongside a handful of other executives in early 2021.
Krakoff is a three-time winner of the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s “Accessory Designer of the Year” award and serves on the CFDA’s board of directors.
“L Catterton has been a strong believer in the growth opportunities ahead for John Hardy, and we are confident that, with Reed’s artistic eye, the brand’s distinctive heritage will continue to be set apart,” said Michael Chu, global co-CEO of L Catterton and chair of John Hardy’s board of directors.
“L Catterton will also benefit from Reed’s role as a strategic advisor across select investments and future acquisitions.”
L Catterton, which focuses on buyouts of consumer-facing brands, acquired John Hardy in 2014. It reportedly was exploring a sale of the brand earlier this year, before the deal-making market softened.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant RecipientsThe selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
