Latest news with #VineyardVines
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shep and Ian Are Back at Vineyard Vines
STAMFORD, Conn. — Vineyard Vines has kept a low profile over the past few years — and that's intentional. Since introducing its smiling pink whale logo 27 years ago, the Stamford, Conn.-based brand founded by brothers Shep and Ian Murray have built a multimillion-dollar business centered around a preppy country club-inspired aesthetic. More from WWD UYN Opens First U.S. Store as Sports Brand Eyes Expansion in America Billy Reid Returns to Growth Mode After Knot Standard Integration Carhartt Work in Progress Opens in Williamsburg But around the company's quarter-century mark, rumors began to fly that the company was for sale and the brothers were butting heads. While a sale never came to fruition, the Murrays decided to bring in some fresh blood to help them navigate the future. Enter Roger Farah, a respected industry figure who spent four decades in retail at Macy's, Federated Department Stores and Saks Fifth Avenue, before joining Ralph Lauren Corp., Tory Burch, Tiffany & Co. and CVS. 'We met Roger a number of years ago,' Ian Murray said in an interview last week at the company's sprawling headquarters on the waterfront here. 'We thought he could be helpful, so he joined our advisory board and through his strong recommendation, we brought in some leadership.' That leader was John Mehas, whose career started at Bloomingdale's and included stints as chief executive officer of Club Monaco and Victoria's Secret as well as president of Tory Burch. He came on board in October 2022 as CEO of Vineyard Vines. Although they never exited the company or brought in investors, the brothers stepped aside and took on the role of chief creative officers. But the experiment didn't end well. After less than two years, Mehas was shown the door by the Murrays, who continue to own 100 percent of the privately held company. 'We're back,' the brothers said in unison. Although they were reluctant to provide too much detail about the split, it's obvious upon speaking to them that the situation ultimately became contentious. 'We were nearing 25 years of business and we were focused on how to evolve and grow,' they said. 'At that time we thought that having a team with a bigger skill set would be instrumental.' 'We met Roger through a mutual friend,' Shep Murray said. 'He's a terrific businessman, and we enjoyed our time with him, but we are founders of our company — we have a vision, and our customers repeatedly have always responded best to our vision. So Ian and I are back home and happy, and we're seeing great results. 'We felt it was the right thing for the brand at time,' he continued, 'and we took a risk. I think everybody learned a lot from it, and at the end of the day, we confirmed what our customers wanted. The way we run our business is a little bit atypical, but it works best for this brand.' Vineyard Vines traces its beginnings to 1998 when the-then 27-year-old Shep Murray and his 23-year-old brother ditched their corporate jobs in New York City and invested $7,000 into creating a line of whimsically designed neckties inspired by the lobsters, boats and street signs of Martha's Vineyard, where they loved spending time. They sold those ties — not very successfully at first — on the Vineyard, sometimes off their boats and other times out of their Jeeps or backpacks at local bars. Although business was tough to come by at first, they persevered and eventually established a following and built a business they boast is 'extremely healthy' with annual sales 'significantly above $500 million.' Now back in charge, the Murrays are reinvigorated and looking to the future with optimism as they lean into their mantra: 'Every Day Should Feel This Good.' While there are no plans to dramatically change their game plan, they do see opportunities for growth in other categories such as restaurants, food, travel or even pet products. 'It's a very simple formula,' Ian Murray said. 'As Yvon Chouinard from Patagonia always said: if you do something and it feels good, you walk toward it. If it doesn't feel good, take a step back. We don't chase trends. We've gotten to scale, which is great. And being at scale and being privately owned allows us to do things that a lot of other companies can't, which is to always make decisions in the best interest of the long-term health of the business, as opposed to a short-term financial exit.' As a result, the Murrays continue to focus on their core products, but infused with technological advances and refreshed seasonally. 'The product feels fantastic. It's innovative. It's updated versions of many key franchises that have been successful for years, along with some fashion ideas that will likely become new franchises,' Ian Murray said. 'I actually don't like the word 'fashion.' We don't do runways. We just do seasonal updates. We're really about brand and lifestyle.' 'Great things never go out of style,' his brother added. 'Our brand represents color, it represents humor. It doesn't discriminate. It's a beacon of positivity in this world we live in.' Ian Murray pointed to Ralph Lauren as a company they admire for its unwavering vision. 'He dreamed up these lives he wanted to live and there's nobody better than him.' Today, the Vineyard Vines business breaks down into 50 percent menswear, 30 percent women's, 15 percent boys and 5 percent girls. Its bestselling item is the On the Go men's pant, which looks like a classic chino but is infused with performance attributes such as stretch, moisture-wicking, water repellency and wrinkle resistance. It retails for $128 and there's also a shorts version for $98.50. 'It took almost 20 years to get the pants and shorts where we wanted them to be,' Ian Murray said. 'You know with guys, when they find something they like, they just stick with it. So it took a long time to earn their trust and to get the fabrics and fits right.' Also popular today are the lightweight nylon button-down shirts for men that are machine washable and quick drying, as well as the Sankaty golf polo — named after a lighthouse on Nantucket — and a complementary quarter-zip that are appropriate for the links or the office. And the brand's boxer shorts are also 'on fire,' they said. Preppie pieces continue to represent 50 percent of the men's business, they said, with items such as blue blazers, performance cotton shirts, cotton chinos and even neckwear and accessories still staples. 'That business is still strong, but not growing as fast as the [performance side],' Ian Murray said. A collection called Surf, which comprises worn-in pieces such as garment-dyed polos, terrycloth sweats, hoodies and faded T-shirts, is also performing well, they said. 'A lot of brands like to be on the cutting edge,' Shep Murray said. 'You're never going to see us anywhere near the Met Gala. We've done a great job evolving our basics. We're not afraid to pull out a jersey cotton polo and put that in the line. It doesn't have to be new all the time.' Beyond its core assortment, Vineyard Vines also offers collaboration product. The brothers, who still share an office and say they almost never disagree about anything, were just back from Louisville, where they showcased their Kentucky Derby collection to fans at Churchill Downs, a collaboration that began 15 years ago. That's one of many partnerships the brand has had over the years including its most recent, a Grateful Dead collection in honor of the band's 60th anniversary that launched last week. Coming on June 7 is a Jaws collaboration celebrating the 50th anniversary of that legendary film. The limited-edition capsule will include men's, women's and children's Ts, sweatshirts, polos and hats. Because the movie was filmed on Martha's Vineyard, many of their friends had cameo appearances, and they're expected to be included in activations the brand will host on the Vineyard and in its stores this summer. 'We hitch our wagons to iconic American institutions,' Shep Murray said. His brother added: 'They're relatively small parts of our business, but they're the sizzle.' Retail remains a key part of the business. Vineyard Vines operates 126 stores: 77 full-price and 49 outlets, with its most recent additions in Kittery, Maine; Albany, N.Y.; Edina, Minn., and Tampa. Since the beginning, the business has been broken down into 'three buckets,' Ian Murray said: Vineyard Vines stores; direct-to-consumer, which includes web and catalogue, and wholesale. Their collection is sold at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Belk, Von Maur and other large retailers but specialty stores such as Puritan Cape Cod and Darien Sport Shop remain important partners. The business is nearly 100 percent U.S.-based although there are Vineyard Vines stores in both Bermuda and the Bahamas that are operated by local partners. 'And we have a small wholesale business in other countries,' Shep Murray said. The idea of moving outside the U.S. is something they plan to revisit going forward, they said. 'That wasn't a priority of the last leadership team,' Ian Murray said. They're also exploring getting into the restaurant business, and adding other product categories such as eyewear and fragrance. A collaboration with Target in 2019, where they offered some 300 items such as inflatables, tableware, games and other products, 'showed us how passionate people were about our lifestyle, not just the categories we're in now,' Shep Murray said. 'Whatever we do, it has to be something we love. We built our business making things we love.' And spreading that love — both internally and externally — remains a priority for the brothers. 'We have an incredible team comprised of many people who have worked their way from store level up to senior roles, along with other people from the outside,' Shep Murray said. 'We're having fun and inviting our customers to have fun with us.' The brothers stressed that the company's goals remain the same as they have been since the beginning: to make Vineyard Vines a great place to work, to create an exceptional customer experience through product and messaging, and to drive profitable sales growth. 'And we believe super strongly that they have to be in that order,' Ian Murray said. 'They can't be flipped over. It'll just never work. And so we are really laser-focused on our team, making sure we have the right people in the right seats, and making sure everything we do reeks the brand. It doesn't need to have the logo on it to say Vineyard Vines. It's an easy story to tell because it's our story.' Shep Murray added: 'Nobody can tell our story better than us: these two brothers who had no experience but a passion to share their dream lifestyle with other people. It's been a winning recipe.' He said they're 'not afraid of smart people,' and seek to surround themselves with others who can 'help elevate our brand and our business and our three goals.' But one constant will remain — the Murray brothers will continue to be in control. 'Whenever we put somebody else in the seat and take a step back, we itch because we want to get back. No one can do us as well as us,' Shep Murray said. 'Every now and then, when we lose our way, or we have somebody join the team who doesn't always see the brand through that lens; it becomes apparent super quickly,' Ian Murray said. Although they've built a sizable business, 'we've always chased our dreams, we've never chased dollar signs,' Shep Murray said. 'We always want to be better than we are bigger.' Best of WWD China's Streetwear Whisperer: Peter Zhong Some 600 Exhibitors Expected at Pitti Uomo's 101st Edition Peter Manning Purchased by Longtime CEO Who Plans Expansion Sign in to access your portfolio
Refinery29
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
From 'Perfect Housewife' Shift Dresses To A 'Rock ‘n' Roll' Gown, The Fashion In Sirens Is Full Of Easter Eggs
Mild spoilers for Sirens, premiering on May 22, ahead. In Netflix's new steamy thriller Sirens, on the lavish grounds of Cliff House — located on an exclusive, unnamed island in the vein of Martha's Vineyard — the decadent dress code is more than just an etiquette guideline. 'What is this place and why does everyone look like an Easter egg?!' exclaims Devon (Meghann Fahy) to her estranged younger sister Simone (Milly Alcock), an assistant to the palatial beach estate's doyenne, Michaela Kell (Julianne Moore) — or 'Kiki' to the anointed. Surrounded by floral-clad Stepford-type denizens, a disheveled Devon, out of place in all black, pleads for help from Simone, who, in contrast, is wearing brash pink. Their father, Bruce (Bill Camp), has dementia, but Simone refuses to leave her formidable boss and the lap of luxury. Devon surmises that her baby sister has been seduced by a cult led by the enigmatic Michaela. A suspenseful push and pull of women's relationships, money, and power ensues — and the luxurious wardrobes by costume designer Caroline Duncan offer figurative Easter eggs leading to the climactic finale. Devon's Subversive Black Outfit Arriving at Cliff House after a night in jail and a grueling 17-hour journey from Buffalo – including bus, ferry, and on-foot travel — Devon hasn't changed out of her all-black outfit: a black tank top, a Babaton mini skirt, and Thursday combat boots. 'When we meet Devon, she's at a low point,' says Duncan. 'She's got alcohol and sexual impulsivity issues, and we wanted to put her in something where we could see the scabs and dirt on her skin, but also show that she's emboldened by showing her skin. Part of her addiction comes from that confidence.' On the ferry, Devon visually — and spiritually — clashes with the posh summering crowd in pastel outfits straight out of Lilly Pulitzer and Vineyard Vines campaigns. But things are about to change, and the mint-green lace trim that Duncan added to Devon's camisole alludes to Michaela's meticulously manicured enclave and the intrigue to come. 'Planting that little seed of her journey,' says Duncan. Michaela's Otherworldly Neutrals Devon becomes convinced that Michaela, who's planning an extravagant Labor Day fundraiser gala for her rare bird preservation charity, is a cult leader. Adding to the vibe, the philanthropist — in a billowing white halter tunic and flowy pants — wields a fowl-topped baton to lead her devotées in an invocation of her sign-off mantra: 'Hey, hey.' 'Our intent was to always have the audience questioning what the mythos surrounding her, and the lore of her, was,' says Duncan, who custom-made most of Moore's other costumes. 'I wanted her to feel like she was always floating and above the fracas of the real world.' Taking inspiration from '70s-era Lee Radziwill and Italian brand Alberta Ferretti's ethereal silhouettes, Duncan made Michaela's halter ensemble with vintage silk from a distributor also used by Halston, a brand whose silky garments were worn by the likes of Liza Minnelli and Bianca Jagger. Later, the de facto empress of the island presides over her disciples in a luminous one-shoulder caftan gown by The Row. Duncan imagined that the ambitious lawyer-turned-billionaire-trophy-wife made her mark on the impressionable island community by formulating a color-coded wardrobe 'rulebook.' But, in the ultimate flex, Michaela's own distinctive palette of neutrals is an ongoing, eye-catching exception. 'Everyone else around Michaela is in this flutter of beautiful color, and she's this visual pause,' says Duncan. 'Which, of course, means that she's the person you're looking at, at all times, in the room.' Michaela's alabaster layers also boldly counter Devon's rebellious, grungey style as the two face off over Simone's allegiance toward the end of episode one. 'Everybody else in between them is in a powder puff of color, but the two are the binaries of the show,' says Duncan. Simone's Try-Hard Pinks and Commanding Blues Simone regularly barks orders at the Cliff House staff through a megaphone. Her bright pink mod-style dress with a precious white trim, from a Goop x Lilly Pulitzer collaboration, amplifies her relentless determination to fulfill Michaela's directives. 'Simone's got to be obnoxious,' says Duncan. 'It's like the dial is just turned up way too high. She's vibrating far too brightly, and she's trying way too hard to fit in. So everything about her feels extra, and she is in a hotter color than everyone else in that world.' As Simone's character evolves, she transitions to cooler shades of blue, starting with a custom sleeveless Pulitzer-referential dress. 'Blue very much felt like a moment; a marker for Simone feeling more in control,' says Duncan, who also made an exquisitely draped, silvery-blue asymmetrical gown for Simone for a jaw-dropping moment later in the season. 'She starts to feel a little bit bolder and a step wiser,' says Duncan, 'Her need for this perfection, and her desire to match Michaela's level of perfection, starts to wane.' Devon's Red Statement Dress After her initial showdown with Michaela, Devon is briefly banished to a luxury hotel on the island — on the Kell family tab. Taking advantage of her new expense account to finally change out of her two-day-old outfit, she buys a bold crimson Francesca Miranda dress, featuring the Colombia-based designer's pata de cabra technique of slinky, draped strips of fabric. 'It felt like Devon would love that dress, because it's exoskeletal and it moves and it's bold,' says Duncan, who worked with the label to customize the dress with monochrome red lining. 'It moves so beautifully, and the color is so defiant. We're not a world of primary colors in Sirens.' As the signature color of Devon's hometown team, the Buffalo Bills, red also indicates Devon's humble roots — something Simone disavows by cryptically saying she's from 'upstate.' Devon's Michaela-Approved Outfits In an effort to 'extract' Simone, Devon decides to infiltrate the presumed cult and ingratiates herself with Michaela by agreeing to dress the part. She changes into a Michaela-approved sleeveless shift dress with a vintage Lilly Pulitzer print, delicate cut-outs at the neckline, and fabric-covered buttons. Michaela's dress choice conveys her control and manipulation of Devon at Cliff House, with Duncan referring to the look as a 'cage dress.' 'There's a lot of intention to that. Michaela is putting her in a dress that feels very '60s,' continues Duncan. 'To Devon, that image of a 'perfect housewife' is her nightmare version of femininity.' Devon even devises her own chant, as she dons a padded lilac Jennifer Behr headband and matching ballet flats by Christian Louboutin. 'Fuck you, Michaela,' she mutters. 'Fuck you, Michaela.' But, nearly overnight, Devon eases into her second Cliff House-coded outfit: a yellow-and-blue shift dress with a seashell print, Castaner sandals, and an adorable lemon-shaped straw bag. 'As we get further and further into our story, she is tempted by the siren call of this world,' says Duncan. Devon's Goddess Gala Gown Ahead of the opulent Labor Day gala, Devon luxuriates in her own Pretty Woman -esque shopping montage — cheered on by Michaela's free-spending society cronies: The Fates -like Lisa, Astrid, and Cloe (Erin Neufer, Emily Borromeo, and Jen Lyon, respectively). 'I look like Beetlejuice,' opines Devon, drowning in a voluminous yellow Carolina Herrera dress covered in ruffles and giant black polka dots. She also nixes a feather-blanketed Marchesa gown and oversized hat by Rachel Trevor Morgan and a jarringly bright yellow column gown with a colossal bow at the back by Alexia María with custom Lacrasia gloves. But Devon falls under the spell of an ombrê purple goddess dress with a plunging neckline, finished off with a golden laurel tiara. 'She would need to feel incredibly powerful and beautiful,' says Duncan, who custom-designed the 'painterly' gown with elements that would express, and appeal to, Devon. 'This deep plunge and very, very minimalist bust, with more of a rock 'n' roll element pulled through it,' continues Duncan. 'Even though it's quite a feminine and Grecian silhouette, it's also got an edge to it that keeps it in Devon's world.' Micaela's Majestic Jewel Tones As Simone's traumatic past and Michaela's true intentions come to the fore, the latter's neutrals transition into jewel tones — like a sleeveless emerald green dress with a flowing train by Maria Cornejo. 'We're bringing Simone and Michaela's color palettes closer together,' says Duncan, explaining how the draped and twisted details of Michaela's green dress mirror a sapphire gown that Simone tries on in her boss' walk-in closet. Michaela readies for the high-stakes gala in a resplendent strapless marigold gown accessorized with a stunning Solange statement necklace and earrings set. 'She's the queen of this society. She's the leader,' says Duncan. 'She's a goddess.'
USA Today
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
8 new golf apparel and equipment arrivals that dropped this month
8 new golf apparel and equipment arrivals that dropped this month There were several drops in early February that we loved, so we thought we'd put them into a list for you so you could pick up some new apparel or equipment. Zero-torque putters have taken over the game and our first item on this list is LAB Golf's OZ.1i Putter. If you struggle on the greens, this is the perfect putter for you. We've also included polos, hoodies, pullovers and more! Shop new releases at PGA TOUR Superstore LAB Golf - OZ.1i Putter Price: $499.99 Why you'll love it: LAB putters are taking over the game. They're used on the PGA Tour by several players, including Adam Scott and Rickie Fowler, and are popular amongst YouTube golfers like Grant Horvat and George Bryan. The OZ.1i Putter is the brand's first tour-inspired design built to help players make more putts. If you struggle on the greens, LAB is here to help. Shop LAB Golf OZ.1i Putter Titleist - T350 2025 Black Edition Irons w/ Steel Shafts Price: $1,899.99 Why you'll love it: There's something about a set of black irons. They're sexy, they're stylish. Your buddies would be jealous af if you had these bad boys in the bag. The T350s are meant for amateur golfers who need a little bit more help with their iron play. Shop Titleist T350 2025 Black Edition Irons w/ Steel Shafts Peter Millar - Carpenter Stripe Crown Comfort Polo Price: $115 Why you'll love it: Whether you're headed to the golf course or a nice dinner, this polo from Peter Millar is perfect for any occasion. It's available in two colors and would make a great addition to any wardrobe. Shop Peter Millar Carpenter Stripe Crown Comfort Polo Lululemon - ABC Classic-Fit Short 7" Price: $88 Why you'll love it: It might not feel like it now, but warmer temperatures are right around the corner, meaning it's time to load up on shorts for summer golf. Lululemon makes some of the best shorts and pants on the market, and they're as comfortable as it gets. Shop Lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Short 7" - Cool Holstein Polo Price: $120 Why you'll love it: quality is second to none when it comes to golf apparel, and this polo is one of the brand's latest additions. Shop Cool Holstein Polo Johnnie-O - Reilly Dri-Release Crewneck Sweatshirt Price: $108 Why you'll love it: This performance crewneck from Johnnie-O is perfect for the golf course this time of year. Rock a polo under this bad boy for an unbeatable classic look for spring golf. Plus, you can wear it out running errands or grabbing a beer with your buddies. It's available in five colors. Shop Johnnie-O Reilly Dri-Release Crewneck Sweatshirt Vineyard Vines - Surf Shep Shirt Price: $118 Why you'll love it: The Surf Shep Shirt from Vineyard Vines is great for the golf course, dinner or your next boat trip. Its versatility might be its best feature. Shop Vineyard Vines Surf Shep Shirt Flag & Anthem - Los Angeles Golf Club Hooded Quarter Zip Price: $89.50 Why you'll love it: If you've been enjoying TGL so far, get a piece of apparel to represent your favorite team. PGA Tour Superstore has items for all six teams. Shop Flag & Anthem Los Angeles Golf Club Hooded Quarter Zip
USA Today
17-02-2025
- Lifestyle
- USA Today
Save some holiday cash with our favorite Presidents' Day golf sales
Happy Presidents' Day, golf fans. Golf season is right around the corner and some of our favorite brands are running Presidents Day sales. This is the perfect opportunity to pick up anything you need for your game at a discounted rate. Some of the brands featured below are Stitch Golf, Turtleson, Vineyard Vines and Skechers. We've included polos, golf bags, pullovers, pants and more. Stitch Golf Sale: 30% off select best-sellers with code BEST30, 20% off sitewide with code PRESIDENTS20 Our choice:SL2 Air Walker Golf Bag ($298 before sale) Sale: 20% off select styles with code: SALEONESALE Our choice:Murph Polo ($84 after discount) Vineyard Vines Sale: Take an extra 25 percent off sale styles with code: PRESDAY Our choice:Cashmere Quarter-Zip ($159.99 after discount) Bonobos Sale: Extra 30 percent off sale items with code: COOL30 Our choice:Highland Tour Golf Pants ($83.30 after discount) Skechers Sale: Up to 40 percent off select styles Our choice: Go Golf Max 3 golf shoes ($83.99 after discount) Turtleson Sale: 40 percent off select styles with code: WINTER40 Our choice: Hunter Snap Pullover ($81 after discount) Devereux Golf Sale: 30 percent off sitewide Our choice: Fisherman Crew Sweater ($72.80 after discount)
