After graduating from Harvard University in 1985, Cincinnati native John Bartlett followed his dreams and enrolled in the Menswear program at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. To him, delving into menswear after receiving a degree in sociology was a wonderful combo platter that helped him gain priceless apprenticeships with menswear gurus Willi Smith, Bill Robinson and Ronaldus Shamask.
In 1992, Bartlett launched his own label and quickly gathered momentum with orders from Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys. In 1993, Bartlett was awarded the “Perry Ellis Award for Best Newcomer”, becoming the first menswear recipient ever to receive the honor. Bartlett was feted again by the CFDA in 1997 when he was named Menswear Designer of the Year. Although based in New York, the late 1990’s found John working full time in Italy, producing his signature collection with the Genny Group and serving as Creative Director for Byblos from 1998 until 2000.
At the end of 2002 Bartlett made the decision to put everything in storage and close his company to take a sabbatical in Thailand and Cambodia where he pursued studies in Ashtangha yoga and Buddhism. By the end of 2003 Bartlett had reentered the industry with a collection level offering of tailored clothing, furnishings and accessories.
In September of 2007, Bartlett opened his first branded flagship store. Situated in the heart of the West Village, the store houses a full range of product centering around Bartlett’s signature sportswear – while offering made to measure clothing – and exclusive to the store furnishings. Bartlett also envisions the store as a breeding ground of related creativity and will be collaborating with a diversity of local artisans to create one of a kind ceramics, scent, hand screened tshirts and other curiosities.
In January of 2008, John Bartlett and Liz Claiborne announced that Bartlett would be signing on as Creative Director overseeing the men’s collection Claiborne. The new label and collection, which will launch in Spring 2009, will be named Claiborne By John Bartlett.
