David Chu
Chinese: 朱欽騏; pinyin: Zhū Qīnqí
Born
Chu Hsin-chi

1955 (age 68–69)
Taiwan
Alma materFashion Institute of Technology
OccupationFashion designer
Known forFounder of Nautica

David Chu (born 1955) is an American fashion designer and the founder of Nautica, a men's outerwear and sportswear company.

Early life and education

Chu's family immigrated from Taiwan to the United States in the 1960s and opened a Chinese restaurant. He grew up in New York and Connecticut and originally planned to become an architect.[1] While taking a summer drawing class at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a professor suggested that Chu try designing clothes after seeing his drawing skills.[2] Chu later graduated from FIT,[3] and was named its STAR alumnus in 1996.[4]

Career

Chu returned home to Taipei to start an export business with friends, but they lost all their money in one and a half years. He then returned to the United States, and working under a large company, he designed jackets, taking inspiration from sailors' coats. Barneys and Bloomingdales had good sales for the designs, and in 1983 Nautica was born. The company had sales of $700,000 in its first year and $2.5 million the following year.[1]

In 2003, Chu sold the company for $1 billion to VF Corporation. He made $100 million from the sale.[1] Chu promptly purchased an 1846 townhouse in Manhattan's Flatiron district, gut-renovated the historic mansion and turned it into his design studio, showroom and offices.[5]

In 2006, he created the exclusive David Chu Bespoke line, offering custom suits hand-made in Italy with fabrics from the world's finest mills.[6] The bespoke line is available in a richly-appointed atelier located in the penthouse of the "Townhouse."

Recently, he started another label, a designer sportswear collection called "LINCS by David Chu," that offers a modern take on tradition and the well-lived life.[4] Currently, LINCS can be found in select Lord & Taylor, The Bay, Dillard's, Nordstrom, the BAY Oakridge in Vancouver, and other specialty stores.[7]

From 2006 to 2009, Chu was the executive creative director at luggage and accessories maker Tumi Inc.[8][9]

In July 2009, Chu formed partnership with golf player Jack Nicklaus to develop the Nicklaus brands worldwide.[10]

In November 2012, Chu bought Danish brand Georg Jensen A/S with Investcorp. He currently is Chairman of the board and Creative Director.[11]

Personal life

Chu resides in New York City.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Tim Smart (2005-09-25). "Taking a New Tack: Nautica founder David Chu embarks on a more upscale fashion voyage". U.S. News & World Report. Archived from the original on 2013-11-19. Retrieved 2017-08-26.
  2. ↑ Javier Mateo (2004). "David Chu for Nautica: Glamour in Simplicity". FashionWindows. Archived from the original on 2009-12-07. Retrieved 2010-01-03.
  3. ↑ Noted FIT Alumni Archived 2010-05-27 at the Wayback Machine. Fashion Institute of Technology. Accessed 3 January 2010.
  4. 1 2 "CFDA Member Profile: David Chu". Council of Fashion Designers of America.
  5. ↑ "Flatiron District | townhouse | Manhattan sales". The Real Deal New York. July 14, 2014.
  6. ↑ "The Classicist: Bespoke by David Chu". www.luxist.com. Archived from the original on 2009-06-24.
  7. ↑ "LINCS by David Chu: Retail Locations". www.lincsdavidchu.com.
  8. ↑ Helen Walters (January 24, 2007). "Tumi's New Itinerary: With Nautica founder David Chu at the creative helm, the luggage maker eyes growth through a complementary market: women's accessories". Business Week. Archived from the original on 2009-12-27.
  9. ↑ David Chu appointed new CEO of Georg Jensen
  10. ↑ Jean Scheidnes (July 17, 2009). "David Chu and Jack Nicklaus Team Up". WWD.com Men's Wear News.
  11. ↑ DeMarco, Anthony (November 5, 2012). "Georg Jensen Sold To Investment Group For $140 Million". forbes.com. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
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