Black Owned Luxury Menswear Brand Debuts at Neiman Marcus

Luxury menswear brand Brett Johnson Collection (BJC) was introduced in 2013. I was contracted by the brand in 2014 with the goal of growing the collection to secure retail commitments.

First Order of Business – Evaluating Strengths & Weaknesses

Creative Director, Brett Johnson, had incredible access to Italian sourcing and production for its outerwear and sneakers and was creating a truly unique luxury product. However, outerwear and shoes would be merchandised on two separate floors and would be bought by two different buyers, so at present, the assortment wasn’t designed to successfully enter the department store space.

Creating An Assortment Strategy

Through competitive shopping & analysis, managing the mood board and inspiration process, and leading the sketch review and tech pack process we traveled to Italy regularly to source materials and production partners to launch knitwear, shirting, and pants to round out the assortment.

We also worked on a strategy to exit the sneakers. Though they used the best Italian leather, they were produced in China in large quantities and didn’t reflect the customer we wanted to attract at the department stores.

Success & Impact

With a well-rounded Menswear collection BJC debuted at a major luxury retailer on June 1st, 2015; NeimanMarcus.com followed by nation-wide trunk shows the following week. This was the only black owned luxury menswear brand at Neiman Marcus that specialized in luxury fabrics, leathers, craftsmanship and tailoring.

Read more about the evolution of Brett Johnson via Huff Post