John Bartlett American fashion designer Country: USA

1. American fashion designer
2. Early career and breakthrough
3. Awards and collaborations
4. Comeback and continued success

American fashion designer

John Bartlett was born in 1963 in Columbus, Ohio. His parents had dreamed that he would make a name for himself in the banking business. However, their extravagant offspring, who preferred to dress in old-fashioned military uniforms with an Adam Ant hairstyle, had different plans. John, with his smoky eyes, loved going to clubs and pursuing design. Despite obtaining a degree in sociology from Harvard in 1985 and studying economics in London, he chose to follow his passion and enrolled in the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York a year later.

Early career and breakthrough

While studying, Bartlett worked part-time for various stylists. After graduating from the fashion institute, he spent two years at Willi Smith's fashion house following the designer's death. From 1990 to 1992, he led the design team at Ronaldus Shamask. Bartlett also had the unique opportunity to go to Italy and work with renowned manufacturers and tailors. In 1992, he introduced his bold line of erotically-charged men's clothing. Five years later, he launched his first uncompromising women's collection called 'Butch Femme'.

Awards and collaborations

In 1994, Bartlett received the Perry Ellis Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in the category of 'New Fashion Talent'. This was a remarkable achievement as it was the first time the award was given for designing menswear. He was also honored with another CFDA award in 1997. In 1997, Bartlett became the creative director of the Italian fashion house 'Byblos'. He signed an agreement with 'Genny', a subsidiary of 'Byblos', allowing his collections to be produced worldwide. His 2000 clothing line was showcased in Florence, featuring a live falcon soaring above the audience. The following two years proved to be challenging for Bartlett due to financial troubles, and it is said that he immersed himself in Buddhism in Cambodia during this time.

Comeback and continued success

Despite the difficulties, Bartlett managed to bounce back and made a triumphant return in September 2004, participating in New York Fashion Week. His menswear show took place at his alma mater, the Harvard Club. Everyone was thrilled to see Bartlett, who had already established his esteemed position in the fashion industry. In September 2005, he once again participated in New York Fashion Week. Additionally, Bartlett became a creative partner for the 'Ghurka' conglomerate, renowned for its leather goods and accessories, with a particular focus on designing the latter. Bartlett's clothing is known for being sensual, a description given by the designer himself. He creates dresses with comfortable, wide skirts for the "mad housewives" and deliberately disheveled tops designed to be paired with loose-fitting trousers. Bartlett refers to this style as "sweet and sinister".