ABBOUD, JOSEPH

(1950- )

   The man behind the label began his business in 1987 and, prior to doing so, worked for Ralph Lauren from 1981 to 1985. He is the recipient of back-to-back Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awards. Abboud, who is of Lebanese decent, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and attended the state university there. He is recognized for his use of earthy color and his classic style, and he draws inspiration from the colors and textures of North Africa. The line of menswear that bears his name is cut to fit the fuller American body. His label was acquired by J. W. Childs. In 2005, Abboud got back to what he does best: the creative process. The Abboud label, while still sold at better department stores, had lost its trendsetting edge. Armed with a new marketing campaign, the company staged its first runway show in five years. The tone at Abboud is hip and contemporary, yet still with a fit geared to the fuller American male. Abboud has several licensing agreements that include eyewear, hosiery, footwear, and a home collection.