The Brownestone Group

Finding Talent. Strategizing Solutions. Building Businesses.

Thought Leadership

Pivot Perfect | Fern Mallis: The Industry Trailblazer – A Legacy of Connection and Leadership

Fern Mallis, often referred to as an arbiter of fashion, has been a transformative force in the industry for decades. Best known as the creator of New York Fashion Week, Fern redefined how the world engages with fashion, turning it into a global spectacle and an essential platform for emerging talent. Her career spans pivotal roles at the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), IMG Fashion, and as an advisor and conceptual consultant to numerous influential brands and organizations. Fern is one of the founding members of Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) and has continued to partner with numerous organizations in the realm of philanthropy and mentorship, including the American Heart Association and the Fashion Institute of Technology. Her current chapter is in consultancy, leveraging her unparalleled expertise to guide businesses and creative ventures toward even greater success.

The Brownestone Group had the honor of meeting with Fern to explore her extraordinary career, her thoughts on leadership in the creative industries, and her profound influence on the evolution of fashion. Her visionary approach and unwavering commitment to fostering innovation continue to inspire generations of designers, executives, and creatives worldwide.

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Pivot Perfect | Vincent Ottomanelli: Mastering Luxury Leadership – The Power of Being Coachable

Vincent Ottomanelli, Global Chief Financial Officer of Cipriani, combines his finance and operational expertise to make an impact on the luxury hospitality industry.  Rooted in family values, faith, and a competitive athletic spirit, he has leveraged his strong work ethic to leave a lasting impression on the fashion and luxury sectors.  Vincent began his career at Deloitte, Coach, and Hugo Boss, holding pivotal roles in financial planning, operational strategy, and profitability enhancement.  His leadership journey continued at Salvatore Ferragamo, where he served as Chief Financial Officer and revitalized the business in the Americas.  This success led to his appointment as President and CEO in 2006, spending over 14 years at the brand.  The next chapter of Vincent’s career took him to Lafayette 148, where he served as both Chief Financial Officer and Chief Commercial Officer during his tenure.

Now, Vincent has pivoted to the world of hospitality at Cipriani.  His financial acumen, deep respect for family-owned businesses and heritage brands, and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer service are vital in driving the brand’s global growth and expansion across its diverse portfolio of restaurants, hotels, and event services.  The Brownestone Group had the pleasure of talking with Vincent Ottomanelli to explore his insights on leadership and the values that have shaped his journey.

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Pivot Perfect | Inky Son: Rising from Fashion to Sports – Scoring the Dream Career

As a key member of the executive leadership team at the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), Inky Son leverages her extensive expertise in licensing, marketing, and business operations to drive strategic initiatives that empower NBA players and elevate their business pursuits. A graduate of the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, Inky spent over a decade learning and refining skills in the fashion industry, where she held pivotal roles at esteemed brands such as Donna Karan International, Sweetface Fashion Company, and Calvin Klein. Her journey also took her to Europe, where she gained invaluable experience with Pepe Jeans and Twenty8Twelve, before making a significant pivot to the Major League Baseball Players Association, fulfilling her dream of entering the sports industry as a young professional.

In 2017, Inky joined the NBPA as Vice President of Licensing, where she quickly made her mark before advancing to Chief Strategy Officer and ultimately becoming Chief Administrative Officer. In these roles, she has played a crucial part in shaping the association’s vision and strategy, ensuring that athletes are equipped with the tools and resources they need to thrive in their careers and beyond. Inky’s unique blend of experiences in both fashion and sports has positioned her as a trailblazer in the industry, and her commitment to empowering players is evident in every initiative she undertakes.

We had the privilege of interviewing Inky Son to delve into her insights on leadership and the evolving landscape of athlete empowerment. Her dedication to championing players’ voices and her visionary outlook on the future of sports management offer invaluable lessons for emerging leaders in the industry.

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Pivot Perfect | Jim Fogarty: “Productive Discomfort” – A Blueprint for Multi-Brand Transformation

As CEO of FullBeauty Brands, Jim Fogarty leverages his extensive expertise in finance and portfolio management to bring fresh energy into the organization and align it with modern consumer needs. Earlier in his career, he served as Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), followed by his role as Chief Financial Officer at Warnaco and later at Levi Strauss & Co.  In 2005, Jim was appointed President and CEO of American Italian Pasta Company.

With over 14 years of financial acumen developed at A&M, Jim took on the role of President and COO of Lehman Brothers Holdings in 2008, overseeing the complex process of winding down the firm. Renowned as a “turnaround professional,” Jim subsequently joined the plus-size retailer Charming Shoppes as CEO, tasked with stabilizing the organization during a critical restructuring phase.  He then led the multi-channel retailer Orchard Brands from 2011 until its sale in 2015.  After a brief four-year retirement, Jim returned to the business world as CEO of FullBeauty Brands in 2019.  Under his leadership, the company has embarked on an impressive revitalization journey, emerging from bankruptcy, reigniting existing brands, and acquiring new brands to expand its reach and better serve an underserved community.  Additionally, Jim currently serves on the boards of Darden Restaurants and Serta Simmons Bedding.

The Brownestone Group had the privilege of interviewing Jim Fogarty to uncover the business strategies that have cemented his reputation as a successful transformational executive.  We discussed the importance of leading with a customer-first mentality and the bold leadership required to unlock untapped potential.  We’re glad to share with our readers what we consider a mini “master class” on effective orchestration and strategic growth.

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Pivot Perfect | Beau Lawrence: A Spirit of Adventure – Creating a Brand Through Storytelling

Beau Lawrence is the visionary Founder and CEO of Ace Rivington, a premium denim lifestyle brand based in Santa Barbara, CA.  Born in Tennessee and raised in California, Beau studied math and science before pivoting to fashion design, graduating from The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles.  His early career included menswear design roles at The Territory Ahead and Union, and a notable tenure at Guess? Inc., where he rose from assistant menswear designer to global men’s denim designer and finally to Director of Product Development for Guess Factory and G by Guess.

Bringing formative experiences from this corporate foundation, Beau joined Shaun Neff at Neff Headwear as Vice President of Design & Merchandising.  In 2013, he embarked on a remarkable entrepreneurial adventure, beginning with a French terry sweatshirt inspired by a fictional character he created: the adventurous pilot Ace Rivington.  This creation marked the launch of a brand that has since opened a flagship store in Santa Barbara and soared to new heights through direct-to-consumer sales, wholesale, and collaborations.

As “C.E. Beau” of Ace Rivington, Beau channels his deep connection to the film industry and the art of storytelling into his brand’s ethos. His genuine care for others shines through in the brand’s numerous philanthropic endeavors, both local and global, and in offering customers full tailoring services and a lifetime warranty on all jeans. The Brownestone Group is enthusiastic to share Beau’s story, emphasizing themes of authenticity, a commitment to exceptional customer service and experience, and the power of turning dreams into reality.

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Pivot Perfect | Hans Schmitt: An International Competitor Who Plays to Win

Hans Schmitt is the CEO of AMOR Group, a global organization in the watch and jewelry sector with six brand monikers. In his first official CEO role, Hans has led the company’s international expansion from 15 to 26 countries—a testament to his wealth of experience in navigating the complexities of global business. Hans studied business economics and finance in Germany before embarking on an impressive career trajectory at Hugo Boss, where he joined as an executive trainee and quickly rose to President for the Japan region within a few short years. Subsequently, Hans began overseeing the United Kingdom and Nordic regions before being promoted to Senior Vice President of EMEA. In 2010, he was recruited to Warnaco as President, EMEA for Calvin Klein to drive strategy for the brand, before Warnaco’s acquisition by PVH two years later. Hans then joined Superdry as Managing Director International and Wholesale, UK, to lead growth initiatives in Europe and Asia.

In 2015, Hans was recruited to Diesel as EVP, Global Sales, reporting to Alessandro Bogliolo and later Renzo Rosso, and dedicated much of his time to overseeing business in the US and Canada. He also served as Diesel’s interim CEO for several months towards the end of his tenure, before pivoting from the world of fashion apparel to the jewelry and accessories industry. Since 2019, as CEO of AMOR Group, Hans is propelling the company towards new areas of growth across the world, including bolstering the company’s e-commerce footprint.

Hans’s blend of humility, intellect, and strategic foresight epitomizes the essence of exceptional executive leadership. The Brownestone Group is honored to share his invaluable insights on international leadership with our readers.

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