MANUFACTURING

Crew Knitwear Hires Former Kellwood Exec as CEO

photo

Tricia Franklin

Los Angeles–based Crew Knitwear, maker of the Bobeau and H.I.P. brands, has hired Tricia Franklin as chief executive officer.

Franklin spent more than a decade at the Kellwood Co. in several executive positions, including chief operating officer of Kellwood’s Halmode and Dorby divisions and the Kellwood Designer Alliance Group as well as serving as president of BLK DNM (both under the Kellwood umbrella and as an independent company).

“We are delighted to have added a seasoned executive to our team who understands both brand strategy and our fast-fashion production model so that our brands can continue their strong growth trajectory,” said Crew Knitwear founder Chris Jung in a statement.

Bobeau is carried at retailers such as Nordstrom, Dillard’s and Bon Ton. The company recently added a new brand, Bobeau Collection, which is sold at specialty retailers and online at www.bobeau.com. Bobeau Collection will show its Fall 2016 line at Project Women’s in Las Vegas and Coterie in New York.

“It’s a pleasure to join such a rapidly growing company with a unique positioning,” Franklin said in a company statement “Bobeau, the modern misses brand offering an on-trend aesthetic at a better price point, fills a real gap in the marketplace. Its customers—both retailers and end consumers—love the brand, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to help them realize its full potential.”

Founded in 2001, Crew Knitwear produces Bobeau for the modern misses market and H.I.P. for juniors. Known for a large selection and fast turnaround times, Crew knitwear sells to department stores, specialty retailers and boutiques.