Former VS exec to be chief designer at Guess

LOS ANGELES — Guess has appointed former Victoria’s Secret executive Sharleen Ernster Lazear as chief design officer, overseeing all product categories for the Guess brands. She will report to CEO Paul Marciano.

"We are very happy to welcome Sharleen to guide a strong vision for Guess brands and I will work side by side with her," said Marciano. "She understands the Guess aesthetic and the importance of creativity and innovation at Guess as well as how important our denim heritage is to us for the last 30 years. She brings a new level of leadership in design, beginning with concept all the way through to market. She has a successful track record of designing brand-right product that captures the emotions of the consumer."

In this role, Lazear will be responsible for the design and development of all product categories within the Guess and Marciano brands, including apparel and licensed accessories. Previously, she spent 13 years at Victoria's Secret in senior merchandising and design roles. Most recently she was the EVP of design at Victoria's Secret.

"Growing up in rural South Texas, Guess was the first and the only brand to introduce me and the American public to sexy, confident apparel designed with European taste and quality," said Sharleen Ernster Lazear. "Its imagery and product offer shaped not only my personal style and aesthetic, but also, that of the globe's. It is a great honor to work with Paul and Maurice and the Guess team, combining my diverse product experience with Guess’ rich heritage."

Established in 1981, GUESS began as a denim company and has since evolved into a global lifestyle brand. Today, GUESS designs, markets and distributes full collections of women's, men's and children's apparel as well as accessories. It is distributed throughout the world in fine department and specialty stores, its retail and factory stores and on its online store.