Thomas Pink appoints John Ray as Creative Director

London - British menswear label Thomas Pink has appointed Dunhill veteran John Ray is its new Creative Director.

In new role at Thomas Pink, Ray has been tasked with overseeing the renaissance of the brand as it looks to re-establish itself in the growing UK menswear market. He brings with him over 30 years of experience in menswear design. "I am delighted to be joining Thomas Pink," said Ray on his new appointment. "For those of us who are British, it holds a strong emotional appeal and potential."

John Ray named as Thomas Pink new Creative Director

His first collection for the British label, which became a part of the LVMH Group in 1999, will be for Autumn/Winter 2018. "I am really excited that John is joining us. His understanding of British craftsmanship and detail is second to none and we share an emotional common vision on Thomas Pink’s future direction," added Christopher Zanardi-Landi, who recently joined the label as CEO and President.

A graduate of the Royal College of Art, Ray first cut his teeth while he was studying for his Master in Menswear at Katharine Hamnett. He went on to become head of menswear at the label before joining the team at Gucci on 1996 as a menswear consultant under Tom's Ford creative direction, becoming vice president of menswear in 2001 and creative director in 2004. He joined the team at Dunhill as creative director in 2012 but left the role after three years in early 2016.

Thomas Pink's recent appointments of Ray and Zanardi-Landi as part of the label's ongoing strategy to renew its image over the next year and a half.

Photo: Christopher Zanardi -Landi and John Ray, Courtesy of Thomas Pink.