From Designer to Director

Introducing John Bartlett, the New Fashion Program Director

Newly-appointed director of the Marist Fashion Program, John Bartlett, has an extensive resume of experiences in the fashion industry and is prepared to lead the next generation of fashion professionals. Source: John Bartlett

This past spring, Marist College introduced award-winning fashion designer, John Bartlett, as the new director of the school’s globally ranked fashion program. 

After a long career in fashion design and animal non-profits, Bartlett was on the hunt for something new. “I saw a posting for the director position and I said, ‘That’s my job!’” Bartlett said. “It was an aha moment, and I applied knowing it was only a possibility — as there were certainly many other talented people applying.” 

As a fashion designer, vegan of ten years, avid quilt maker, and certified yoga and meditation instructor, Bartlett’s extensive background has proven that he is a man of many talents and passions. After graduating from Harvard University with a B.A. in Sociology, Bartlett moved to London for six months. “That was where I found the inspiration to start studying fashion,” he said. 

Shortly after, Bartlett moved to New York City and attended the Fashion Institute of Technology. It was there where he studied menswear design and fell in love with the industry as a whole. Bartlett worked for two different companies before creating his own eponymous label, and like so many successful entrepreneurs, he started this new journey making products in his apartment. “I got an order from Bergdorf Goodman and things started to happen fast,” he said. 

Bartlett then moved to Italy, one of the leading countries in fashion design. He brought his label, life, and passion for fashion with him. While in Italy, he launched a women’s collection and quickly found himself designing hundreds of pieces a year. Bartlett’s label soon launched in Japan, and he showed his collection in New York, Milan and Tokyo. 

Bartlett has accepted two awards from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) — one for Best Newcomer and one for Menswear Designer of the Year. He has also dressed celebrities like Harry Connick Jr., Alan Cumming, Julianne Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Lopez. 

“Working in this industry has afforded me some profound experiences, like meeting superstar designers like Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors and Gianni Versace, among others,” Bartlett said. “I have had the opportunity to travel the globe and to live a life beyond my wildest dreams.”

After the unfortunate events of 9/11 and the pause that resulted in the fashion industry, Bartlett’s fashion journey shifted gears. He licensed his name to a grouping of men’s suits, ties, shirts and accessories. He also began designing accessories for Ghurka, a leather goods company. Eventually, Bartlett accepted an invitation to take over the men’s department of the brand Liz Claiborne, from Tim Gunn, the Chief Creative Officer of the company at the time. Bartlett said, “I learned so much during this period about merchandising, pricing and margins, something I had never learned before.” 

With a somewhat strange career trajectory—from Harvard to FIT, and animal non-profits to running multiple fashion brands—Bartlett is ready to take on the challenge of sharing these experiences with his students. Source: John Bartlett

On top of all these achievements, Bartlett also opened up his own store in the West Village in New York City, where he was able to learn and understand his customers directly.

With his personal love for academia, this position perfectly suits Bartlett. Not only is this new position an opportunity for Bartlett to apply his own experiences to the fashion department, but it is also an opportunity for Marist’s fashion students to learn and grow as future pioneers in the industry.

“I made every mistake in the book, and my ego kept me from learning certain lessons,” Bartlett said. “At Marist, I am excited to bring the program to the next level and to help students find their voice, both as designers and as merchants.” 

In Bartlett’s short time at Marist thus far, his biggest takeaway from current and past students is their commitment to diversity, inclusion, sustainability and gender identity. “I have been so inspired by the students and the way they are looking to incorporate these important topics into their work, studies and careers,” he said. “It is something great to behold, and I am looking for ways to help support the students in their pursuit of these values.”

In regards to the potential of Marist’s fashion program, Bartlett looks forward to working with his new colleagues to address the ever-changing nature of the fashion industry. “To have a liberal arts education alongside a focused education in fashion, is an ideal combination to not only succeed, but also to live a full and curious life,” he said. “Marist offers what other fashion schools do not; namely the liberal arts education, a student body from all fields of study and a breathtaking setting to learn.” 

Starting his new position at Marist during a time when the entire world essentially went virtual, Bartlett understands the difficulties that come along with academic and pandemic related responsibilities. However, he believes that the best creativity and innovation come from times of difficulty and change. 

“The best advice I can give, is to have patience and to follow every lead, even if it doesn’t feel exactly like the right fit,” Bartlett said. “My career has taken many unexpected twists and turns, but looking back it all makes sense.”