The Talbots Inc announced that it has named two senior executives with extensive merchandising and design expertise who will work closely together to realign Talbots product and elevate its brand image. The Company has appointed a Chief Creative Officer and Chief Merchandising Officer as part of its strategy to strengthen, reposition and reinvigorate the Talbots brand.
Michael Smaldone Named Chief Creative Officer, Talbots Brand
In a newly-established position, Michael Smaldone, 43, was appointed Chief Creative Officer of the Talbots brand, as part of the Company's goal to rapidly migrate to a design driven brand. With more than 25 years of design expertise and an intimate understanding of the 35+ customer, Mr. Smaldone will be based in the Company's Product Office in New York City, where he will build a complete Talbots brand design function.
Mr. Smaldone will oversee the direction and delivery of the Talbots brand image to ensure that it embodies the essence of the brand in all aspects that reach the customer in a consistent manner. Mr. Smaldone was most recently Senior Vice President of Design at Ann Taylor. Previously, Mr. Smaldone served as Chief Design Officer of Anne Klein, and Creative Director of Elie Tahari.
With more than 25 years of fashion and merchandising expertise and a strong background in specialty and multichannel retail, Basha Cohen, 47, joins Talbots as Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer of the Talbots brand.