Sean John Clothing Founder Sean Combs Signs Fashion Designer Max Wilson

Article written by: Rodrick Rainey
Posted on: August 15, 2004

Sean “P. Diddy” Combs has found a designer for his highly anticipated, women’s Sean John fashion collection. P.Diddy signed Ralph Lauren’s 11 year veteran, Max Wilson.

Max Wilson, who had earlier resigned from the Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation after 11 years of employment for RL’s women’s designer collection, has been named vice president of Sean John’s operation. As the VP of Sean John’s women collection, Wilson will be Diddy’s right-hand in business decisions, reporting to Sean Combs directly.

“We’re talking about clothes that are really sexy, stylish and versatile,” Wilson told Women’s Wear Daily. “Clothes that reflect my image of him. I see him as the new elegance. He represents a total lifestyle and women have been asking for these clothes for years.”

Sean John’s women’s line is expected to be forty percent of the total Sean John collection for this coming season, extending out to two years possibly, depending upon results.

In April, Combs had already entered a partnership with Zac Posen, one of the hottest new fashion design talents on the market.

Combs’s company Sean John invested in Posen’s clothing line, making the two companies equal partners. Under the terms of agreement, Posen, who debuted in 2001, will continue to create for his ready-to-wear collection as well as build an accessories business.

Sean John has annual retail sales in the United States of more than $450 million. The company plans to open its flagship store on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue later this year.