Joe Mimram – 2014 Honorary Chair
For more than 25 years, Joe Mimran has been a leading contributor to the fashion and design industry. With his sharp eye, impeccable attention to detail and insight into emerging trends, Joe has always been on the forefront of what’s next.
As Creative Director of the Joe Fresh® brand for Loblaw Companies Limited, Joe is committed to offering women, men and children stylish and versatile looks for every day that are both welldesigned and well-priced. Joe personally oversees the design and development of an extensive clothing range, from chic footwear to the latest in outdoor fashions. In addition to apparel, the Joe Fresh® brand offers cosmetics, nail and bath collections.
Joe is intrinsically involved in every step of the Joe Fresh® creative process from product design to marketing, finding the right model for an advertising campaign to selecting a store location and design. As focused as he is on the design process, Joe also fully understands the business aspect of retail and has led Joe Fresh® to become one of the top brands in Canada, with more than 350 stores and online shopping. In 2011, the brand expanded into the United States with six stores in New York City and the surrounding area. The brand is also available in almost 700 jcpenny locations in the United States.
Joe’s illustrious career began in 1977 within his family’s dress design and manufacturing business. He astutely identified the need for careerwear for women as they entered the work force and this forward-thinking resulted in the development of several successful brands starting with Alfred Sung. Shortly thereafter he founded Club Monaco and later launched Caban, both sold to Ralph Lauren in 1999.
With Loblaw Companies Limited, he continues to keep his finger on the pulse, providing elegant design, inventive product development and branding expertise for the apparel, home and entertainment divisions including PC® Home, Everyday EssentialsTM, Life at Home®, Jump Kids WorldTM, Jogi, J±TM TeragearTM and Cats+Dawgs and jet/set/goTM. Joe also currently contributes to the Pink Tartan line of clothing, a luxury sportswear collection designed by his wife Kimberley Newport-Mimran.
Joe Mimran, an avid traveler and art collector, lives in Toronto and is the father of four wonderful children.