Sergio Tacchini confirms new ownership, hires Public School designer

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Jul 11, 2019

Sergio Tacchini confirmed on Wednesday that entrepreneur Stefano Maroni, along with Twin Lakes Capital LLC and B. Riley Principal Investments LLC, have purchased its brand assets. 

 
As previously announced by FashionNetwork.com earlier this month, Maroni will serve as CEO, while Twin Lakes Capital's Lee Feldman will serve as Chairman. They will be joined on the company's Board by Dan Shribman of B. Riley and Howard Cohen. 
 
The company's new leadership plans to relaunch the iconic tennis brand with “a fresh approach and an innovative design sensibility”, paying homage to its Italian heritage and sportswear brand, with the help of a new creative director. 

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The creative direction will be lead by American designer Dao-Yi Chow who is well-known for his brand Public School New York. He has equally earned multiple CFDA awards and previously served as creative director for DKNY. 
 
"I am honored to have been entrusted to lead the creative vision for a company with a legacy and heritage as rich as Sergio Tacchini," said Chow, in a news statement. "I fell in love with tennis at an early age and now having the opportunity to reimagine Sergio Tacchini into a modern lifestyle brand is a dream come true."
 
The first line by Chow and the newly revamped brand is expected for Spring/Summer 2020. The tennis-inspired lifestyle collection will be for men and women and will be available exclusively at select retailers.
 
Founded in 1966 by Italian tennis player Sergio Tacchin, the brand was sold to Chinese financier and entrepreneur Billy Ngok in 2007. 
 
"Sergio Tacchini inspired a creative movement in athletic wear over 50 years ago by being the first to introduce color and fashion to tennis,” explained Maroni. “The brand's legacy as an industry pioneer, along with its Italian heritage and history in the sport, helped the brand transcend its roots on the court into a world renowned and beloved active lifestyle sportswear company. 
 
"Now, more than ever, consumers are longing for a resurgence in heritage brands, and I could not be more excited to relaunch this iconic company along with my partners at Twin Lakes Capital and B. Riley."