Brand Profile

For over 65 years the Joseph Ribkoff brand has been an ally to women, driven by the man himself and a dedicated and talented team that continues to produce quality garments that have flair and, most importantly, a great fit. His

One member of that team is Mark Rowe, who has looked after the Joseph Ribkoff brand in the UK for 29 years. We caught up with Mark to discover more about his journey with the brand.

How did you get into fashion?

I started my career in sales, selling printed brochures, postcards etc., until a family friend approached me and asked if I wanted to help at a fashion fair. My Grandmother had fashion stores in Exeter, and I guess they thought it might be in the blood. I was in my 20s, it was an evening wear brand and all very glamorous. I fell in love with that elegance and glamour and wanted to be a part of this industry. I heard, through a friend, that Joseph Ribkoff was looking for someone to cover the southwest of the country, I applied and then got the job. My area gradually expanded and I now, with a great team on board, cover the whole of the country.

Joseph Ribkoff, as a brand, has come a long way since you started. What was the collection like in the earlier days?

I remember when I started, the ottoman fabrics and ocelot trims made everything so fabulous, there was a great romance to the collection.

What drives your passion for the brand nearly 30 years on?

Joseph Ribkoff (the man) was a great inspiration for me in those early days and, even though he is retired, he still is today. He had total belief in what he was doing. I remember him saying that the most important thing was to look after the customer with great merchandise and good service. The brand has never changed that philosophy. The product has changed over the years, but it still stays true to offering clothes that have an incredible fit, will cover so many different events and is liked by such a broad range of women of all ages. What is there not to love?

You are clearly a driven man yourself; how do you relax?

I find cycling, running, and spinning good switch-off times. I love spending time with the family and more recently I have discovered the joy of reading. I enjoy learning, and reading gives me that, along with escapism, depending on what I am reading at the time.