Designer Joseph Abboud resigns from HMX

by Harry Sheff

Designer Joseph Abboud has left his position as president and chief creative officer at HMX. Abboud sent a note to HMX employees this morning making the announcement.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed these last three years working and interacting with all of you and I believe we have all made a difference in the further development of this great company and its extraordinary iconic brands, especially Hickey Freeman and Hart Schaffner Marx,” the note said.

Abboud added that he told HMX CEO Doug Williams that he would “be very happy to be creative advisor to him and to the company.”

HMX hired Abboud in January 2010. The company filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month, and its Coppley business was acquired by IAG ten days ago.

Joseph Abboud began his career at Louis Boston and became a designer at Polo Ralph Lauren in the 1980s. He launched his own, eponymous line in 1986. Abboud is no longer affiliated with the brand that bears his name. He launched Jaz in 2007, and was brought on to design the Black Brown 1826 line for Lord & Taylor in August 2008.