NEW YORK — Bonnie Pressman has been named president of accessories at Theory.
Pressman, who devoted the past year and a half to motherhood and consulting, will oversee the growth of Theory’s accessories business, which includes handbags, shoes and belts.
“We see accessories as an important strategy for our company globally,” said Andrew Rosen, Theory’s chairman. “I wanted to find the best possible person to work with the company, Istvan [Francer, design director] and myself. Bonnie has incredible experience, taste and style — the kind of attributes we feel truly speak to the brand.”
Pressman brings to Theory much expertise in production, merchandising and retail. Until 2004, she was senior vice president of women’s accessories at Polo Ralph Lauren, which she joined in 1998 as senior vice president and women’s fashion director. Before that, she was at Barneys New York as the top women’s merchant amid then-difficult times for the specialty store.
“I love this [accessories] world, and I think Theory has much going for it,” Pressman said. “I relate to the product very well, and there is so much to be done. There are many aspects and many different customers, and we can address them all and really make a mark.”
Except for a few upscale specialty stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman, Theory sells its accessories through its own freestanding stores. There are nine full-price Theory stores in the U.S. In addition, Theory has freestanding stores in Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan. “We have been conservative with our expansion of accessories, but with Bonnie joining, that effort will increase dramatically,” Rosen said.