BEENE THERE, DONE THAT: Those thumbing through the fashion calendar for the presentation date for Geoffrey Beene’s custom-made collection should note that there won’t be one this season — or in seasons to come, it appears. Einar Holilokk, Beene’s long-time assistant who replaced the designer after his death in 2004, has left the company, which is said to be ending the custom-order division to focus on building its licensed business. Russell Nardozza, Beene’s chief operating officer, declined comment on the future of the custom business, and would only confirm that Holilokk had left and that, for the moment, the custom-order line was put on ice.
Beene recently made key hires to build its licensing business, and added licenses in areas such as swimwear, tailored apparel and weekend wear, belts and small leather goods and eyewear. Nardozza told WWD earlier this month that the plan is to eventually launch another women’s apparel collection at lower price points than the custom line.
NEW CEO?: Will Arnold Orlick find his fortune at Fortunoff’s? Two sources said this week that the jewelry and home furnishings chain is close to announcing a new chief executive and is considering bringing Orlick up from Atlanta to run the New York metro area chain. Orlick has been living in Atlanta since 1997 when he became president of Federated Department Stores’ former Rich’s/Lazarus/Goldsmith’s division, now called Macy’s. He rose to chairman and ceo there, but left in July 2001. Earlier, he was Bloomingdale’s executive vice president and director of stores, and before that the chain’s executive vice president-general merchandise manager for home stores, cosmetics and restaurant operations, giving him the right experience for Fortunoff’s.
Orlick and officials at Fortunoff could not be reached Thursday. Fortunoff, once run by the Fortunoff family, is controlled by Trimaran Capital Partners and K Group, which is financing an expansion of the chain.