Zankov, the New York-based label founded by designer Henry Zankov, has named Jack Tobin, founder of Jack Tobin Agency, as its first chief executive officer and business partner.
The appointment signifies a new chapter for Zankov, formalizing a partnership that has already played a pivotal role in the development of his business over the past two years.
Since beginning its partnership with Jack Tobin Agency two years ago, Zankov has increased its international business more than tenfold and doubled its global stockist network, accelerating its presence across key markets in Europe and North America. According to the company, new business has been established across the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Greece, with key retail partnerships including Selfridges and Harrods in London and Galeries Lafayette in Paris.
Tobin began his career as a designer before moving into the business side of fashion, including management roles at Selfridges and subsequently serving as commercial director at E. Tautz, the historic British menswear house.
“Zankov is at an incredibly exciting stage in its growth. I have always envisioned having a partner who could join me in shaping the next chapter of the brand — someone who shares my ambition to build an enduring business while staying true to the creative vision that has always defined Zankov. Jack is the ideal partner to take this next step with, and I’m excited about what we can build together,” said Henry Zankov, founder and creative director, Zankov.
Last year, Zankov was also named artistic director of Diane von Furstenberg. He made his debut at the company last month with his spring 2027 collection, shown at the High Line in New York City.
Henry Zankov
Nina Westervelt/WWD
Zankov started his namesake brand in 2020 to inject a sense of play, ease and innovation through the use of color, pattern and textures into knitwear. He frequently juxtaposes fine natural fibers such as virgin wools, mohair, merino and alpaca with technical yarns. His pieces are knitted with clean, minimal surfaces using crafted techniques such as intarsias, double-knit jacquards, and digital printing. Fascinated with color, art, architecture, sport and the street, Zankov explores a genderless and easy way to wear knitwear. Zankov was one of the recipients of the 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. In 2024, Zankov won the CFDA American Emerging Designer of the Year Award.
Zankov, spring 2027
Giovanni Giannoni/WWD
After six years of development in the market, North America remains an important part of Zankov’s business, with the brand continuing to expand alongside a growing network of specialist retailers. Recent partnerships include Ikram Chicago and Absolutely Fabrics in Toronto.
Kaleen Haworth, founder and creative director of Absolutely Fabrics a multi brand fashion boutique, said, “Zankov is a joy to have in the store. It’s exuberant and colorful, and people reach for it all the time. It’s hard to walk by it without wanting to know more. I’m excited about the continued woven development as well –it’s looking sharper every season and really rounding out the collection.”
Through Jack Tobin Agency, Tobin has worked with internationally recognized fashion and luxury brands across womenswear, menswear and accessories, including Proenza Schouler, Shang Tia, BITE Studios, Rodo, Liberowe, Zankov and Fforme. Over the past two years, Jack Tobin Agency has represented Zankov globally, working closely with the brand to develop new markets and establish retail relationships.
Judd Crane chief buying and brand office at Selfridges, said, “I have been keenly watching Zankov develop as a brand rethinking what knitwear means to the consumer now. Henry brings technique and wearability to collections where every piece feels special and personal. I am excited for Jack to join Zankov as CEO at this moment of expansion and great potential – he brings with him a real understanding of brand building and the power of independent design.”
Simon Longland, director of buying – fashion– at Harrods, said that the retailer plans to introduce Zankov to its new International Designer Room for spring/summer 2027. “We have been in conversation with Henry for several seasons, and felt that SS27 was the right moment to launch, with the opening of a new space that provides the ideal environment to showcase the brand,” said Longland.
“We are very proud to represent Zankov at Galeries Lafayette. We were particularly drawn to his playful and joyful approach as well as his strong sense of print and color. He offers a singular point of view which can speak to many women, and we are excited to see more,” said Juliet Dyer, buying manager, luxury, designers and advanced contemporary at Galeries Lafayette.
David Thielebeule, men’s and women’s fashion director, Bloomingdale’s, added, “Zankov has an instinctive way with color, texture and proportion that makes getting dressed feel fun again. There’s a joy to the collection, but also a real rigor behind it. It’s confident, distinct and impossible to miss, and we’re thrilled to bring that vibe to Bloomingdale’s.”
Tobin, who will be based in New York and the U.K., will continue to run his agency as well.
“Henry and I have shared the same vision for Zankov from the beginning, and that alignment has been central to what we have built over the past two years. I see Zankov as a new expression of American luxury — highly distinctive, modern and deeply rooted in Henry’s creative vision. The opportunity now is to build on that foundation, expand the brand internationally and develop Zankov into a globally recognized name. I am excited to take that next step together,” said Tobin.
As CEO and business partner, Tobin will work alongside Zankov to oversee the continued development of the business, with a focus on international expansion, retail growth, strategic partnerships and long-term brand development.
Zankov had his first full runway show during New York Fashion Week for spring 2026, marking a significant milestone and creating a platform to engage a broader international audience. He also introduced his first footwear collection, produced in collaboration with Luís Onofre, part of Apiccaps, the Portuguese Footwear Association.
Zankov, spring 2027
Giovanni Giannoni/WWD
As the business continues to evolve, Zankov said it has also strengthened its operations and expanded its team to support the next stage of growth, building on its creative foundation while developing the infrastructure and partnerships needed for the future.
Sherri McMullen, founder of McMullen, the San Francisco-based retailer, observed, “I’ve championed Zankov from the beginning because Henry’s approach to color, texture and knitwear felt genuinely special. There is a confidence and joy in his work that was fresh to me, and our customers responded right away. They love the colors, the way the knits move on the body, and the joy they feel wearing the pieces. In our first season together, there was a long coat that no other retailer had picked up, so it became ours exclusively. We put it on everyone. It became a top seller, and clients still tell me how much they love and wear that coat today. To me, that speaks to beautifully to the connection between the client and the brand.
“It has been so rewarding to watch Henry grow while staying true to his vision. I see tremendous opportunity ahead for Zankov as he expands the collection and continues building the world around the brand,” said McMullen.
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