Lacoste head of fashion channel joins Original Penguin

Colagrande, who officially joined Original Penguin on Wednesday (15 October), brings more than 20 years’ experience in international sales, brand development and strategic partnerships across the luxury and premium fashion sectors.

She joined Lacoste in 2021 as head of fashion channel, leading commercial and brand strategy for the fashion wholesale and retail business across key global markets.

Based in London, she was responsible for driving growth through selective distribution, customer experience and creative retail execution.

Before joining Lacoste, Colagrande spent nearly six years at Levi Strauss & Co, where she helped grow the UK women’s and men’s wear business across premium department stores and independent boutiques.

Colagrande began her career on the shop floor in 2002 at Gucci and La Perla, and went on to hold senior sales and marketing roles at True Religion Brand Jeans, Hugo Boss and Assos of Switzerland.

Perry Ellis Europe managing director Carl Davies told Drapers: “It is with pleasure that I announce that Laura Colagrande will be joining Perry Ellis Europe to lead our growth expansion on Original Penguin.

“Laura joins us from Lacoste, where she has led delivery of their elevation strategy, which she will now look to build on the great work we have done to grow further.”

On 10 October, the group, which also owns fashion brand Farah, reported a 366% year-on-year increase in operating profit to £2.8m in the year to 1 February 2025, despite a 9% decline in turnover to £66.2m.