Olivela names creative director

Olivela, the philanthropic luxury retail e-commerce platform founded by social entrepreneur Stacey Boyd, has named former Barneys exec Christopher Martinez as executive creative director.

Martinez, who was formerly digital creative director of Barneys New York, overseeing the redesign of Barneys.com and TheWindow.Barneys.com, will oversee Olivela’s creative for all departments and the retail concept to "visually define and differentiate Olivela's identity as a groundbreaking luxury fashion destination".

Prior to joining Barneys in 2011, he served as senior art director of T: The New York Times magazine, art director of Esquire, as well as roles at Time Out and NME.

"Christopher brings a creative eye honed by years of exemplary work across the fashion and media industries,” said Stacey Boyd, founder and chief executive of Olivela. “His expertise will guide, focus and distinguish Olivela’s creative identity as it continues to expand and develop in exciting new directions. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him to the team.”

Olivela launched in June as an entirely new retail concept with a mission to provide funding to improve the lives of children around the world, by enabling luxury brands the opportunity to transform inventory into measurable impact and for consumers to fund important children's causes simply by buying what they love.

The online platform has more than 30 designer brands including Valentino, Givenchy, Stella McCartney, Jimmy Choo, Dolce and Gabbana, Aquazzura, Tod's, Marc Jacobs and Edie Parker, selling women's clothing, shoes, bags and accessories.

Introducing the brand in June, Boyd said: “We wanted to create a retail concept that seamlessly connects luxury brands with causes they care about deeply. We are proud to offer consumers a new option for purchasing gorgeous luxury products, while also knowing they are helping children and families in need.”

The platform has a number of charitable partners, including Good+ Foundation, Malala Fund, VH1 Save The Music Foundation and Too Young To Wed, all of which seek to improve the lives of children around the world.

The appointment of Martinez follows the company hiring former Saks Fifth Avenue executive Ariel Foxman as chief brand officer in August.

Image: courtsey of Olivela