David Chu (designer)

American fashion designer

David Chu (born 1955) is an American fashion designer and the founder of Nautica, a men's outerwear and sportswear company.

Chu's family immigrated from Taiwan to the United States in the 1960s and opened a Chinese restaurant. He grew up in New York and Connecticut and originally planned to become an architect. Chu later graduated from FIT, and was named its STAR alumnus in 1996. Chu promptly purchased an 1846 townhouse in Manhattan's Flatiron district, gut renovated the historic mansion and turned it into his design studio, showroom and offices. In 2006, he created the exclusive David Chu Bespoke line, offering custom suits hand made in Italy with fabrics from the world's finest mills. The bespoke line is available in a richly appointed atelier located in the penthouse of the "Townhouse." Recently, he started another label, a designer sportswear collection called "LINCS by David Chu," that offers a modern take on tradition and the well lived life. Currently, LINCS can be found in select Lord & Taylor, The Bay, Dillard's, Nordstrom, the BAY Oakridge in Vancouver, and other specialty stores. From 2006 to 2009, Chu was the executive creative director at luggage and accessories maker Tumi Inc. In July 2009, Chu formed partnership with golf player Jack Nicklaus to develop the Nicklaus brands worldwide. In November 2012, Chu bought Danish brand Georg Jensen A/S with Investcorp. He currently is Chairman of the board and Creative Director.

Chu resides in New York City.