Kym Gold

Kym Gold
Born
United States
Occupation(s)Fashion and home design executive

Kym Gold is an American fashion and home design executive. She is the founder of Bella Dahl, Hippie Jeans, Babakul, and Style Union Home, and the co-founder of designer jeans brand True Religion. Gold's designs have been worn by David Beckham, Tom Ford, Angelina Jolie, Donna Karan, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Gwen Stefani, Holly Robinson Peete, and Justin Timberlake. Her work has been included in Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, InStyle, and Rolling Stone magazines.[1]

Early life

Gold was born in California to a Jewish family. She is an identical triplet.[2]

Career

True Religion

Main article: True Religion (clothing brand)

Gold co-founded True Religion with her then-husband, Jeff Lubell. Gold created a high-end denim line catering to all body types. The company eventually went public on the Stock exchange.[3]

According to Gold's autobiography, she served as vice president of True Religion. She created designs, and Jeff would source materials. Lubell and Gold's management styles conflicted, with Gold blaming a toxic, masculine corporate culture at the company, led by Lubell. Lubell managed the board of directors and Gold's role was often minimized. The couple separated. Lubell filed for divorce on February 14, 2007. True Religion informed her that she was no longer part of the company as an employee. She would remain a board member.[4][5]

In 2013, Gold sold her share of True Religion for over $800 million.[6] In 2017, True Religion declared bankruptcy.[7]

Other business ventures

In 2008, Gold started Babakul, a bohemian chic clothing line sold in Southern California. Heidi Klum, Tom Ford, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Madonna have worn Babakul.[8]

Gold founded Los Angeles-created ceramic design company Style Union Home.[citation needed]

Views

Gold has also noted Gloria Steinem as someone she admires, stating," Any woman who is a pioneer or leader is an inspiration to me, the women's movement was a huge step for women in general. However, we still have a long road ahead to be equal to men in the world of business." Gold is also a philanthropist, supporting causes concentrating on women's health issues.[8]

Works by Kym Gold

  • Gold Standard: How to Rock the World and Run an Empire. New York: Skyhorse (2015). ISBN 1634501284

Personal life

Gold's first husband was producer Mark Burnett. The couple married at Gold's parents Malibu home, and the couple parted after one year.[9]

About a year later, Gold began dating Jeff Lubell. He and Gold eventually moved in together, got married, and had children. They have three sons, Jake, Ryan, and Dylan. The couple filed for divorce in 2007.[4]

Today, Gold is married to television and film actor Marlon Young. The couple met through a mutual friend, Eric Benét.[2]

References

  1. ^ "Talking With the Co-Founder of True Religion: Kym Gold". The Skinny Confidential. October 12, 2015. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Times, Claire Fordham / Special to The Malibu. "Gold Standard". Malibu Times.
  3. ^ Evarts-Bosstick, Lauryn (October 11, 2015). "Talking With The Co-Founder of TRUE RELIGION: Kym Gold". The Skinny Confidential.
  4. ^ a b Gold, Kym (2015). Gold standard : how to rock the world and run an empire. New York, NY: Skyhorse Publishing Company, Incorporated. ISBN 9781634501286.
  5. ^ "Kym Gold Explains How She Started True Religion, Then Sold It for $835 Million". Entrepreneur. April 27, 2018.
  6. ^ "True Religion Co-Founder Kym Gold Asking $9.5M for L.A. Home". American Luxury.[dead link‍]
  7. ^ Bomey, Nathan. "True Religion to close 27 stores after bankruptcy filing: See the list". USA Today. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  8. ^ a b "Kym Gold, Co-founder, True Religion Brand Jeans – TuesdayNights – Inspiring Connections with Entrepreneurial Women". Tuesday Nights.
  9. ^ Bart, Peter (January 10, 2019). "Peter Bart: Mark Burnett Stands Firmly Behind The Reality TV President He Helped Create". Deadline. Retrieved July 6, 2022.