Zihaad Wells returns as True Religion creative director

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Dec 12, 2019

U.S. denim brand True Religion has announced that Zihaad Wells has been named as its new creative director, effective immediately. 
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The move marks Wells’ return to the brand, after previously serving as vice president of design for True Religion from 2006 to 2017. Most recently, he served as vice president of design and creative at premium denim brand AG Jeans. 

As creative director, Wells will be responsible for product design, marketing and driving the creative direction of the brand. He comes to the company with over 20 years of design and brand leadership experience, having previously served as vice president of design with Hudson Jeans and creative manager of Levi’s Red and Levi’s Vintage Clothing, among other roles. 

Wells’ appointment is the latest move by True Religion to bring back past executives and effectively lead the brand into the future. On November 12, True Religion announced that Michael Buckley—who previously served as president of True Religion Apparel from 2006 to 2010—would return as its new chief executive officer, replacing interim CEO, Farla Efros. 

Efros, who discussed the brand’s outlook with FashionNetwork.com earlier in November, alongside Allen Onyia, will continue to work with the brand through HRC Advisory, which has been advising True Religion and where Efros serves as president. 

“We are extremely excited and proud to welcome Zihaad Wells back to True Religion Apparel,” said Buckley. “Zihaad is one of the leading denim and sportswear creatives in the industry.”

With Wells now leading the creative design at True Religion, no mention has been made of Onyia, who identified himself as the brand’s creative director during the interview with FashionNetwork.com last month. Upon enquiry, a representative for the brand said True Religion was unable to comment.

Onyia, who began his role with the company in May 2019, has removed any mention of True Religion from his social media profiles on Twitter and Instagram. However, his LinkedIn page still identifies him as the creative director of True Religion Brand Jeans. 

FashionNetwork.com will update with further information as it arrives.