[1][2][5] The debut clothing line was launched in 2000; a "black-less collection", in which Varvatos went against the popular fashion trends of the time.

[3][9] In 2010 and 2011, Lyndon Lea's Lion Capital purchased a majority stake in the company in March 2012, with Varvatos remaining as Chairman and Chief Creative Officer.

[10][11][12] On May 6, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, it was reported the company was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing $140 million in debt.

[14] The main collection of the brand, John Varvatos, is high-end male clothing with rock 'n' roll influences.

[1][7] The main collection was expanded over the years, and today includes jewelry, watches, eyewear, gloves, scarves, and other accessories.

[17] John Varvatos first received accolades from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2000, when he was honored with the Perry Ellis Newcomer's Award for Menswear.