Our Biography
Carole Hochman Design Group has earned its place as one of the dominant forces in the women's sleepwear and intimate apparel industry. Guided by the pioneering design vision of Carole Hochman, Principal and Creative Director, and the business acumen of Neal Hochman, CEO; Carole Hochman Design Group remains a privately-held business. Today, CHDGroup boasts a diverse portfolio of designer brands -- each with its own distinctive positioning and style -- that together comprise an impressive segment of sleepwear and intimate apparel business.
The company's namesake brand Carole Hochman, known for its premium pima cotton sleepwear and loungewear is sold in better department and specialty stores across the United States and internationally. CHDGroup also owns the luxurious intimate apparel collection OnGossamer (2006) along with several licensed designer collections including Lauren Ralph Lauren (2003), Oscar de la Renta (1998), Betsey Johnson (2004), Jockey (2003), Esprit (2001), Chaps (2004), Nine & Company (2003), and Stan Herman (2004). CHDGroup's private label business is a major channel of distribution with diverse accounts, both domestic and abroad including; QVC, QVC UK and Kohls.
The 76 year old company, which began as Chevette Inc., was founded by Neal Hochman's father, Sol and his partner, Max Saffir, in 1930. Neal Hochman, who joined his parents company in 1955, after graduating from the Wharton School of Business, proved himself to be a tenacious businessman and savvy negotiator. Guided by his leadership in an industry fraught with challenges, CHDGroup remains strong in a handful of surviving companies in an industry once marked by hundreds.
Carole began her career at Chevette in 1968 after graduating from Drexel University. Carole was the lead designer for the Christian Dior license, which remained the longest licensed brand at CHDGroup for 34 years, ending in 1997. Carole's true innate ability to identify opportunities, trends and translate designer vision has propelled her to become one of the top designers in the sleepwear industry. As a testament to her vision and talent the company was renamed Carole Hochman Designs in 1985.
Carole and Neal attribute much of their success to the teams of brilliant designers, merchandisers and management that have realized their vision of success into the CHDGroup of today. With the recent years of consistent domestic and international growth led by Seth Morris, President and Peter Gabbe, COO, CHDGroup has garnered industry respect and continued premium designer interest. Carole and Neal's daughter, Sara Allard, oversees the company's creative services and marketing vision for future brand growth.
The corporate offices and showrooms are located in New York City with over 175 employees comprised of sales, design teams and marketing. An additional 125 employees are located in a Williamsport, Pennsylvania facility encompassing distribution, information technology and customer service.
As CHDGroup continues to grow, the focus remains on bringing the best intimate, sleepwear and loungewear from the Carole Hochman design house to your house.