Smith is visiting as a 2015 Bill Blass Design Seminar Lecturer from the IU Department of Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design.
He will speak about his experiences as an entrepreneur and business leader, according to a University press release.
“We are very pleased to be able to bring Mr. Smith to Bloomington,” said Kelly Richardson, curator of IU’s Sage Fashion Collection, in the press release. “His creative vision and business insight combined to create an iconic form of footwear that represents the casual-luxury lifestyle that has been so pervasive in our culture since the 1980s. Our students are exceptionally fortunate to have the opportunity to meet and talk with this groundbreaking and influential ?entrepreneur.”
Smith was born in Australia and became a chartered accountant, which is similar to a certified public accountant in the U.S.
He then studied at the UCLA Graduate School of Management in Los Angeles. He started Ugg Imports with only $500 and the hopes of bringing sheepskin footwear to the U.S.
After 17 years and sales of more than $15 million, he sold Ugg to Deckers Outdoor Corporation. The brand now has more than $1 billion in international sales.
Smith said he is committed to teaching his business strategy and sharing his personal vision of company culture, according to the ?release.
Smith’s book “The Birth of a Brand” will be for sale at the event. After the talk, Smith will sign books until 4:30 p.m.
Alison Graham
