David Chu

David Chu, birth name Zhū Qīnqí (朱欽騏) is the Taiwanese American founder of Nautica, a men's designer outerwear company. He started in 1983 with 6 sailing jackets, and 20 years later, sold the company for $1 billion to VF Corporation. He made $100 million from the sale. He then started another label, called "Lincs David Chu," which is a modern traditional sportswear line.

Currently, LINCS can only be found in select Dillard's stores.

He was born in 1955. His family immigrated from Taiwan to USA in the 1960s and opened a Chinese restaurant.

He was studying Architecture in New York, and during a class at Fashion Institute of Technology, a professor suggested that he try designing clothes after seeing his drawing skills.

He then returned to Taipei to start an export business with friends, but they lost all their money in one and a half years.

He then returned to USA, working under a large company, he designed jackets, taking the inspiration from sailor's coats. Barneys and Bloomingdales had good sales for the designs and Nautica was born.

In 2007 Men's wear veteran David Chu has been named executive creative director at upscale luggage and accessories maker Tumi, Inc. As of fall 2008 he was released from this role.