Our Leadership
Our Founders

James Bienen
CEO
James is a fourth-generation fashion accessory creator. James developed this passion from his great grandfather who made fashion accessories over 100 years ago. After graduating from University of Arizona, James started his career making and sourcing accessories in California for the family business. It wasn’t long after that he moved home to New York, where he continued to grow his career learning the silk scarf and cold weather knit business. In 2003 James, along with Polly decided it was time to make his own mark in the world and opened Madison 88 Ltd.

Polly Bienen
President
Polly has more than 30 years in the fashion industry. With a Chemical Engineering background, she started her career in the industry as a Textile Analyst for Intertek Testing Services. She transitioned her career to focus on Knitwear for Marks & Spencer based in the Philippines. From there, her career trajectory was paved in knitwear, and she became the Product Development Manager for a major cold weather fashion accessories factory. With no turning back, she relocated to New York and began Madison 88 alongside James.
Our Leadership

Chris Cantasano
CFO
Chris has more than 35 years of experience in the textile industry. Starting his career in his family owned, fourth generation business in New York City where he focused his energies on running and growing the family business, eventually settling in South Carolina to pursue a business in Home Fashion and Apparel textiles. In 2010, Chris moved back to the New York area and joined Madison 88 to help with day-to-day operations focusing on his comprehensive experience in the key functions and processes of management, finance, customer service, marketing, and human resources.

Kendall Brandau
VP of Product & Business Development
Kendall began her career from a young age working at her family-owned Home Decorating Accessories Company. This foundation fueled her passion for design, merchandising and product. Graduating from DePaul University, with a concentration in Marketing and Merchandising, she had the goal of working in the Outdoor Apparel Industry. After spending 10+ years building Accessories, Apparel and Hardgoods at The North Face, she moved on to premium Scuba Diving Equipment, learning manufacturing. With more than 18 years’ experience in product creation Kendall channels her original passion for accessories working with a world class organization.

Karen Chan
Director of Production
Karen was born and raised in Hong Kong before moving to New York to study at FIT where she gained her degrees in Fashion Merchandising and International Trade. From there She began her career as a production assistant at a junior knitwear company before transitioning to Itochu Corporation, where she worked as a senior planner. Karen has 20 years of experience in the garment industry and a deep understanding of the production and supply chain processes from start to finish. Karen also holds an MBA from Boston University.