Fashion’s biggest success stories are almost always the result of a strong duo at a house’s helm—think the creative mind who can focus purely on design as the business executive worries about the rest. A good, amicable rapport can be the secret sauce. Case in point: Tom Ford, who transformed Gucci into a fashion empire in perfect tandem with Domenico de Sole. Before Tom and Dom, there was Calvin Klein, building his brand with childhood bestie Barry Schwartz; Donna Karan and Stephen Ruzow (and Karan’s husband Stephan Weiss at her side); Reed Krakoff and Lew Frankfort at Coach, and Marc Jacobs and Robert Duffy, to name a few.

This week’s Ralph Lauren Corp. news that Stefan Larsson is taking over the Chief Executive Officer role from Ralph Lauren plays nicely into the theme. Lauren will now be driving the vision and strategy of the firm as Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, while Larsson can focus on further building the business aligned with the designer’s vision.

“Stefan and I have a strong personal bond and share a vision for the future of Ralph Lauren,” Lauren noted. “I appreciate Stefan’s unique sensibility, his honesty and his authenticity.”

The ultimate goal: a strengthened business structure to position the company for further growth. Larsson was most recently Global President of Old Navy, a division of Gap Inc., and before that, spent 15 years at H&M. Both companies impressively grew sales while he was there, and Larsson is confident that by teaming up, he and Lauren can work the same business magic.

“His creativity and singular vision have made Ralph Lauren one of the world’s most influential global brands, and I share his dreams for the future,” Larsson said. “I believe the company has tremendous potential to continue expanding in the global marketplace as it broadens its appeal to all consumers.” Talk about a new power duo to watch.