Downing joins at a key time in the corporation’s expansion. Late this summer Triple Five Group will be opening American Dream, in East Rutherford, N.J., which will feature retail, dining and entertainment offerings on a 3 million square foot site: specifically, some 450 stores and restaurants, multiple theme parks, an indoor ski hill and an ice-skating rink. Downing will lend an expert eye to American Dream’s final touches and ongoing evolution, the company says.

Downing is respected within the fashion community and is an active member on multiple industry platforms, including the Council of Fashion Designers of America, where he once served as a judge for the prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund prize. Downing will help drive, define and shape American Dream and other Triple Five projects as unique and new experiences, says the company. “Ken’s appointment as chief creative officer for Triple Five underscores our commitment to providing guests with the highest level of service and style," said Don Ghermezian, president of American Dream, in a press release. "He is one of the most well-known and well-respected executives in the luxury sector, and his leadership will only serve to strengthen our position of providing one-of-a-kind, world-class destinations. Ken has a proven track record of working with designers and curating premier consumer experiences — mixing the best in fashion, art, culture and design."

Downing says he is ready for the post. “There are forces of nature, and then there is Don Ghermezian of Triple Five," Downing said. "No dream is too big, no detail too small. These are the ideals that are the cornerstones of my career. Joining Triple Five as chief creative officer, leading the design, advertising, marketing, public-relations and events teams on new, existing and future projects is beyond exhilarating. Together with Don and the Triple Five teams, we will redefine the idea of redefining retail. I look forward, first and foremost, to contributing to American Dream."