Brand New Old
MANY garments from clothing brands have a rich history, whether it’s a trusted pair of Vans or women’s Ted Baker coats. Among the oldest clothiers still in business today are Levi Strauss & Co., with their iconic advertisements, Ralph Lauren, which has dressed first ladies; and Nike, which continues to innovate in the athletic wear space.
Several high-end fashion houses have entered the market in recent decades. While some have since retired from the runway, there are a few fashion houses with a long history and heritage. We’ve put together a list of them.
Hermes
The French fashion house is Europe’s oldest luxury brand that is still in business. In 1837, Thierry Hermès founded the company. Initially, the designer made saddles and other equestrian supplies. The first unofficial Hermès bag was advertised for carrying saddles and was intended as an addition to their riding collections. Many bags followed, with their most successful and iconic products being the exclusive Kelly and Birkin bags. Hermès is well-known for its logo, which features a Duc carriage and horse. The brand’s creative director is Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski. In addition, the luxury fashion label is known for its leather, lifestyle accessories, home furnishings, perfumery, jewellery, watches, and ready-to-wear collections.
L. L. Bean
L. L. Bean is best known for its iconic Bean Boot with a rubber sole. However, the first batch of Bean Boots had so many flaws that 90% of them were returned. Thus, the well-known L. L. Bean return policy was born. Leon Leonwood Bean established the company in Freeport, Maine, in 1912, with a single boot design. However, the classic Field Coat was not added to the roster until 1926. They now have 55 retail locations in the United States and Japan, selling a wide range of outdoor clothing and equipment. However, their famous return policy has been modified.
Town Talk
This family-owned business in Louisville, Kentucky, founded by Gene Meyer, was originally a full haberdashery specialising in felt hats. However, Town Talk’s specialities have evolved, and they now primarily sell visors, baseball caps, beanies, and bucket hats. Belts are the newest addition to Town Talk’s catalogue, and you can have almost anything from their store embroidered. Their products are no longer 100 percent American-made. However, most of the manufacturing is still done in their Kentucky headquarters. The most remarkable thing about Town Talk, however, is their visors. They’ve been selling them since the 1980s, embellishing them with rhinestones, faux leather, and bizarre printed patterns.
Cartier
Louis-François Cartier, at the age of 29, purchased his mentor’s jewellery workshop on Rue Montorgueil in Paris and officially founded the House of Cartier in 1847. Despite beginning as a modest Parisian shop, the brand quickly became a global success. In fact, in 1904, Cartier was appointed as the official purveyor to King Alfonso XII of Spain and King Edward VII of the United Kingdom.Puma
Puma hasn’t made a splash in the fashion industry in a long time, but they’ve made a huge comeback. Rihanna is one celebrity who has revived the brand, and she manages to make athletic wear look high fashion. The Weeknd and Kylie Jenner have both been spotted wearing the brand on the street. Athletic wear is not limited to the gym. Simply because the trainers are comfortable does not imply that they are not fashionable.
Brooks Brothers
Brooks Brothers are America’s oldest clothing retailer, dating back to 1818. On April 7, that year, the first Brooks Brothers store, known as D. H. Brooks & Co., opened in New York. In 1849, the company introduced its first ready-made suits, and in 1896, it introduced the first button-down polo shirt. According to its website, the company has more than 250 retail and factory stores in the United States and more than 250 locations worldwide.
