Thom Browne, the esteemed American fashion designer, recently concluded his monumental world tour in celebration of the 20th anniversary of his fashion house. This momentous occasion was marked by various exciting projects, including the launch of a monograph, an anniversary capsule collection, and a series of sophisticated events that spanned across different cities.
The whirlwind tour took Browne to bustling metropolises such as New York and fashion capitals like Milan. Throughout the journey, the brand played host to more than 1,700 guests, consisting of friends, journalists, and loyal customers. Attendees at these events exuded elegance and sophistication, donning the brand’s signature slim-fitted gray suits while savoring the house champagne.
The world tour kick-started on October 9 in London with a lavish gala dinner at the esteemed Victoria & Albert Museum, followed by an exhibition at Harrods. The celebration continued in Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and New York before culminating in Milan. The overwhelming response from customers worldwide served as a true reflection of the brand’s remarkable success.
Thom Browne’s fashion empire commenced in 2003 when he established a workshop in New York that specialized in men’s suits inspired by the aesthetics of the 1950s. Over the past two decades, Browne’s distinctive approach to men’s fashion, coupled with his extravagant couture creations, propelled the brand to incredible heights. In 2022, the brand achieved a significant milestone, raking in 330 million euros in revenue, marking a 25% increase from the previous year.
In 2018, Browne’s label was acquired by the esteemed luxury group, Zegna, and it now accounts for 21% of the group’s total sales. The brand has also benefited from sourcing precious fabrics from within the Zegna group. By September 2023, the brand’s turnover had reached 280 million euros, showcasing a 10% year-on-year increase and an impressive 15.5% organic growth rate. Notably, the women’s collections experienced a surge in sales with a 30% increase in the third quarter.
Thom Browne’s global presence is evident with 109 stores worldwide, 84 of which are directly managed by the brand. This year saw the transformation of 17 Korean stores, previously managed by a partner, into proprietary boutiques. Browne’s high-profile clientele, including prominent figures such as Michelle Obama, LeBron James, and Julia Roberts, have undoubtedly played a significant role in elevating the brand’s visibility and success over the years.
One of the standout moments of this anniversary year was the brand’s spectacular runway show at the Opéra Garnier in Paris during Haute Couture Week. The event mesmerized audiences with Browne’s visionary designs, showcasing the brand’s unmatched expertise and creativity. Additionally, the release of the commemorative book, “Thom Browne,” consisting of over 400 pages, further immortalized the brand’s influential legacy.
The anniversary collection, now on display at the Milan boutique, pays homage to the brand’s classics while incorporating the iconic number 2003 (the year of the label’s founding) into the designs. The collection features an array of exquisite garments, including cashmere coats and jackets, a pleated gray flannel skirt, Bermuda shorts, a polo shirt, a galon-trimmed cardigan, and a Teddy jacket. Completing the ensemble are a briefcase-style bag and a pair of golden glasses.
Thom Browne’s world tour in celebration of the 20th anniversary of his fashion house serves as a testimony to the brand’s enduring success and unwavering creativity. With a devoted following and a significant global presence, Browne’s unique vision has solidified his position as a leading figure in the fashion industry. As the tour draws to a close, Browne’s legacy continues to inspire and captivate fashion enthusiasts around the world.
Useful Links:
Thom Browne Official Website
Victoria & Albert Museum
