In just four years, she has become the most influential fashion designer in America.
Tory Burch, or rather her WASPy 1960s and ’70s David Hicks-meets-Marrakech style, is everywhere
Unlike big names such as Lanvin and Balenciaga, Burch designs clothes that real people really wear. Her brand, with prices mostly in the $195 to $495 range, is accessible to a good range of ages and sizes up to size 14.
For high-end shoppers, it’s a source for casual clothes; for budget shoppers, it’s aspirational.
The tunic top, the sequin knit dress, the dickey sweater and the $195 Reva ballet flat named after her mom and adorned with the double-T logo have become classic designs.
Out of reach for your pocketbook? Just wait for the knockoffs.
TORY BURCH
Bio: Privileged background; landed in the social swirl of New York via the public relations departments at Ralph Lauren and Vera Wang; married a venture capitalist; recently divorced but on friendly terms and remain business partners; no design experience; investing her own money to build a lifestyle brand with logo beach towels and 14 boutiques with their own midcentury modern look; launched her line in February 2004 at her own retail store in New York, before wholesaling it.
Seminal moment: March 2005 when Oprah Winfrey, who had received one of Burch’s tunics as a Christmas gift, invited Burch to the show. The next day, Toryburch.com got 8 million hits.
Los Angeles Times
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