Ben Sherman

Last updated

Ben Sherman Group Limited
Founded1963 in Brighton, England
FounderBen Sherman
(born Arthur Benjamin Sugarman)
Products Mod, casual clothing
RevenueUS$256,200,000
(Oxford Industries Annual Report 2016)
Parent Marquee Brands
A Ben Sherman shop in Carnaby Street, London 50 Carnaby Street.JPG
A Ben Sherman shop in Carnaby Street, London

Ben Sherman is a British clothing brand selling shirts, sweaters, suits, outerwear, shoes and accessories predominantly for men. Ben Sherman has been described as an 'iconic British brand'. [1] Ben Sherman designs sometimes feature the Royal Air Force roundel which is often called the mod target. [2] In its beginnings in the 1960s, the company made its mark with fashionable short sleeved, button-down collared shirts. [3]

Contents

History

The company was founded in 1963 by Arthur Benjamin Sugarman (1925–1987), the son of a Jewish salesman, born in Brighton. [4] Sugarman emigrated to the United States in 1946, via Canada, where he later became a naturalised US citizen. He married the daughter of a Californian clothes producer and later returned to Brighton, where he established a shirt factory at 21 Bedford Square in 1963. [5] Sugarman spotted that early 1960s London-based modern jazz fans were eagerly buying the Oxford-collared American button-down shirt brands such as Brooks Brothers, Arrow, and Hathaway, that were worn by visiting American jazz artists including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Canadian jazz artist Oscar Peterson. At the time, these were only available from official importers. He decided to produce a version of these shirts.

Mods quickly embraced the brand, especially as Sugarman was using higher-quality materials and stitching detail than the imported shirts. [6] The Ben Sherman Originals label was created, and by 1965, the company had opened a small office on the upper floors of an office-block in a London backstreet. This acted as the showroom for their shirt and beachwear collections. The first Ben Sherman store was opened on Brighton's Duke Street in 1967. [7] Writing of the brand in 2015, the Guardian wrote that it was "on a par with labels like Fred Perry for the mod set in the 60s". [8]

Ben Sherman remained popular in the late 70s and early 80s as acts including The Jam, The Specials and Madness helped the brand appeal to the mod revival and rude boy movements. [3] The brand also, along with Fred Perry, Lonsdale, Dr Martins, and to a lesser extent Levis, became associated with skinheads at this time. [9]

Benjamin Sugarman sold his business in 1975 and retired to Australia. [10] The company passed through a number of hands in the following years. In 1993, British investor 3i backed a management buyout of Ben Sherman Limited from Northern Ireland-based Dunkeld fashion group, then in receivership, for £4 million which resulted in the creation of the Sherman Cooper Group. [11] In 2000, 3i financed a second management-buyout that created Ben Sherman PLC. In mid-2004, Oxford Industries Inc. of Atlanta purchased the Ben Sherman brand for £80 million (then US$146 million) from 3i and Irish venture capital company Enterprise Equity. [3] In October 2009, Ben Sherman opened a store at 39 Savile Row. [12] Oxford Industries Inc. completed the sale of Ben Sherman to Marquee Brands, controlled by the US investment group Neuberger Berman for £41m in 2015. [3] In turn, UK operations were licensed out to The Baird Group (BMB Clothing). [13]

At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Team GB’s opening ceremony outfits were designed by Ben Sherman creative director Mark Williams. [14] Drawing on the Mod heritage of the brand, athletes wore civilian Harrington jackets and button-down shirts. [15] In March 2024 the company launched its first ever golf-focused apparel collection. [16] At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ben Sherman once again outfitted Team GB. [17]

Image

The Ben Sherman brand has often been compared to fellow British clothing brand Fred Perry and Lonsdale. [9] As well as being worn by several prominent bands, Ben Sherman has also been featured in several films, including 2006's This is England . [8]

In July 2015, The Guardian described Ben Sherman as being at a 'low ebb as a trendsetter,' saying that Ben Sherman was now a 'safe choice', but that 'history could help its relaunch'. [8]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Punk fashion</span> Fashion of punk subculture

Punk fashion is the clothing, hairstyles, cosmetics, jewellery, and body modifications of the punk counterculture. Punk fashion varies widely, ranging from Vivienne Westwood designs to styles modeled on bands like The Exploited to the dressed-down look of North American hardcore. The distinct social dress of other subcultures and art movements, including glam rock, skinheads, greasers, and mods have influenced punk fashion. Punk fashion has likewise influenced the styles of these groups, as well as those of popular culture. Many punks use clothing as a way of making a statement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everlast (brand)</span> American sporting goods equipment brand

Everlast is an American brand of sports equipment, focused on boxing, mixed martial arts and physical fitness, which markets its products worldwide. The company was founded in The Bronx and is currently based in Manhattan. In 2007, Everlast was acquired by the British retailing group Frasers Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mambo Graphics</span> Australian clothing company

Mambo Graphics is an Australian clothing brand specialises in swimwear, wetsuits, casual wear apparel and surfing accessories. Mambo was launched in 1984 by Australian entrepreneur and founder of Phantom Records, Dare Jennings along with his business partner, Andrew Rich. The headquarters are located in Alexandria, Sydney.

Lonsdale is a British sports equipment, textile and footwear brand focused on boxing and mixed martial arts established in London in 1960. Former boxer Bernard Hart started the brand as a boxing equipment company, but it eventually branched out into clothing as well. The company is named after Hugh Lowther, 5th Earl of Lonsdale, who in 1891 set up the first organised boxing matches with gloves, following the deaths of three boxers in bare-knuckle fights. As of 2020 the Lonsdale brand is owned and operated by Sports Direct owner the Frasers Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gingham</span> Type of fabric

Gingham, also called Vichy check, is a medium-weight balanced plain-woven fabric typically with tartan (plaid), striped, or check duotone patterns, in bright colour and in white made from dyed cotton or cotton-blend yarns. It is made of carded, medium or fine yarns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lacoste</span> French clothing company

Lacoste S.A. is a French luxury sports fashion company, founded in 1933 by tennis player René Lacoste, and entrepreneur André Gillier. It sells clothing, footwear, sportswear, eyewear, leather goods, perfume, towels and watches. The company can be recognised by its green Crocodile logo. René Lacoste, the company's founder, was first given the nickname "the Crocodile" by the American press after he bet his team captain a crocodile-skin suitcase that he would win his match. He was later redubbed "the Crocodile" by French fans because of his tenacity on the tennis court. In November 2012, Lacoste was bought outright by Swiss family held group Maus Frères.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PVH Corp.</span> American clothing company

PVH Corp., formerly known as the Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation, is an American clothing company which owns brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Warner's, Olga and True & Co. The company also licenses brands such as Kenneth Cole New York and Michael Kors. PVH is partly named after Dutch immigrant John Manning van Heusen, who in 1910 invented a new process that fused cloth on a curve.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mary Jane (shoe)</span> Closed, low-cut shoe with one or more straps

Mary Jane is an American term for a closed, low-cut shoe with one or more straps across the instep.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trojan skinhead</span> Cultural identity in the UK

Trojan skinheads are individuals who identify with the original British skinhead subculture of the middle 1960s, when ska, rocksteady, reggae, and soul music were popular, and there was a heavy emphasis on mod-influenced clothing styles. Named after the record label Trojan Records, these skinheads identify with the subculture's Jamaican rude boy and British working class roots.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lululemon Athletica</span> Multinational athletic apparel retailer

Lululemon Athletica Inc., commonly known as lululemon, is a Canadian-American multinational premium athletic apparel retailer headquartered in British Columbia and incorporated in Delaware, United States. It was founded in 1998 as a retailer of yoga pants and other yoga wear, and has expanded to also sell athletic wear, lifestyle apparel, accessories, and personal care products. The company has 711 stores and also sells online.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moschino</span> Italian fashion house

Moschino is an Italian luxury fashion house founded in 1983 by Franco Moschino in Milan known for over-the-top, campy designs. The company specializes in ready-to-wear, handbags, and fashion accessories. Moschino's creative director is Adrian Appiolaza.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2000s in fashion</span> Fashion in the decade 2000–2009

The fashions of the 2000s were often described as a global mash up, where trends saw the fusion of vintage styles, global and ethnic clothing, as well as the fashions of numerous music-based subcultures. Hip-hop fashion generally was the most popular among young people of both sexes, followed by the retro-inspired indie look later in the decade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hanes</span> American clothing brand

Hanes and Hanes Her Way is a brand of clothing.

Superdry plc is a British clothing company, and owner of the Superdry label. Superdry products traditionally combine vintage American styling with Japanese-inspired graphics.

Unbound Group, formerly Electra Private Equity, is a British-based online company specialising in clothing and specialist footwear. It was listed on the Alternative Investment Market until going into administration in July 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Merc Clothing</span>

Merc Clothing is a United Kingdom–based clothing company which specialises in the production of shirts, trousers, suits, parkas, harrington jackets, shoes and accessories for men and women.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ralph Lauren Corporation</span> American fashion company

Ralph Lauren Corporation, the legal name of the Ralph Lauren brand, is an American publicly traded luxury fashion company that was founded in 1967 by American fashion designer Ralph Lauren. Headquartered in New York City, the company produces luxury products. Ralph Lauren is known for marketing and distributing products in four categories: apparel, home, accessories, and fragrances. Known mostly for its flagship brand Polo Ralph Lauren, the company's brands include mid-range, sub-premium, and premium labels up to its highest priced luxury Ralph Lauren Purple Label apparel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trespass (clothing)</span> International sportswear brand

Trespass is a sportswear brand specialized in skiwear, waterproof jackets, fleeces, festival accessories, walking boots and camping gear. The company distributes its products in the wholesale market, through retail shops in Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe, and online.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fashion in Nigeria</span>

The fashion industry in Nigeria plays an important cultural role and contributes significantly to the country's economy. Clothing incorporates a variety of colours, fabrics, and embellishments. Many of the component cultures of Nigeria wear styles that are characteristic of their tribal society and customs. Nigeria produces fashionable textiles and finished garments and has designers who have achieved international recognition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fred Perry (clothing label)</span> Japanese owned British fashion company

Fred Perry is a Japanese owned British sporting and fashion brand of clothing and accessories, founded by champion British tennis player Fred Perry in 1952. Although founded as, and intended to be a brand of sporting clothes, the Fred Perry brand gained mass popularity as a casual wear in the 60s due to association with alternative UK culture, notably the mods. The brand's logo is a laurel wreath, which usually appears on the left breast of Fred Perry garments, stitched into the fabric. Fred Perry products are sold, and worn, around the world. The Fred Perry brand is considered iconic, and remains popular, and fashionable. The brand has become a global symbol of alternative culture.

References

  1. ↑ "Ben Sherman's new collection is perfect for long summer evenings". Evening Standard . 18 June 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  2. ↑ Jobling, Paul and David Crowley, Graphic Design: Reproduction and Representation Since 1800 (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1996) ISBN   0-7190-4467-7, ISBN   978-0-7190-4467-0, p. 213
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Ben Sherman sold to Marquee Brands". The Guardian . 20 July 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  4. ↑ "The man behind Ben Sherman's winning British style". drapersonline.com. Brighton & Hove News. 17 January 2020. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
  5. ↑ Wadsworth, Jo (22 July 2015). "First Ben Sherman factory to be converted into flat". Brighton & Hove News. Archived from the original on 24 January 2018.
  6. ↑ Ayling, Kim (10 February 2018). "Driving Through The Past: Ben Sherman". Brighton Journal. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  7. ↑ Ayling, Kim (2 October 2018). "Driving Through The Past: Ben Sherman". www.brightonjournal.co.uk. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  8. 1 2 3 "Ben Sherman now a safe choice but history could help its relaunch". the Guardian . 20 July 2015. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  9. 1 2 "Battle of the brands". Deutsche Welle . 16 February 2010. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  10. ↑ Ayling, Kim (2 October 2018). "Driving Through The Past: Ben Sherman". Brighton Journal. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  11. ↑ Davey, Jenny (22 June 2004). "3i collars £46m as US firm buys Ben Sherman". The Times . Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  12. ↑ Ryan, John (17 October 2009). "Ben Sherman, Savile Row, London". Drapers. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  13. ↑ Man, Pui-Guan (3 October 2017). "Ben Sherman ramps up UK operations in growth strategy". www.drapersonline.com. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  14. ↑ "Stylish athletes to make Tokyo the most fashionable Olympics yet". the Guardian. 17 July 2021. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  15. ↑ "Stylish athletes to make Tokyo the most fashionable Olympics yet". The Guardian . 17 July 2021. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  16. ↑ "Ben Sherman launches first golf apparel collection and unveils tour ambassador". Golf Business News. 4 March 2024. Retrieved 14 July 2024.
  17. ↑ "Ben Sherman and Team GB Unveil Official Ceremony Wear for Paris Olympics". www.sailweb.co.uk. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.

Official website

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.