Hugo Boss AG is a fashion house based in Germany, which specializes in menswear.
History
Hugo Boss established his company in Metzingen, Germany, in 1923, only a few years after the end of WWI, while most of the country was in a state of economic ruin.
Before and during World War II, Mr. Boss' company both designed and manufactured uniforms and attire for the troops, officers and other governmental branches of Nazi Germany, including the SS. It is likely that the factory used forced labour. After the war, Hugo Boss was labelled an "opportunist of the Third Reich" and fined 80,000 marks. The company then languished in relative obscurity until the fifties. Hugo Boss himself died in 1948.
In 1993, 70 years after its founding, Hugo Boss launched its first fragrance, and created a division which has since grown to be an important part of the company.
In 1999 Boss Orange for men was launched described as sporty and casual separating itself from the trendy Hugo brand and the sophisticated Boss Black brand. Boss Green is a completely sporty brand selling items designed for sport or a sporty look.
Todays brands for men include; Boss Black, Boss Green, Boss Orange, Hugo and separately Baldessarini. For women; Boss Black, Boss Orange and Hugo. Also part of the brand are Lifestyle Accessories.
Today
The company's products, divided over three brands, are available throughout the world in 102 countries and more than 5,000 retail stores. These brands are Boss, Hugo, and since 2004, Baldessarini. The latter, Baldessarini GmbH, is a more independent business unit which focuses more on a prestigious image than its two sister brands. It sells, like the other Hugo Boss brands, clothing, shoes, fragrances and accessories. The company is presently a subsidiary held by Italian material manufacturer Marzotto S.p.A. under a new fashion company Valentino Fashion Group with 50.9% held in the Boss Group.
All fragrance brands (Hugo, Hugo Boss and Baldessarini) are owned by Procter & Gamble.
In July 2005 Hugo Boss further expanded into womenswear with Boss Orange Womenswear.
See also
External link
References
- The Washington Post, Thursday, August 14, 1997; Page B01 [1] [2]