Tory Burch is a name that has become synonymous with elegance, style, and success. She is a renowned American fashion designer who founded the eponymous brand Tory Burch Foundation in 2004. Her brand is known for its chic, preppy style that has become a favorite of many celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Jessica Alba, and Taylor Swift.
Tory Burch was born on June 17, 1966, in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Her parents were wealthy socialites who were well-known in the Philadelphia social scene. Tory grew up in a privileged environment, attending elite schools such as the Agnes Irwin School and the University of Pennsylvania. Her mother, Reva, was a former actress with a keen interest in fashion, and she passed on her passion for style to her daughter.
After graduating from college, Tory worked in public relations and advertising, gaining experience in the fashion industry. In 1993, she married William Macklowe, son of New York City real estate developer Harry B. Macklowe. The couple moved to New York City, and Tory began to explore her interest in fashion further.
Tory's fashion career began earnestly when she worked for the iconic fashion designer Ralph Lauren. She quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a senior executive at the company. During her time at Ralph Lauren, Tory honed her design, marketing, and branding skills. She learned how to create a brand identity that resonated with consumers and created a fashionable and affordable product.
In 2004, Tory Burch launched her eponymous brand, Tory Burch LLC. Her vision was to create a line of clothing and accessories that were both stylish and accessible. Her designs were inspired by her mother's style, which was a mix of preppy and bohemian. Tory's designs were also heavily influenced by her travels around the world. She drew inspiration from the art, architecture, and fashion of countries such as Morocco, India, and Turkey.
Tory's brand was an instant success. Her first store, located in the Nolita neighborhood of New York City, sold out of merchandise on its opening day. Her line of ballet flats, adorned with a signature "T" logo, became an instant must-have item. The popularity of Tory's brand soon spread, and she opened stores in locations such as Los Angeles, Tokyo, and London.
In 2005, Tory was honored with the Rising Star Award from the Fashion Group International. This recognition helped elevate her brand further, and she continued expanding her product line. In addition to clothing and accessories, Tory launched a home collection featuring bedding, dinnerware, and other home decor items.
Tory's success has been challenging. In 2006, she faced a lawsuit from her ex-husband, William Macklowe, who claimed he was entitled to a portion of the company's profits. The lawsuit was eventually settled, and Tory bought out her ex-husband's stake in the company.
Tory has also faced criticism for the labor practices of her company. In 2016, a report by the nonprofit organization China Labor Watch accused Tory Burch LLC of labor violations in its factories in China. The company denied the allegations and launched an investigation into the matter. In response, Tory said she would visit the factories to ensure the company's labor practices were up to par.
Despite these challenges, Tory's brand continues to thrive. In 2019, the company reported annual revenue of over $1.5 billion. Tory has become a powerful figure in the fashion industry and has been recognized for her philanthropic efforts as well.