The ever-eclectic Liz Claiborne was born in the city of Brussels, Belgium and moved to New Orleans, Louisiana as young girl. Liz Claiborne dropped out of high school and went back to her home continent to learn art. She then returned to New York City and worked as a moderately successful designer for nearly a quarter century before the bug of entrepreneurship bit her. Liz Claiborne founded her eponymous company in 1976, focusing on sportswear for women. Claiborne's initial appeal came from the fact that most businesswomen at that time had few sportswear options that were not drab or plain or overly expensive. She priced her shirts, pants, skirts, and dresses moderately and thus attracted the attention not just of the fashion glitterati, but also of a large market demographic. Ultimately, Claiborne's company became a multi-million dollar per year and then a multi-billion dollar per year corporation. Naturally, the company expanded into other markets, manufacturing stylish men's wear, perfumes and colognes, and a host of apparel accessories. Liz Claiborne herself retired in 1989. Liz Claiborne Inc. also has become a major brand empire, consisting of numerous apparel houses. The company is now a small empire, controlling Jane Street, Crazy Horse Boots and Shoe Wear, CMC California, Juicy Couture, Intuitions, Curve, and nearly a dozen others. Liz Claiborne Inc. also maintains an integrated relationship with Kenneth Cole brand. Thanks to its web sales and adept brand management tactics, the company is poised for major growth in the 21st century. |
