Ellen Tracy
Ellen Tracy is a clothing manufacturer;[1] it was founded by Herbert Gallen in 1949,[2] selling to the international market.[3] It
The company has three divisions:
- The Linda Allard for Ellen Tracy's signature collection of career wear.
- The Ellen Tracy Dresses.
- Company by Ellen Tracy.
History
As a result of wartime rations during World War II fabrics became difficult to obtain. However, Herbert Gallen was able to acquire some fabric from a friend. He produced several blouses which he took to major department stores on Manhattan's 34th Street. He sold all of the sample blouses and started a clothing line using his wife's name. Betty Barr, for the label.[4] He opened a showroom on Third Avenue with financial backing from Mike Brewer, Gallen formed a new company in 1949 which he called Ellen Tracy.[4] In 1962, he hired recent college graduate Linda Allard as his design assistant[3] and within two years, she was named Director of Design. The company was acquired in 2002 by Liz Claiborne, Inc. and became a wholly owned subsidiary of that company.[4]
Notable dates
- In 1979, Ellen Tracy became involved in designer sportswear rather than just junior sportswear.
- In 1983, they added a petite division.
- In 1984, Linda Allard’s name was added to the Ellen Tracy label.[5]
- In 1985 the company added a dress division.
- In 1983, their ad campaign featured model Carol Alt and in 1987 it featured a young Cindy Crawford.[4]
- In 1991, Ellen Tracy launched the Company Ellen Tracy line to appeal to younger wearers and also offered casual weekend clothing.
- In the spring of 1993, they added a plus-size division.[4]
- In September 2002, Herbert Gallen sold the company to Liz Claiborne, Inc.
- In 2010, Macy’s became the exclusive sportswear retailer for Ellen Tracy. The brand launched internationally in this year as well.[6]
References
- "Ellen Tracy". Ellen Tracy. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
- "Ellen Tracy". Accessories Magazine. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
- Schiro, Anne-Marie (20 November 1991). "Who Is Ellen Tracy?". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
- "Ellen Tracy, Inc. History". Funding Universe. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
- "Discover the Heritage of Ellen Tracy". Ellen Tracy. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
- "About Ellen Tracy". Ellen Tracy. Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 25 June 2014.