Thomas Pink
 | |
| Subsidiary | |
| Industry | Luxury clothing |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founder | James, Peter and John Mullen |
| Headquarters | London, UK |
Number of locations | 90+ |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Owner | LVMH |
| Website |
www |
Thomas Pink is a luxury clothing business started in London in 1984, by three Irish brothers James, Peter and John Mullen.[1] It is now part of the LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey) group.[1][2] Altogether there are more than 90 stores around the world – in the United States, France, Mexico, the UAE, Hong Kong, Australia, China, South Africa, Indonesia, India, and in the UK, with flagship stores in London, New York, and Paris.
History
The company was named after Thomas Pink, an 18th-century tailor in Mayfair, London.[1] Mr. Pink designed the hunting coat worn by Masters of Foxhounds, whippers-in, huntsmen and other hunt staff. The coat was made of scarlet cloth but was always referred to as PINK, after its originator.
Thomas Pink started as a specialist shirt company. In 2011, a newly designed Thomas Pink store concept was implemented in Washington DC, Edinburgh, and Harrods in London. In 2012, Thomas Pink commissioned British car maker Morgan (Morgan Motor Company) to create a four-seater classic sports car. The PINK Morgan is part of the "TIE THE KNOT" service, providing a chauffeur driven service for the groom on his wedding day. In May 2012, Thomas Pink presented a limited edition art book that celebrated the "essence of British Entertainment through the lens of documentary photographer Jocelyn Bain Hogg. In 2014, Thomas Pink launched a sports shirt called Athletic Fit, with endorsement from British adventurer Sean Conway.[3]
Sponsorships
In 2012, Thomas Pink was appointed official outfitter for The British and Irish Lions Tour to Australia 2013. A quartet of former Lions—Gareth Edwards, Roger Baird, Richard Hill, and Rob Henderson—offered insights to Thomas Pink’s creative director, Florence Torrens, on their past Lions official outfits and experiences. Thomas Pink will provide the players of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales with the official formalwear looks for the tour including blazer, tie and evening wear.[4] In 2011, Thomas Pink announced they were to sponsor the awards for the Leading Rider and Leading Trainer at The Cheltenham Festival in March. The Thomas Pink Leading Rider Award and Thomas Pink Leading Trainer Award are presented at both of Cheltenham’s biggest meetings to the jockey and trainer who win the most races, with the number of second, third and fourth places being taken into account if necessary.[5]
Retail locations
Thomas Pink has 47 stores in the United Kingdom, including their flagship store in Jermyn Street, two outlets and concessions within Harrods, Selfridges, House of Fraser, Fenwick, and John Lewis. Thomas Pink has 31 stores in the United States. Thomas Pink has stores in 2 France, Ireland, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Mexico, India and the United Arab Emirates, Thomas Pink is operational in South Africa, and has a store in upper-class suburb of Hyde Park, Johannesburg and 2 other place in Johannesburg.
Controversy
In 2012 Thomas Pink launched legal proceedings in the UK against Victoria's Secret, which were marketing a line of lingerie under the PINK label; Thomas Pink claimed Victoria's Secret was infringing on its trademarks, confusing customers and tarnishing its image pursuant to the Trade Marks Act 1994.[6] Although Victoria's Secret attempted to raise a number of defences including revocation for non-use, and attacking the validity of the marks for descriptiveness and lack of distinctiveness, in July 2014 in the High Court of England and Wales Judge Colin Birss ruled in Thomas Pink's favour.[2] Victoria's Secret, which is owned by parent company L Brands, is making efforts to protect its PINK trademarks in the United States,[7] where the British trademark ruling did not have any effect.[8][9]
References
- 1 2 3 "Thinking of Pink". Sunday Business Post. December 2, 2007.
- 1 2 Kyle Stock (1 August 2014). "In War for the Word 'Pink,' a Menswear Retailer Defeats Victoria's Secret". Bloomsberg Businessweek. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
- ↑ Will Grice (27 May 2014). "Good news gym lovers: Thomas Pink now has the shirt for you". GQ Magazine. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
- ↑ British and Irish Lions
- ↑ Cheltenham Festival
- ↑ "Storm in a D-cup? Luxury London shirtmaker Thomas Pink stops Victoria's Secret naming lingerie range 'PINK', claiming it would tarnish its image". Daily Mail. London. 31 July 2014. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
- ↑ Alanna Petroff CNN Victoria's Secret loses PINK brand battle 2014/08/05
- ↑ Matt Ellis adweek.com Victoria's Secret Loses U.K. Trademark Infringement Battle London-based retailer wins 'pink' case August 4, 2014
- ↑ bloomberg.com Kyle Stock In War for the Word 'Pink,' a Menswear Retailer Defeats Victoria's Secret August 01, 2014