Thomas Pink

Thomas Pink

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Type	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.thomaspink.com

Thomas Pink is a luxury clothing business started in London in 1984, by three Irish brothers James, Peter and John Mullen. It is now part of the LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey) group. Altogether there are more than 90 stores around the world – in USA, France, Mexico, U.A.E, 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. 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.

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. 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.

Retail locations

Thomas Pink has 31 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 25 stores in the United States and 4 in Canada. Thomas Pink has stores in France, Ireland, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates. They have recently opened four stores in India (one in Mumbai, two in New Delhi, and one in Gurgaon). Thomas Pink is operational in South Africa, and has a store in upper-class suburb of Hyde Park, Johannesburg.

Controversy

In 2012 Thomas Pink launched UK legal proceedings against underwear brand 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. 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 British High Court Judge Colin Birss ruled in Thomas Pink's favour. Victoria's Secret, which is owned by parent company L Brands, is making efforts to protect its PINK trademarks in the US, where the British trade mark ruling did not have any effect.

External links

• Official website