Theory buys Rag & Bone

[savage]

Just got back from Coterie, the first trade show that RB has ever been at. They're doing everything in-house now, and are self contained with their launch of a full mens and womens line. wonder how they broke out of the box?

Theory bought them. I heard they bought Helmut Lang too.

Good or Bad?

 

[michaeljkrell]

I knew Helmut Lang got bought by theory, but now rag and bone. Can't anyone stay indie anymore?

 

[hermes]

the new issue of men's vogue (feb/mar 2007?) has a small article on the two remaining rag & bone members and how they saved the factory they use in the southern usa from closing as had happened to the kentucky location that they had previously used .... and also mentions how they've now branched out from just denim into a whole line of men's and women's wear

but no mention that theory link holdings was buying them, just that nathan bogle had left, but given the expansion, the money has to come from somewhere so perhaps a hook-up with LTH is what was needed to fuel that expansion

 

[blank]

That was a nice little article on Rag & Bone. And the jeans look so nice. Gotta get a pair, might be the next purchase if I can live with the pointy back pockets.

 

[Rye GB]

I really respect the quality and finishing of the Rag & Bone products but have never been a fan of their sillhouettes, I doubt a small company like them could alone keep a factory in business, but it's a nice fairy tale.

For fans of the product I would buy up what you can because Theory Group will wreck it in no time. This is an aquisition that will be focusing on growth and profit, which doesn't bode well for the quality fabrics and details current customers love.

 

[whodini]

Hmm...this'll be interesting.

 

[jet]

This is horrible news if true. Looks like I'll have to find a new label.

 

[LA Guy]

Meh, we'll see. There have been acquisitions that have been corrosive (anything that Prada bought, for example), while others have been quite benign. For example, I haven't noticed a significant change in quality after Staff acquired Margiela. I know people have been knocking the latest HL collection, but I think that that has 100% to do with the designers, who, while talented, are nothing even close to HL's talent, and pretty much nothing to do with the fact that the Theory group now owns the label.

 

[bapelolol]

anyone know where i can get rb11 28x30?

 

[sygyzy]

What is Theory? What else do they own?

 

[skalogre]

Originally Posted by hermes

the new issue of men's vogue (feb/mar 2007?) has a small article on the two remaining rag & bone members and how they saved the factory they use in the southern usa from closing as had happened to the kentucky location that they had previously used .... and also mentions how they've now branched out from just denim into a whole line of men's and women's wear

but no mention that theory link holdings was buying them, just that nathan bogle had left, but given the expansion, the money has to come from somewhere so perhaps a hook-up with LTH is what was needed to fuel that expansion

I was reading the article a few days ago and noticed the reference to Grenson making a workboot for RB. Now THAT sounds interesting.

 

[DNW]

I have little hope that this will work. The independent spirit that fueled the pursuit of quality and design will soon be replace with the desire for profit. It's only a matter of time before Theory milk R&B for all it's worth and drive the label into the ground.

 

[skalogre]

Originally Posted by DarkNWorn

I have little hope that this will work. The independent spirit that fueled the pursuit of quality and design will soon be replace with the desire for profit. It's only a matter of time before Theory milk R&B for all it's worth and drive the label into the ground.
*Dons flame marsupialant pants (UK definition of pants btw) * Maybe I will be flamed for this one but frankly, I have seen little that is exciting or that distinctive about R&B so far. Some of their stuff looked nice but nice is relatively easy IMHO. Maybe it is so understated that I would need to see their apparel in person to appreciate, don't know. Anyway, business is business. I would not necessarily consider this selling out - any small outfit would struggle to survive without some major backing. The excrement may hit the rotating blades at some point of course when the corporate overlords decide to go all rayon and crap but wait and see would be the safest bet. if you can deal with RB being a corporate drone rather than a cool hip indie company

Originally Posted by DarkNWorn

I have little hope that this will work. The independent spirit that fueled the pursuit of quality and design will soon be replace with the desire for profit. It's only a matter of time before Theory milk R&B for all it's worth and drive the label into the ground.
Probably comes down to artistic freedom and little to no money or making money and having a little less control.

 

[Max]

Uh, this is still capitalism. Profit is the only motive for production. They were going for profit before they got bought and probably profited handsomely from the sale.

 

[j]

Originally Posted by Max

Uh, this is still capitalism. Profit is the only motive for production. They were going for profit before they got bought and probably profited handsomely from the sale.

No.