Ellen Tracy

Founded by Herbert Gallen in 1949,[1] Ellen Tracy is a clothing manufacturer selling to the international market.[2] Its annual volume now exceeds $150 million. The company has three divisions, the Linda Allard for Ellen Tracy signature collection of career wear, the Ellen Tracy Dresses and Company by Ellen Tracy. Revlon has also produced an Ellen Tracy perfume.[2]

History

As a result of wartime restrictions during World War II, fabric became difficult to find and Herbert Gallen recognized that this was a chance for him. He got fabric from a friend and 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.[3] He opened a showroom on Third Avenue at the time. Then, with financial backing from Mike Brawer, Gallen formed a new company in 1949 which he called Ellen Tracy.[3] In 1962, he hired recent college graduate Linda Allard as his design assistant[2] 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.[3]

Important 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.[4]
  • 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.[3]
  • 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.[3]
  • 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.[5]

References
  1. "Ellen Tracy". Accessories Magazine. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  2. Schiro, Anne-Marie. "Who Is Ellen Tracy?". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  3. "Ellen Tracy, Inc. History". Funding Universe. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  4. "Discover the Heritage of Ellen Tracy". Ellen Tracy. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  5. "About Ellen Tracy". Ellen Tracy. Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
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