Brand History

Esprit is an international fashion brand that represents a style and a quality since 1968. Esprit was founded by a married couple, Susie and Doug Tompkins with the vision of essential positivity. They were inspired by the revolutionary spirit of the ‘60s the brand focused on togetherness.

They sold homemade clothing from the back seat of their station wagon. Right from the cradle, they instilled into Esprit the values they held most dear. The brand reflected relaxed American West Coast lifestyle, creativity and a high social and ecological sense of responsibility.

The founders left the company, while Esprit rapidly expanded on an international scale, recording a long period of commercial success. This strategy made Esprit one of the world’s most successful and most profitable fashion brands.

The success story of Esprit is based on two pillars: Delivering joy every day through laid-back tailored, high quality essentials and carefully selected fashion-forward pieces while staying true to its core values of sustainability, equality and freedom of choice.

Brand Timeline

1968 1971 1978 1987 1996 2003

The beginning with love, peace, and harmony.

A campagin makes movement.

Revolutionary architecture with bright colors.

1968

Susie and Doug Tompkins begin to sell the first fashion line from the boot of their estate car in San Francisco.

1971

The company is founded and registered under the name of Esprit de Corp.

1978

For the first time, turnover exceeds 100 million US dollars. Independent Esprit companies are founded in Germany and Hong Kong.

1987

Susie and Doug Tompkins draw attention to the growing AIDS epidemic with an AIDS campaign.

1996

Jay Margolis takes over and Susie Tompkins sells her interest in the Esprit to a Hong Kong partner.

2003

Esprit diversified the product line into menswear, sleepwear, and apparel intimate apparel.