HUGO BOSS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS...

 

A name synonymous with luxury leading-edge fashion for men and women, Hugo Boss is a world famous brand associated with style and quality.  With ranges which include Boss and Hugo, it offers its customers the choice of latest modern trends and traditional tailoring combined with must have accessories such as luxury watches, shoes, fragrances and eye wear. Below is a history of Hugo Boss and how this brand came to dominate the fashion world.

July 8, 1885 Hugo Ferdinand Boss was born in the town of Metzingen, in the region of Swabia in south west Germany.  His parents, Heinrich and Luise Boss were owners of a lingerie shop in Metzingen, which Hugo later became the heir to, following his training as an Apprentice Merchant and joining the Army in World War I. 

1923/1924 Hugo Boss the company is founded, and Hugo F. Boss opens his first factory in his home town of Metzingen, and the production of various items of clothing began including shirts and jackets as well as workwear.

1929/1931 The start of the global economic crisis, which effects are felt within the textile industry and Hugo Boss narrowly avoids bankruptcy.

1930s The textile industry show signs of recovery from the economic crisis and Hugo Boss continues to manufacture with a focus on uniforms becoming necessary during wartime.

August 9, 1948 Aged 68, Hugo F. Boss dies.

1950s Hugo Boss continues to grow its clothing offering and in the 1950s suits were offered for the first time.

1960 Brothers Jochen and Uwe Holy, Grandsons of Hugo Boss, took over the running of the business. This resulted in a change of direction and the start of the focus on mens fashion, that we associate with Hugo Boss today. 

1970s With the influence of the brothers, Hugo Boss began to extend their range to offer mens fashion in a variety of colours and lighter more wearable fabrics, moving ahead of their competitors.

1985 Hugo Boss floats on the German stock exchange and is thereafter known as Hugo Boss AG. 

1993 The now core brand Hugo makes its first appearance with the launch of its new collection of menswear. Peter Littman joins the company as CEO.

1996 The Hugo Boss Prize is offered for the first time, and won by Matthew Barney. The prize, which is awarded every 2 years, is focused on the arts and consists of a trophy and $100,000 for the winner.

1997 Hugo Boss launches the Boss Golf Collection, featuring casual clothing in vibrant colours that can be worn during active sport.

1998 A first for Hugo Boss is the launch of its Womenswear range developing the Hugo brand further.

1999 Another addition to the Hugo Boss brand collection, Boss Orange is launched, with urban focus and a range of luxurious accessories including glasses, shoes and fragrances.

2000 Further brand development with Boss Womenswear launching as part of Boss Black and taking the Boss Golf Collection to a new level together with a rename to Boss Green.

2001 Increased growth of brand awareness and subsequent sales means Hugo Boss group sales exceed 1 billion euros mark.

2004 The ultimate in Hugo Boss luxury fashion, the Boss Selection is launched.

2005 Hugo Boss agrees to an exclusive license agreement with Movado Group, a manufacturer of luxury timepieces, recognised throughout the world for the quality of its craftsmanship. 

Spring 2006 The first Boss Black watch collection is launched.

2006 Movado celebrates its 125^th birthday.

The focus on womens fashion continues with the addition of the Boss Orange Womenswear.

2007 British financial investor Permira replaces Marzotto Spa, as majority shareholder.

2008 Developments in technology leads Hugo Boss to launch its first online store, and brand awareness spreads fast with the company social media focus.

2009 A license agreement means Hugo Boss clothing for children is available for the first time.

2010 The Boss Green offering expands to include its first new lines for women and Hugo Boss and McLaren celebrate 30 years in partnership together.

2011 To ensure they remain at the forefront of the high end luxury market, the Boss Selection brand is repositioned and enhanced with a new and extended offering in optimum styling.

2012 Hugo Boss launch a Boss Orange Man and Boss Orange Woman Charity Edition fragrance, with UNICEF benefiting with a donation from each sale.

2013 Today the companys headquarters remain in Metzingen Germany, with additional facilities in Italy, Poland, Turkey and America. Hugo Boss AG continues to dominate as a market leader and with just under 12,000 employees, it achieves sales of 2.3 billion euros, actively selling in 129 countries.