Type Subsidiary Area served Worldwide Website www.thomaspink.com Founded 1984 Headquarters London, United Kingdom | Industry Luxury clothing Owner LVMH CEO Jonathan Heilbron (2004–) Number of locations 120 Parent organization LVMH | |
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Founder James, Peter and John Mullen Profiles | ||
Thomas Pink is a modern British shirtmaker which was founded 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 125 stores around the world – in the United States, France, Ireland, Mexico, the UAE, Hong Kong, Australia, China, South Africa, Indonesia, India, and in the UK, with flagship stores in London, New York, and Paris.
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History
Thomas Pink was founded by the Mullen brothers, who were inspired by Mr. Pink, the 18th-century tailor credited as the originator of 'hunting pink', used on the scarlet jackets of hunt staff. “The Mullen brothers appreciated the fundamental quirk of British humour that something so obviously red could be referred to as Pink. This quirk so appealed to them that they saw it as a tension right at the heart of the brand they founded - namely a men's brand called PINK - an obviously feminine colour ”.
Sponsorships and Partnerships
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.
In 2012, Thomas Pink commissioned British car maker Morgan (Morgan Motor Company) to create a four-seater classic sports car.
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 2014, the Which Shirt Are You campaign was launched. Thomas Pink aligned personalities to shirt fits to highlight the versatility of their shirt range. Charles Morgan (Charles_Morgan_(automaker)) represented the generously cut Classic Fit shirt, Bompas & Parr presented the tailored Slim Fit shirt, Clement Marfo (Clement Marfo & The Frontline) embodied the lean cleanly cut Super Slim Fit shirt, Sean Conway (Sean Conway (swimmer)) & later Ben Kay, endorsed the broad shoulder but narrow waist Athletic Fit shirt, John Battsek promoted the tie-free Independent Fit shirt, Tom Craig (Tom Craig (photographer)) modelled the easy-care Traveller shirt, Ed Smith (Ed Smith (cricketer)) characterized blue shirts, David Downton portrayed the Made to Order service and Neil Laughton spoke for The Travel Collection.
From 2014 – 2016, Thomas Pink collaborated with London Collections: Men to present their collections. All presentations were held at the Institute of Contemporary Arts.
In April 2015, The British Olympic Association announced that Thomas Pink would be an Official Team GB Licensee and produce an Officially Licensed Team GB Collection with formal and casual shirts alongside accessories.
In April 2016, it was announced that Thomas Pink will renew its partnership with the British & Irish Lions during their 2017 tour to New Zealand. They will provide the rugby players with official formal outfits for the tour including the iconic blazer and tie and the brand’s innovative Athletic Fit shirt. In October 2016, Thomas Pink launched the Lions Collection, inspired by the official outfits that would be worn by the British & Irish Lions on their tour.
It was also announced that a members-only club would be established to provide their members with chances to attend events, news and information. Brian O'Driscoll was named as the captain of the Pink Lion Rugby Club.
Retail locations
Thomas Pink is sold in 125 locations around the world with its flagship stores in London’s Jermyn Street, Madison Avenue, New York and Rue Francois Premier, Paris. Other key stores include Selfridges London, all terminals at Heathrow Airport, Kings Cross St. Pancras Station (St Pancras railway station), Waterloo Station and Paddington Station.
Controversy
In 2012 Thomas Pink launched legal proceedings in the UK against 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 in the High Court of England and Wales 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 United States, where the British trademark ruling did not have any effect.