Esprit is a renowned international lifestyle brand that was established by Doug and Susie Tompkins in 1968. Originally starting with a modest selection of smart and sporty clothing sold out of their car, the Tompkins officially entered the corporate world as Esprit Far East Group with the financial support of Michael Ying in the early 1970s. Shortly thereafter, the company changed its name to Esprit de Corps. By the late 1970s, Esprit’s annual sales had skyrocketed to $120 million, solidifying its position as a leading player in the industry. The company established a robust international network connecting Hong Kong and Germany, which remains the backbone of Esprit’s operations.

One of the brand’s defining elements is its iconic logo, designed by John Casado in 1979. Featuring a stenciled “Esprit” with a distinctive triple-bar E, this logo has become synonymous with the brand’s identity. Interestingly, Esprit achieved remarkable success during the late 1970s and early 1980s, despite minimal advertising and limited retail presence. Instead, the company relied on a creatively styled mail-order catalog that featured everyday people as models to attract new customers. In 1981, Esprit Kids was launched, catering to a younger audience with its high-quality casual wear.

To further showcase its unique apparel and aesthetic, Esprit introduced a “store within a store” concept, allowing its clothing to be displayed in customized sections of larger department stores. This approach proved successful, and in the mid-1980s, the company made the transition from catalogs to dedicated retail boutiques. Expanding its reach, Esprit ventured into new markets, including Singapore and Europe, during the same period.

While Doug Tompkins left the company in 1990, Susie Tompkins and her investment backers continued to drive Esprit forward. Under their leadership, the brand embarked on a socially conscious and thought-provoking advertising campaign, which resonated strongly with European consumers and propelled Esprit to even greater heights. In 1993, the company made its debut on the Hong Kong stock exchange, a significant milestone in its journey.

In the mid-1990s, Esprit expanded its product range to include accessories and home decor, further diversifying its offerings. Additionally, the brand acquired Red Earth, a cosmetics company, solidifying its reputation for producing high-quality casual and sportswear.

In 2001, Esprit ventured into the fragrance market, releasing its first line of women’s perfumes. The fragrances received tremendous acclaim, prompting the brand to continue launching new scents for both men and women in collaboration with Coty, a renowned fragrance house. To date, Esprit has an impressive portfolio of 68 perfumes, with the earliest edition dating back to 2001 and the latest introduced in 2021. The brand has collaborated with esteemed perfumers, including Emilie Bevierre-Coppermann, Guillaume Flavigny, Olivier Pescheux, Bernard Ellena, Benoist Lapouza, Jean-Christophe Hérault, Veronique Nyberg, Philippe Bousseton, Beatrice Piquet, Vincent Schaller, Alienor Massenet, Nelly Hachem-Ruiz, Fanny Bal, Domitille Michalon Bertier, Juliette Karagueuzoglou, Evelyne Boulanger, Christophe Raynaud, Delphine Lebeau, Nicolas Beaulieu, Nathalie Lorson, Christiane Plos, and Marie Salamagne.

Esprit’s enduring success and commitment to quality are evident in its rich history and diverse product offerings. By continuously innovating and staying true to its roots, Esprit remains a beloved brand cherished by customers worldwide.