Izod
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Izod is a premium clothing company that produces dressy-casual clothing similar to brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Eddie Bauer and LL Bean
In the early 1900's, Vin Draddy, an American businessman started a men's apparel business and needed a strong name to associate with his quality merchandise. Vacationing in London, he encountered a tailor shop in London, Jack IZOD's. Jack, a well-respected tailor who made custom shirts for King George VI and other royalty, was ready to retire and accepted Vin's offer to purchase the rights to his distinctive name.
In 1952, Rene Lacoste, nicknamed "The Crocodile" Lacoste, partnered with David Crystal, the owner of both Izod and Haymaker, to make Lacoste shirts in the US. Thus began the Izod Lacoste line and it's later ubiquitous green crocodile, which was emblazoned on the left breast. The brand's appeal surged, with popularity peaking in the 80's, as Izod was seen as a staple of the preppy look. In 1993, Lacoste withdrew Izod's license to produce Lacoste-branded clothing over quality concerns, with the green crocodile mark now only being used by Lacoste.
Since 1995, Izod has been owned by the Phillips Van Heusen clothing conglomerate. Izod clothing is sold in its own factory stores and through department stores such as Macy's, Dillard's, and Belk. In the 1990s, a deluge of designer labels and falling quality led Izod to lose much of its prestige. Recently, a new market strategy which has focused on the company's British roots has been successful at attracting affluent buyers. As such, many feel that Izod is ever closer to making a huge resurgence in the upscale fashion world.
