American fashion designer and philanthropist Tory Burch hails from the Philadelphia area. After graduating college in Pennsylvania, she moved to New York City. Burch worked for Harper’s Bazaar Magazine, Ralph Lauren, Narciso Rodriguez, and Vera Wang before starting her own fashion brand.
She launched her own company in 2004 around the idea of attainable luxury. In eight years, Tory Burch has gone from operating out of an Upper East Side apartment to an immensely successful fashion brand.
With the help of venture capitalist ex-husband Chris Burch and Oprah Winfrey, who gave an on-air endorsement in April 2005, Burch has developed a valuable fashion label built on affordable luxury. Perceiving a void in the market for a sophisticated American aesthetic at an accessible price point, Tory created stylish, yet wearable clothing and accessories for women of all ages.
Tory designed her flagship boutique, in downtown New York, to feel more like a room in her own home than a traditional retail store. Key design elements featured in all boutiques include orange lacquer doors, mirrored walls, and Lucite fixtures.
In June 2008, Tory won the CFDA award for Accessory Designer of the Year. In November 2007, she was honored by the Accessories Council of Excellence with the award for Accessory Brand Launch of the year. In 2005, the Fashion Group International awarded her with the Rising Star Award for best new retail concept.
In June 2009, Tory launched the Tory Burch Foundation in Los Angeles. The Foundation provides economic opportunities to women and their families in the United States through microfinance.
The Tory Burch collection includes bold prints, caftans, sequined cardigans, children’s apparel, jewelry, handbags, eyewear, and shoes.
Tory Burch products are available at 23 U.S. and 2 international boutiques, plus 450 department and specialty stores worldwide.
