Rag & Bone is a brand that has captured the hearts of fashion lovers worldwide with its blend of modernity and timeless design.
Founded in 2002 by Nathan Bogle and Marcus Wainwright, the brand has come a long way since its inception.
From launching with a men’s line in 2004 to expanding into women’s wear in 2005 and later into footwear and accessories, Rag & Bone has established itself as a leader in the fashion industry.
The Birth of Rag & Bone
It all started in 2001 when Marcus Wainwright had the idea to make a pair of men’s jeans that would stand the test of time.
He traveled to Kentucky to work with a factory for over 18 months to perfect his product. This experience would shape the brand’s philosophy of quality, attention to detail, and craftsmanship.
In 2002, Wainwright partnered with Nathan Bogle to establish Rag & Bone. The brand’s name comes from a British term meaning “rag and bone man,” which refers to a person who collects and sells unwanted items.
The name embodied the brand’s ethos of transforming discarded materials into something beautiful and enduring, a theme they stick with to this day.
Expanding into Women’s Wear and Footwear
In 2005, Rag & Bone launched its womenswear line, a move that would pay significant dividends as time went on.
The line quickly gained popularity with its signature classic tailoring and edgy streetwear blend, which was unmatched at the time by any other brands.
Two years later, with the help of footwear designer Tull Price, Rag & Bone Footwear was born.
The brand’s footwear line has become one of its most iconic offerings, with the Newbury boot being a particular standout. The boot, named after a street in New York City’s West Village, has become a staple in the closets of fashion lovers worldwide.
The Rag & Bone D.I.Y. Project
In 2011, Rag & Bone launched the D.I.Y. Project.
The initiative sought to flip the traditional photo shoot on its head by giving models a digital camera and a bag of clothes and asking them to interpret Rag & Bone /JEAN in their own way.
The project has featured some of the world’s top models, including Miranda Kerr, Lily Aldridge, and Candice Swanepoel.
By leaving the creativity up to the models themselves, Rag & Bone not only got great PR from this move but also honored the autonomy and skills of fashion models.
Rag & Bone’s Achievements
Throughout its history, Rag & Bone has received numerous accolades and awards, including:
- Winner of the 2006 Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation award in the men’s category.
- Recipient of the 2007 CFDA’s Emerging Talent Award.
- Won the 2010 CFDA/Swarovski Award for Emerging Menswear Talent.
- Received the 2013 Breakthrough Award at the Accessories Council Excellence Awards.
- Nominated in 2014 for the CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year.
- Honored at the 2015 Phoenix House’s Fashion Awards Dinner.
Rag & Bone Today
Rag & Bone is one of the most well-known and trusted brands in designer fashion today.
With celebrities, influencers, and everyday people fawning over their designs and style, Rag & Bone is poised to remain a powerhouse in the world of high fashion for many years to come.