Aimé Leon Dore has gone from strength to strength in the last year or so, with collaborations coming thick and fast with brands such as New Balance, Porsche, and Clarks just to name a few. All the hard work from founder Teddy Santis and his team, however, appears to have finally paid off, with the overnight announcement of some investment from the LVMH group.
LVMH Luxury Ventures is the investment arm of the luxury conglomerate, tasked with the enviable job of finding exciting up-and-coming brands to offer their backing. Within their portfolio are the likes of HODINKEE, Mystery Box, and Gabriela Hearst – meaning ALD is in extremely good company.
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While the specific terms of the investment haven’t been made public just yet, LVMH Luxury Ventures typically offers €2 million to €15 million (AU$3.1 million – AU$23.6 million) in funding for between a 5% and a 25% stake in the business. According to one report, the investment may be funnelled towards the opening of an Aimé Leon Dore boutique in London, but the brand will also benefit ongoing from the “support and guidance” from the expansive and resource-rich LVMH network.
While taking funding from investors can spell the end of creative independence for some clothing labels, ALD will remain independent in the running of its operations, which are based in New York City. Aimé Leon Dore was founded in Queens back in 2014, and immediately made waves with its style that blended preppy looks with street style.
At the beginning of 2021, founder Teddy Santis was named as the creative director of New Balance “Made in USA”, in an appointment that has proven wildly successful, including the launch of the fresh silhouette called the New Balance 550. Considering what Aimé Leon Dore has shown themselves capable of without the backing of LVMH, we’re collectively excited to see what is in store with the backing of the group secured.
