LeSportsac History
LeSportsac is a global line of handbags and luggage known for its use of whimsical, colorful patterns printed on nylon and its distinctive logo ribbon. Founded in the U.S. in the 1970s, its products can now be purchased all over the world. Collections include purses, travel bags, totes, messenger bags, backpacks, attaches and other accessories. Recent years have seen the line target younger consumers and launch collaborations with designers and artists.
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History
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LeSportsac was founded in New York in 1974 by Melvin and Sandra Schifter. In 1975, the company introduced its Classic Collection made out of ripstop parachute nylon, featuring the signature grosgrain Le Sportsac ribbon along the top. The bag first gained cachet in the late 1970s and early 1980s, among the disco crowd.
Kmart Lawsuit
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In 1985, LeSportsac sued the Kmart Corporation in the Southern District of New York for unregistered trademark infringement. Kmart had created bags that looked like LeSportsac products, and lawyers for LeSportsac (most notably Steven H. Bazerman) were able to prove that consumers could not tell the difference between the two types of bags. LeSportsac won the case, and today some consider the ruling a key development of ''trade dress protection'' under the Lanham Act.
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New Developments
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While the bag gained attention early on for its functionality, the line began to go after younger consumers in the mid 90s, by expanding the line with new colors and prints. In 2001, LeSportsac began collaborating with noted designers, including Jonathan Adler (who developed the cheeky "LeCute" bag that year), Diane von Furstenberg in 2002, Gwen Stefani beginning in 2003, and the anime-influenced brand Tokidoki in 2006. Other collaborations have been with the deisgenr Stella McCartney, illustrator Sara Schwartz, and the artist Assume Vivid Astro Focus.
Stores
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In 2001, the company opened a 1,500-square-foot flagship store at 1065 Madison Avenue in New York. Soon afterwards, a 2,500-square-foot Tokyo flagship store launched. LeSportsac is currently sold in more than 20 countries in Europe, Latin America, North America, Asia and the Middle East.
New Owners
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In 2005, the Accessory Network Group announced they were buying LeSportsac in alliance with Japanese conglomerate Itochu Corp. The deal was worth a reported $100 million, and plans were announced to expand into other areas, such as shoes and watches.
Men's Bags
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In 2008, the company launched their first line of men's bags. The move came as part of a push to expand into a lifestyle company, with products for every member of the family. The male-oriented lines included two collections, LeSportsac Men's and LeSportsac Guy's. The former line is designer for a more sophisticated consumer, and the latter for a college-aged buyer. Both retain the line's signature nylon and canvas logo ribbon.
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