Drapers: The History of the Fashion Industry Bible
Known widely as the fashion industry bible, Drapers has established itself as a cornerstone of business intelligence for the clothing and retail sectors. From its origins in the late 19th century to its current digital presence, the publication has documented the evolution of global fashion through rigorous reporting and exclusive interviews with the sector's most influential leaders.
Key Facts
- Founded: 6 August 1887.
- Current Editor: Kirsty McGregor.
- Major Merger: Combined with Men's Wear in 2002.
- Recent Acquisition: Purchased by Metropolis International in 2017.
- Reputation: Renowned for breaking major stories impacting the fashion sector.
The Evolution of a Publication
Drapers began its journey on 6 August 1887. Over the decades, it transitioned through various ownerships and branding shifts to remain relevant in a fast-changing market. In 1961, the publication—then known as Drapers Record—was acquired by the Thomson Corporation, which integrated it into the Thomson Publications business alongside other notable titles like Tatler and the Illustrated London News.
The mid-1980s and early 1990s were a period of transition. Thomson sold Drapers Record in 1985. Between 1988 and 1992, the publication was rebranded as DR The Fashion Business before reverting to its original name, Drapers Record, in 1992. By 1993, the magazine was acquired by EMAP.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Modernization and Digital Transformation
The early 21st century marked a significant shift in the publication's identity and delivery. In 2002, Drapers Record merged with its sister title, Men's Wear (which had been in circulation since 1902), resulting in the streamlined brand name Drapers.
To keep pace with the digital age, Emap introduced a weekly digital version of the magazine in November 2006. This was followed by a comprehensive website relaunch in 2009 and a further refresh in 2014. The print magazine has also evolved visually, with its most recent redesign occurring in January 2017.
Industry Influence and Ownership
Drapers is celebrated for its access to the inner workings of the fashion world. The publication has conducted high-profile interviews with key industry figures, including designers like Tommy Hilfiger and David Reiss, as well as executives such as Alex Baldock, Mary Homer (former Topshop managing director), and Michael Ward (managing director of Harrods).
In a significant corporate move on 1 June 2017, Metropolis International announced a £23.5m cash deal to acquire 13 titles from Ascential, including Drapers.
| Year/Period | Event/Ownership | Brand Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1887 | Founded | Drapers Record |
| 1961 | Acquired by Thomson Corporation | Drapers Record |
| 1988–1992 | Rebranding period | DR The Fashion Business |
| 1993 | Acquired by EMAP | Drapers Record |
| 2002 | Merged with Men's Wear | Drapers |
| 2017 | Acquired by Metropolis International | Drapers |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Drapers founded?
Drapers was founded on 6 August 1887.
Who is the current editor of Drapers?
The current editor is Kirsty McGregor.
How did the publication become known simply as "Drapers"?
In 2002, Drapers Record merged with its sister publication, Men's Wear (founded in 1902), and the combined entity was renamed Drapers.
Who currently owns Drapers?
Drapers was acquired by Metropolis International in June 2017 as part of a £23.5m deal for 13 titles from Ascential.
What is the significance of Drapers in the fashion world?
Often called the "fashion industry bible," it is highly regarded for breaking major sector stories and interviewing top industry leaders and managing directors.