The French investment group Eurazeo announced today its partnership with Desigual to help accelerate the growth of the Spanish fashion brand.

Eurazeo said it will invest 285 million Euros ($441 million Canadian) and receive 10% of the share capital of the Desigual company owned by its founder, Thomas Meyer.

Meyer was previously the sole shareholder of the company, founded in 1984 on the Spanish island of Ibiza. Now based in Barcelona, Desigual designs and distributes clothing and accessories for women, men and children, which we carry at Angel Vancouver.

Desigual values fun, creativity and unique marketing, including inviting people dressed only in their underwear to attend Semi-naked parties that offer free clothing to customers.

Desigual’s sales strategy has led to exceptional growth, with revenues increasing tenfold since 2007. Last year, revenue reached €828 million, up 18% from the previous year.  Desigual now has 405 stores in 109 countries, 2,500 corners in department stores and over 11,000 multi-brand stores around the world.Eurazeo, which has almost 5 billion Euros in assets, fully supports Desigual’s plan to continue its expansion in Europe, the United States, Latin America and Japan.

Virginie Morgon, Deputy CEO of Eurazeo, said in a news release Tuesday: “Global brands are a key investment sector for Eurazeo and Desigual is a top performer; we are delighted that Thomas Meyer has chosen Eurazeo to accompany the exceptional development of his
company. As a partner, we will support him and his management team in accelerating
the international expansion of Desigual and establishing it as a world-class brand.”

Desigual CEO Manel Jadraque (centre) with Spanish actress Natalia Verbeke (left) and Czech model Karolina Kurkova at Desigual’s fashion show in New York last month. Kurkova, dressed in a Desigual blazer, was named the best dressed celebrity during New York Fashion Week.

Manel Jadraque, CEO of Desigual, said: “Desigual is a positive brand with unique
products that are affordable and for everyone. Eurazeo fully shares our vision and will be an ambitious and constructive partner to accelerate the development of the company.”

Angel Vancouver has the largest selection in Vancouver of Desigual clothing for men, women and kids. Desigual produces 1,000 new pieces every season. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, we might be able to order it in for you. We ship worldwide.

If you’re looking for a custom hand-painted shirt, call Angel at (604) 681-0947 or email me: jackie@angelpaint.com

Angel Vancouver is located at No. 2 Powell Street in the Gastown district of Vancouver, Canada. Our store is on the corner of Powell & Carrall Street in Maple Tree Square, which is where Vancouver began.  The photo above shows what my store looked like in 1886.

Desigual’s slogan is La Vida es Chula (Life is Cool)! It reflects the brand’s way of thinking, which is influenced by the Mediterranean, the sun, light, passion and a lust for life, installed  with a playful and creative attitude that says: Be confident; don’t be afraid to be yourself.

Today’s music video is We’re All In This Together by the Sam Roberts Band (from Montreal, Canada):Here’s another new video by the Sam Roberts Band, released this week, from the new album Lo-Fantasy: