Case Study | Dr. Martens - From Subculture Symbol to Scaled Footwear Giant
Dr. Martens started as a working-class boot and became a global symbol of rebellion — worn by punks, rockers, and subcultures across decades. But today, it’s a publicly traded brand, scaled through private equity-backed expansion, international store rollouts, and hype-driven drops.
In this episode of When Growth Goes Too Far, we explore how Dr. Martens achieved financial success under Permira and through its IPO — but also how scaling a subcultural icon can create tension between cultural authenticity and commercial performance.
#DrMartens, #HeritageBrands, #FootwearStrategy, #BrandGrowth, #PrivateEquity, #IPO, #SubcultureToMainstream, #FashionBusiness, #CapitalCompass, #CaseStudy, #BrandIdentity, #GrowthVsLegacy
Case Study | Brooks Brothers - When Expansion Outpaces Identity
Brooks Brothers is America’s oldest apparel brand — a name once synonymous with elegance, professionalism, and East Coast heritage. But after years of rapid expansion, licensing, and outlet retailing, the brand slowly lost the very identity that made it iconic.
In this episode of When Growth Goes Too Far, we explore how Brooks Brothers went from dressing presidents and executives to filing for bankruptcy in 2020. From ownership changes to evolving consumer preferences, this case study highlights the risks of prioritizing scale over soul.
#BrooksBrothers, #HeritageBrands, #LuxuryRetail, #BrandStrategy, #RetailBankruptcy, #OutletRetail, #LicensingModel, #AmericanFashion, #GrowthVsLegacy, #CapitalCompass, #CaseStudy, #FashionHistory, #casestudy, #casestudybrooksbrothers
Case Study | Roberto Cavalli - From Runway Excess to Brand Reset
Roberto Cavalli once defined high-octane glamour — bold prints, exotic textures, and maximalist confidence. But after years of over-licensing, creative turnover, and private equity restructuring, the brand lost its edge and filed for creditor protection in 2019.
In this episode of When Growth Goes Too Far, we explore how the Cavalli brand expanded aggressively into everything from children’s wear to luxury clubs — and how this diluted its core identity. Now owned by Dubai-based Damac Group, Cavalli is attempting a revival that’s as much about lifestyle and real estate as it is about fashion.
#RobertoCavalli, #HeritageBrands, #LuxuryFashion, #BrandDilution, #PrivateEquity, #FashionCaseStudy, #BrandReset, #LicensingModel, #GrowthVsLegacy, #FashionBusiness, #CapitalCompass, #Maximalism, #FaustoPuglisi, #casestudy, #casestudyrobertocavalli