Who Owns Stuart Weitzman?

Stuart Weitzman was founded in 1986 by Stuart Weitzman, a shoe designer who had previously worked at his family's shoe manufacturing business. Weitzman launched his eponymous brand with a focus on creating luxury shoes that combined innovative design with genuine wearability, a philosophy he described as making shoes that were both beautiful and comfortable enough to actually wear.

The brand quickly established itself in the luxury footwear market, gaining recognition for its craftsmanship and distinctive designs. Stuart Weitzman became particularly known for its over-the-knee boots, which became a signature product and a fashion staple. The brand's shoes have been worn by numerous celebrities and have appeared on red carpets, in films, and in major fashion publications.

In 2015, Coach, Inc. (now Tapestry, Inc.) acquired Stuart Weitzman for approximately $574 million from Sycamore Partners, which had owned the brand since 2010. The acquisition was part of Coach's strategy to diversify beyond handbags and build a multi-brand luxury fashion company. At the time of acquisition, Stuart Weitzman had annual revenues of approximately $300 million.

Under Tapestry's ownership, Stuart Weitzman has continued to expand its product range and global retail presence. The brand has invested in digital marketing and celebrity partnerships to maintain its fashion relevance. However, the brand has faced challenges in growing beyond its core footwear business and has been a smaller contributor to Tapestry's overall revenue compared to Coach and Kate Spade.