Mackintosh
Yagi Tsusho · United Kingdom
Mackintosh is a British outerwear brand tracing its roots to the waterproof fabric developed by Charles Macintosh in Glasgow in the 1820s. It has been owned by the Japanese company Yagi Tsusho since 2007.
| Founded | 1824 (per Wikipedia) |
|---|---|
| Founder | Charles Macintosh |
| Owner | Yagi Tsusho (since 2007) |
| Flagship | 38 Albemarle Street, London |
| Website | mackintosh.com |
What is Mackintosh?
Mackintosh is a heritage British outerwear label known for raincoats and weatherproof jackets. Its name comes from Charles Macintosh, who created the waterproof fabric known as Mackintosh cloth.
History
Wikipedia gives 1824 as the founding year and Glasgow as the founding location, while the brand's own website refers to 1823 for the first waterproof fabric, so the exact year differs between sources. Wikipedia states that Yagi Tsusho, based in Tokyo, has owned the company since 2007.
Products and positioning
The range covers raincoats, wool and cashmere coats, trench coats, leather pieces and weatherproof jackets, plus shirts, knitwear, denim and accessories such as scarves, umbrellas and bags. The Mackintosh 0001 line adds sweaters, suits and coats in cashmere and wool.
Business model and distribution
The brand sells through an online store, physical stores and a store locator. Wikipedia records its own stores in London (2011) and on Madison Avenue in New York (2017), and distribution in Japan through Sanyo Shokai. The London flagship is listed at 38 Albemarle Street.
Mackintosh has worked on collaborations, with Wikipedia naming Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Liberty, and the brand's site listing partners including Lacoste, C.P. Company, Barrie, Junya Watanabe Man, Viktor&Rolf and Victoria Beckham.
Why it matters
Mackintosh gave its name to the raincoat as a category in British English, and it remains one of the best-known examples of a heritage fabric brand built into a modern outerwear label.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Mackintosh?
Wikipedia states that Yagi Tsusho, a company based in Tokyo, has owned Mackintosh since 2007.
Where is Mackintosh from?
Mackintosh is a British brand that started in Glasgow, Scotland, and is named after Charles Macintosh. It operates a flagship store in London.