Anne Klein is a fashion brand that was founded in 1968 by fashion designer Anne Klein and her husband, Matthew “Chip” Rubinstein. Originally, the name of the brand was Anne Klein and Company. Its mission is to create elegant sportswear for the modern American woman and changes how women think about and buy clothing.
The brand offers a wide range of clothing, from casual wear to eveningwear. It also sells shoes, handbags, accessories, watches & jewelry, and home décor. It is sold in 60 countries worldwide. As of 2019, Anne Klein went through different organizations and ownerships.
With its long history and rich heritage, is Anne Klein considered a luxury brand? Let’s find out.
Is Anne Klein A Luxury Brand?
Although Anne Klein is a popular brand, it is not considered a luxury brand by many fashion enthusiasts. It falls short in offering and does not meet the criteria such as uniqueness, exclusivity, and price range the same way as luxury brands. Instead, it is considered for the mass-market.
For this case, here are some of the most notable reasons why Anne Klein is not a luxury brand:
1. The Brand Has A Long History But Not Enough
Anne Klein meets the first criterion of having a long history to be considered a luxury brand. It was founded in 1968 and has been in operation for over 50 years. It has also been acquired by WHP Global, a leading global consumer company, in 2019.
However, this is not enough to make Anne Klein a luxury brand. Many fashion brands have been around for centuries and are still not considered luxury brands. The reason behind it is that although the brand has been founded a long time ago, other qualifications must be met to make it a luxury brand such as the target market, price tags, material used, etc.
2. The Products Are Not Unique Or Exclusive
Luxury brands offer unique and exclusive products that are not available in the mass market. Anne Klein, on the other hand, offers stylish and affordable clothing for women that can be found in many department stores and online retailers. The products are not unique or exclusive, which is one of the key criteria for a brand to be considered a luxury.
3. The Prices Are Not Expensive Enough
Another important criterion for a brand to be considered luxury is that its products must come with a hefty price tag. Unfortunately, Anne Klein’s products are not expensive enough to meet this criterion. Most of the items are affordable and can be bought by anyone. Thus, it is widely available in the market whereas many luxury brands are exclusive and only available in a few high-end stores.
For instance, Anne Klein products are widely available and can be bought from many different retailers, both online and offline. It is even sold in mass-market department stores like Macy’s, Kohl’s, and JC Penney.
4. The Brand Is Not Well-Known Among The Elite
Although Anne Klein is a popular brand, it is not well-known among the elite or upper class. Luxury brands are usually associated with wealth and status. They are often seen worn by celebrities, socialites, and other influential people. Anne Klein, on the other hand, is more popular among the middle class.
5. The Quality Is Not Luxury Level
Anne Klein’s products are not seen as exclusive enough compared to what luxury is about by many people. The materials used for the products are not the finest ones available. The designs and silhouettes are also more simple and bland, which can be found in many mass-market designer brands.
For example, Anne Klein’s clothing is often made of synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon. These are not as sophisticated as natural fibers like silk, cashmere, and wool. The designs are also more simple and classic compared to other luxury brands that offer more intricate and detailed designs.
6. Affordability
As mentioned earlier, Anne Klein’s products are not pricey enough to be considered luxury items. The average price range for the clothing is around $30 to $400, while $40 to $195 for its watches. This is considered affordable for most people. In comparison, luxury brands like Chanel and Hermes have price tags that can go up to thousands of dollars.
Many luxury brands have a more exclusive target market. But Anne Klein is accessible to most American women that want to wear stylish clothes.
Does Anne Klein Hold Value?
Anne Klein does not hold value like how luxury brands do. For one, the resale value of Anne Klein’s products is not as high. And two, the brand does not have a long-lasting appeal.
Luxury brands are often passed down from generation to generation. They are seen as valuable heirlooms that can be kept for a long time. Anne Klein, on the other hand, is a more trendy brand. Its style is not timeless and often goes out of fashion quickly.
For example, Anne Klein’s watches are made of stainless steel and ceramic, with mineral crystals to protect the face. This is way different from luxury brands that use precious metals and stones. And although Anne Klein’s watches are still of good quality, they are not as valuable as luxury brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Anne Klein watch made?
Anne Klein’s watches are made in the United States. However, they are not done in-house but instead, outsourced to different manufacturers, Sutton Time.
Is Anne Klein the same as Calvin Klein?
No, Anne Klein and Calvin Klein are different companies. Anne Klein is owned by WHP Global, while Calvin Klein is owned by PVH. And in terms of relations, Anne and Calvin are not related to each other.
What is Anne Klein’s target market?
According to Stack Influence, Anne Klein’s audience demographics are generally American women, or women located in the United States, ages 25 to 60 years of age.
