The Spanish designer Adolfo Dominguez is due for an imminent flotation, as well. Offerings by Valentino and Versace are also thought likely. They would join several other household names, such as Bulgari, Gucci, Tiffany, Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, that have come to market, mostly in the last two years. The money generated is used to expand lines or else to allow company founders, usually individual designers or a handful of family members, to yank cash out of their businesses. Most of the issues have done very well, some doubling or tripling in price.
Companies recognize the importance of market differentiation.
That was a result of rapid expansion in the late 1980s that tarnished some once venerated names, nearly rendering them generic. The industry, especially Gucci, learned from those mistakes, making them the hot investment properties they are today. A radical change took place from the late 1980s to mid-90s. But at a certain point, which may be near, those paths must diverge. Everyone may have a computer one day, but not everyone will have a Gucci bag or Tiffany brooch, or else the reason for having one will vanish.