Public Clothing Co. buys accessories label Mansur Gavriel
What's the deal? Public Clothing CompanyDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has acquired accessories brand Mansur GavrielDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → and its assets for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2013 by Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel, the label is known for minimalist, architectural handbags, footwear and small leather goods. Public Clothing Co. founder and chief executive officer Dan Shamdasani said the deal closed Tuesday.
What's being bought? Mansur Gavriel launched with its now-emblematic bucket and tote bags and won two CFDA awards within three years, including Accessories Designer of the Year in 2016. The brand previously operated its own stores but currently has none.
Why now? GF Capital Management and AdvisorsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → took a majority stake in 2019, with the founders keeping a minority interest. Shamdasani, who is buying the business outright from private equity rather than investing alongside it, said the brand is "one of the defining accessory brands of the last decade."
What's the endgame? Shamdasani said the plan is "to really take over and invest in it," pointing to the direct-to-consumer business as the key draw. Over 65% of sales come through the brand's own website, which also performs strongly internationally. The brand is also stocked at retailers including BloomingdaleDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →'s and NordstromDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.
What's uncertain? It has not been decided whether Mansur and Gavriel will stay on as co-creative directors. "We are in talks with them. More to come," Shamdasani said. The spring 2027 line is being designed by the team alongside the two founders.
Chief executive officer Maria Borromeo, who joined in 2023 to tighten the product assortment and boost profitability, said she is "excited about this next chapter." She added that Public Clothing Co. "clearly values the unique heritage of Mansur Gavriel and understands the brand's potential."
The signal: The deal marks another independent fashion label passing from private equity to a strategic owner betting on direct-to-consumer. For Mansur Gavriel, it is a bid to rebuild momentum around a loyal customer base without the store network it once ran.
Read more: wwd.com
Image credit: Generated with Gemini
