Valentino Fashion Group is a major international player in the fashion and luxury goods sector, with its owned and licensed brands Hugo Boss, Valentino, Marlboro Classic, M Missoni and Lebole. In 2006, the consolidated net sales of the Group amounted to 1,963.3 million euros, posting a 13.6% increase with respect to the same period the year before. In recent weeks, Red & Black, a holding company controlled by the private equity fund Permira has acquired 29.6% from ICG and reached agreements for an additional stake equal to approximately 30.6%.
Proenza Schouler was established in 2002 by the design duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, well-known for their modern yet unconventional style. Their acclaimed fashion shows were much appreciated by the most important fashion critics.