When you’re out and about shopping from store to store, it’s easy to think of iconic fashion brands as characters, with whims, quirks, defining charms, and fatal flaws. But any good ingenue also has a counterpart — that entity who flits between the spotlight and the shadows, who’s made from the same blood and bones, and who knows her better than anyone else (for better or worse). You know — a sister.
In honor of National Sisters’ Day, we’re revealing which brands are actually kinfolk, related by their parent company. Sure, everybody knows Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy are in the same family, and that H&M and COS share DNA. But, for example: Did you know about Uniqlo and Theory, too? Click through the slideshow ahead to discover which of your favorite luxury designers and fast-fashion retailers are closer linked than you think.
Yes, you read that right. Both the red-carpet regular and much-maligned tattoo tee brand are owned by Iconix Brand Group.
Here’s another curveball, but it kind of makes sense once you think about it — both Diesel and Maison Margiela, as well as Marni and Viktor & Rolf, other labels in parent company OTB’s stable, champion an I-don’t-give-a-damn-what-other-people-think cool.
We’re not surprised that these distinctly British shops are owned by Arcadia, the U.K.’s largest fashion retailer.
Timberland’s hardy waterproof boots and Vans’ cult-status skater sneakers may not have much in common, but both shoes are known for their famous silhouettes — and both brands fall under the umbrella of VF Corporation, also home to 7 For All Mankind and Jansport.
Neiman Marcus acquired the German e-commerce site just last September to bolster its access to the luxury markets of Europe. Another fun fact: Neiman Marcus also owns Bergdorf Goodman.
Japanese company Fast Retailing is the parent company of both Theory and Uniqlo. The two brands might retail at different price points, but the reason for their appeal is similar — both make simple staples that last forever.
In another recent combination of two luxury giants, Hudson’s Bay, which already owned Lord & Taylor, bought Saks in July 2013.
These two mall staples have two things in common: Both make products that lie directly on top of your skin, and both are owned by L Brands.
You already knew that Gap, Inc. owns Old Navy and Banana Republic, but we bet you didn’t know that it’s also the parent company of high-end retailer Intermix!
Both 150-year-old department stores are owned by Macy’s, Inc. Seems like the country’s biggest department store chains belong to just three companies!
Leather and muted colors feature prominently in the offerings of AllSaints and John Varvatos, which are both majority-owned by Lion Capital.
All the cool Swedish brands are owned by Hennes & Mauritz — or, at least that’s what it seems like. Hennes & Mauritz is also home to COS, Monki, Weekday, and & Other Stories.
Both these makers of iconic bottoms are also known for the controversy stirred up by their skin-baring clothing offerings.
Under the same umbrella lives a powerhouse trifecta that includes Coach, Stuart Weitzman, and Kate Spade. Tapestry, formerly known as Coach Inc., acquired both Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman in 2017.
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