London Fog (company)

London Fog

Company type	Public (historically)
Industry	Outerwear, fashion
Predecessor	Londontown Manufacturing Company, Inc.
Founded	1922 (1922)
Founder	Israel Myers
Fate	Acquired by Interco (1976); filed bankruptcy (1991, 1999); acquired by Iconix Brand Group (2006)
Headquarters	Eldersburg (originally Baltimore), later Seattle , United States
Area served	United States, United Kingdom, China
Products	Trench coats, rainwear, jackets, parkas, handbags, umbrellas

London Fog is a U.S.-based producer of outerwear and fashion items, originally established between 1922 and 1923 under the name Londontown Manufacturing Company, Inc. by entrepreneur Israel Myers. The brand's product range includes trench coats, rainwear, jackets, parkas, handbags, and umbrellas.

History

During the Second World War, Londontown Manufacturing gained recognition for supplying waterproof garments to the U.S. Navy. Following the war, the company collaborated with DuPont to create patented raincoat fabrics featuring detachable liners. In 1954, London Fog launched its inaugural Maincoat at Saks Fifth Avenue, retailing at $29.95 and designed for versatile, year-round use. The business went public in the 1960s and by the 1970s had established retail outlets of its own, commanding a substantial market share—accounting for approximately two-thirds of raincoat sales across the United States. The brand expanded its footprint internationally in the 1990s, entering markets such as the United Kingdom and China.

In 1976, Londontown Manufacturing was acquired by Interco; however, a leveraged buyout led to bankruptcy proceedings by 1991. Subsequently renamed London Fog Inc., its original Baltimore manufacturing facility operated for nearly 40 years before relocating its headquarters to Eldersburg, Maryland in 1976 due to flooding concerns. The new headquarters featured a contemporary complex highlighted by a British-style clock tower symbolizing the brand's heritage.

Although London Fog briefly transferred its headquarters to Darien, Connecticut in 1994, it returned to Eldersburg within a year. Financial struggles culminated in a bankruptcy filing in 1999 alongside the closure of more than 100 retail locations. In 2000, corporate offices moved to Seattle while distribution functions remained in Eldersburg until 2002. By 2001, London Fog successfully emerged from bankruptcy after eliminating over $100 million in debt.

In 2006, Iconix Brand Group purchased the London Fog trademark for $37.5 million in cash and stock, subsequently divesting the outerwear division to Herman Kay Company. David Conn, Iconix’s executive vice president, sought to elevate London Fog’s market positioning to compete with luxury brands such as Coach and Burberry as part of their strategic vision.

Founder Israel Myers was an alumnus of Baltimore City College and a distinguished business figure whose visionary leadership contributed significantly to establishing London Fog’s competitive edge in both outerwear manufacturing and global expansion.

In popular culture

London Fog appears as a client of the fictional advertising firm Sterling Cooper in the premiere episode of Mad Men season three. In August 2010, actress Christina Hendricks from Mad Men became the brand’s celebrity ambassador, boosting its visibility within the marketplace.