RON HERMAN TURNS 45

Iconic Los Angeles specialty retailer Ron Herman is turning 45.

To commemorate 45 years in L.A., Ron Herman has rolled out a series of curated brand partnerships and collaborations, as well as a campaign dedicated to the vibrancy of Los Angeles and authentic style.

First established as a specialty shop inside Fred Segal in 1976, Ron Herman quickly emerged as one of Los Angeles’ most influential merchants and innovative retailers. Known for introducing the shop-in-shop concept, Ron Herman was instrumental in combining California-cool with world-class luxury, championing emerging talent and design, all while keeping the customer and consumer experience at the core.

An institution in Los Angeles for over four decades, the Ron Herman brand has three retail locations in Southern California, including the iconic ivy-covered building at 8100 Melrose, and has also grown to over twenty stores in Japan since 2009.

“I began the journey of a lifetime in 1976 and as I look back 45 years later, I am so thankful for everyone who helped to make this moment possible from those who worked side by side to create an inviting and fun shopping experience to the fashion industry, creative designers, manufacturers, and our loyal customers,” commented Ron Herman, founder. “When we opened the first Ron Herman store in Japan in 2009 with the help of Koki Mine, I never imagined that 20 stores later, we would become one of the most highly regarded and respected brands not only in Japan but globally. I will forever be grateful and proud of the RH family in both Japan and the U.S. for the work they have accomplished, and I’m confident under their leadership Ron Herman will continue to bring people happiness for many years to come, this is the ultimate goal.”

“Ron Herman inhibits not only the art of selling fine clothing but a deeper magic of selling a shopping experience itself,” reflects Koke Mine, president of Ron Herman. “There is an amazing energy and sense of rejuvenation associated with the brand and the people who have created this rich 45-year history.”

To mark the occasion, collaborators BFTL, Ciao Lucia, Frank & Eileen, Free & Easy, M. Cohen, Phipps, Propaganda Agency, Re/Done, RHLA, and Weird Bits will showcase a thoughtful reveal of exclusive, limited edition, and original products that speak to the Ron Herman ethos of authentic, cool, versatile style. From luxurious patchwork silk robes, palm motif jewelry, suede tote bags, and signature denim, each piece is created as an ode to Los Angeles and taps into the ease and essence of California living.

In 2019, after ten years of successfully building the Ron Herman brand throughout Japan, Sazaby League Ltd. acquired all Ron Herman operations, globally. Established in 1972, Sazaby League Ltd. operates a vast portfolio of brands ranging from retail, clothing, and hospitality. Since 2009, Sazaby League Ltd. has not only established Ron Herman as a go-to retailer within Japan, but has expanded the brand beyond lifestyle and fashion retail, opening cafés and spas, and specialty shops with full-scale skate and surf gear.

As for what the retailer hopes to achieve in the next 45 years, Ruben Leal, director of men’s buying, tells MR, “Ron Herman has been one of a few iconic L.A. retailers that have endured for 45 years. For the next 45 years, we want to continue that legacy by looking to the future and growing in new ways. Ron Herman has been known for exciting our customers by offering up a fresh and interesting in-store experience, great customer service, and amazing assortments. We want to take that and grow the Ron Herman experience by continuing to inspire our customers while engaging new customers outside of Los Angeles and California.”