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Just a year and a half ago Mansur Gavriel launched the bag that, by the end of 2014, became one of Lyst's most-shopped items of the year. The minimal leather bucket bag won over celebrities, bloggers—really, the entire fashion industry—incredibly fast. According to Business of Fashion, the brand maintains a 100% sell-through rate wherever the bags are stocked, including retailers like Net-A-Porter, Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, and Opening Ceremony. By the time the brand's third season rolled around, the company was profitable. Last September, Mansur Gavriel hired models for the first time to pull off its first fashion week presentation. All of this has been accomplished by just six full-time employees behind the brand, including the two founders.
Of course as the success has piled on, so has the pressure. Writer Lauren Sherman pointed out that as the brand builds out its line, it could create a product that doesn't sell out in a couple seconds. And even as it stands now, that astounding sell-through rate brings its own set of problems. In 2015, the brand will focus on streamlining the ever-present wait lists and meeting their customers's expectations. "Our primary concern is for the customer, in that if we grow too quickly, the product quality may suffer," Floriana Gavriel told Sherman. "As we continue to grow, ideally we will add more infrastructure, such as a systematic and fair waiting list."
· How Mansur Gavriel Created the First Post-Recession It Bag [BoF]
· Data Reveals the True Depth of 2014's Mansur Gavriel Frenzy [Racked]
· Oh Hell Yes: Mansur Gavriel Is Doing Canvas Bags for Spring! [Racked]