Herbert Gallen

Herbert Gallen (September 15, 1915, Passaic, New Jersey – September 22, 2007) was the American chairman and owner of Ellen Tracy, Inc. for over 50 years until 2002 when it was sold to Liz Claiborne.

Ellen Tracy was a manufacturer of women's business clothes.[1]

Gallen's Background

Herbert Gallen grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, the son of a fabric manufacturer and grandson of a silk mill owner. After graduating from high school, he went to work for an uncle who owned several auto supply stores. Gallen ran his own store before serving in the army, where he was still involved in the auto parts business during World War II. Because of wartime restrictions, fabric became difficult to acquire and he recognized a chance to take advantage of connections to move into the apparel industry. He produced several sample blouses using fabric obtained from a friend, which he then took to major department stores in Manhattan. He visited Franklin Simon, which immediately purchased every blouse he had. Gallen made up the name Ellen Tracy because he believed that a women's line should feature a woman's name. After being widowered for several years, he married Linda Allard in 2000. Allard had been working for him since 1962 and she later became the creative force behind Ellen Tracy. [2]

References

  1. ↑ Miller, Stephen. "Herbert Gallen, 92, Founded Ellen Tracy Fashion Label". NY Sun 27 September 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-27.
  2. ↑ "Ellen Tracy Inc History". Funding Universe. Retrieved 26 January 2014.


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