As times have changed over the years, so have Cels and Chinese Laundry, adapting their product, manufacturing and sales techniques to keep up with the latest business currents.
1971
— Cels Enterprises founded as a fixturing company
1974
— Firm begins making private-label shoes, starting with the Buffalo sandal from Argentina
1978
— Cels inks private-label deal to be Esprit’s casual footwear manufacturer
1981
— In-house brand Chinese Laundry launches
1982
— Company begins manufacturing operations in mainland China
1985
— On Your Feet brand debuts, providing Cels entry into the casual footwear business
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1986
— Cels acquires Passport, an established volume and mid-range brand
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1989
— Company acquires the A’mano label
1993
— First Lady Hillary Clinton wears A’mano footwear during the inaugural week
1997
— On Your Feet spun off as a separate division
1999
— Cels opens its own 80,000-sq.-ft. product development complex in Guangzhou, China, to improve speed-to-market and design capabilities
2004
— Moderately priced CL by Chinese Laundry brand launches
— Children’s collection Little Laundry debuts
2007
— Company’s CL Wash line of sporty couture shoes hits
2008
— Chinese Laundry’s first branded store opens in Westfield Topanga Mall, in Canoga Park, Calif.
— Firm launches the young, urban Dirty Laundry brand
2009
— Chinese Laundry bows store in Las Vegas’ Fashion Show Mall
2010
— Retail location opens in London, marking company’s first move outside U.S.
— Higher-end Elise by Chinese Laundry line debuts
2011
— Firm signs an agreement to sponsor Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants
— Store at Miracle Mile Shops in Las Vegas is unveiled