Escada, a prestigious name in luxury fashion, has a storied history that began in 1978 when Margaretha and Wolfgang Ley introduced their first collection under the name “ESCADA – Sporty Elegance.” This innovative launch was built on a unique business idea: democratizing haute couture by offering top-quality fabrics, excellent fit, and craftsmanship at more accessible prices. Escada quickly gained recognition for its sophisticated, imaginative designs and comfortable wear, characterized by bold color combinations, opulent embroideries, and striking patterns. This early success laid the groundwork for what would become a global fashion powerhouse.

The name “Escada” was inspired by an Irish racing horse, reflecting the brand’s initial blend of elegance and sportiness. Margaretha Ley, with her background as a Swedish model and her solid education in tailoring, brought an exquisite sense of color and detail to the brand. Her creations captured the exuberant spirit of the 1980s, featuring leopard prints and vibrant contrasts that became signature elements of Escada’s aesthetic. This distinctive style resonated with women seeking feminine elegance with a touch of boldness, making Escada a beloved name in fashion.

Today, Escada continues to evolve while staying true to its roots of cool glamour, sensual femininity, and modern elegance. The brand has expanded its offerings to include a lifestyle concept that caters to various occasions, from everyday business attire to red carpet events. Escada’s commitment to high quality and imaginative design remains unwavering, ensuring that each piece embodies the brand’s legacy of sophistication and allure.

Y2K Escada ‘Sunset’Commercial

How to tell if Escada is vintage from the logo

Escada, known for its luxurious fashion offerings, has evolved its logo over the years to reflect its changing brand identity and market positioning. The different logos from various eras serve as useful indicators for identifying vintage Escada items.

1978 to 2015 Escada logo

• The initial Escada logo featured a distinctive double ‘E’ emblem above the word ‘ESCADA’.
• The double ‘E’ was stylized in a unique, interconnected design.
• The font used for ‘ESCADA’ was bold and capitalized, giving it a strong and luxurious appearance.

2015 to 2018 Escada logo

• This logo phase saw a simplification in design, removing the double ‘E’ emblem.
• The word ‘ESCADA’ was left alone in a more streamlined and minimalist font.
• The font remained capitalized but was slightly slimmer, conveying a modern and elegant feel.

2018 to now Escada logo

• The most recent logo continues the trend of minimalism and modernity.
• The font is even more refined, with thinner lines and a clean, contemporary look.
• The simplicity and elegance of this design reflect Escada’s current brand ethos.

How to tell if Escada is vintage from the tags

Escada, a renowned name in luxury fashion, has undergone several transformations in its tag designs over the decades. These changes reflect both the era of production and the evolution of the brand’s identity. By examining the specific characteristics of the tags, one can determine the approximate period when an Escada garment was made.

Having trouble reading your tags? Visit our vintage label identification page, and we’ll help you identify those vintage labels!

1980s vintage Escada tags

• Features “Escada by Margaretha Ley” branding.
• Tags often have a classic, elegant look with gold lettering on a white background.
• Includes the phrase “Made in Western Germany,” highlighting the pre-reunification period.
• Some tags include a smaller size tag attached directly below the main label.

1990s vintage Escada tags

• Continues to use “Escada by Margaretha Ley” branding.
• Tags are typically rectangular with bold, serif lettering.
• Often includes the manufacturing country, such as “Made in Germany.”
• Introduction of “Escada Sport” line tags, characterized by simpler, more modern designs.

2000s vintage Escada tags

• Tags from this era may feature darker colors and a more contemporary design.
• Bold serif lettering remains a staple, often accompanied by a size indicator on a separate tag.
• “Escada Sport” tags become more prevalent, reflecting the brand’s diversification.
• Introduction of more luxurious sub-lines like “Escada Couture.”

2010s vintage Escada tags

• Modern layouts while retaining the classic logo.
• Use of a variety of colors and materials for tags, including metallic threads and intricate embroidery.
• Tags may include additional branding elements such as exclusive lines or collaborations (e.g., “Exclusive for Neiman Marcus”).
• Continued use of “Escada Sport” tags, often with a minimalist design.