Scotch & Soda, a Dutch fashion retail company, has carved a niche in the fashion world with its distinctive style and innovative designs. Founded in 1985 by Laurent Hompes, the brand initially focused on menswear, quickly gaining a reputation for its unique blend of classic and contemporary fashion. The company’s early success set the stage for its expansion into international markets, leading to its acquisition by Kellwood and Sun Capital in 2011. This move helped Scotch & Soda to grow its presence, boasting over 7,000 retail outlets worldwide, including 30 company-owned and franchised stores.

The brand’s evolution continued with significant milestones, such as the launch of sunglasses and eyeglasses ranges in 2020 under the leadership of CEO Frederick Lukoff. This period also saw the introduction of new perfumes, further diversifying their product lineup. In 2021, Scotch & Soda unveiled a new brand identity, Free Spirit, which was reflected in their store designs and materials, creating a fresh and inviting shopping experience. The brand’s expansion strategy included opening numerous new stores globally, including flagship locations in major cities like London and Milan.

Despite these advancements, Scotch & Soda faced financial challenges, leading to its bankruptcy filing in March 2023. Shortly after, Bluestar Alliance, a brand management firm known for managing several prominent brands, acquired Scotch & Soda. This acquisition aimed to revitalize the brand while maintaining its iconic style and commitment to quality. Today, Scotch & Soda continues to be a beloved name in fashion, known for its rich history and innovative approach to design, appealing to fashion enthusiasts around the world.

Scotch&Soda Cinematic Commercial

How to tell if Scotch&Soda is vintage from the logo

Scotch & Soda has a rich history of fashion innovation and has undergone several logo changes throughout the years. The evolution of the logo not only reflects the brand’s design ethos but also helps in identifying vintage pieces. Here is a guide to identifying the era of Scotch & Soda items based on their logos.

1980s to 2000s Scotch & Soda logo

• This logo features the text “Scotch & Soda” in a classic serif font.
• The ampersand symbol is simple and integrated smoothly with the font style.
• The overall design is straightforward and maintains a vintage feel.

1980s to 2000s Scotch & Soda logo

2000s to now Scotch & Soda logo

• The more recent logo also uses the text “Scotch & Soda” but with a modern twist.
• The ampersand symbol is more stylized, with a distinct loop and flourish.
• The font remains serif but has a more contemporary and refined appearance.

2000s to now Scotch & Soda logo

How to tell if Scotch & Soda is vintage from the tags

Scotch & Soda has a rich history of evolving tag designs that reflect the brand’s journey through fashion trends and manufacturing practices. Identifying vintage Scotch & Soda clothing can be done by examining the specific characteristics of the tags from different eras.

Struggling to identify vintage tags or labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll help you out!

1990s vintage Scotch & Soda tags

• Features a classic and simple design with “Scotch & Soda” prominently displayed.
• Includes additional descriptors such as “Authentic Since 1982” and “Special Selected Item.”
• Tag often includes manufacturing details like “Guaranteed Quality” and item codes.
• Use of plain colors with straightforward text, typically black on white or grey background.

1990s Scotch&Soda tags

2000s vintage Scotch & Soda tags

• Introduction of more intricate designs, including embroidered logos and brand names.
• Tags might display “Amsterdam Couture” along with a sewing machine illustration.
• Use of diverse color schemes, often with contrasting text for visibility.
• Occasional use of unique fabrics for tags, such as denim or felt, adding a tactile element.

2000s Scotch&Soda tags

2010s vintage Scotch & Soda tags

• Modern and sleek tag designs, often with bold lettering and minimalistic aesthetics.
• Tags frequently state “Born in Amsterdam” or “Amsterdams Blauw” highlighting the brand’s origin.
• Use of high-quality materials for tags, sometimes incorporating textures or prints.
• Tags can be looped or stitched into the garment in innovative ways, reflecting contemporary design trends.

2010s Scotch&Soda tags