Hollywood actress and entrepreneur Reese Witherspoon has announced the sale of her beloved fashion brand Draper James. Known for its embodiment of Southern charm and timeless elegance, the brand has garnered a dedicated following since its inception.
“Draper James was inspired by a deep personal connection to my roots, my family, and the women who shaped me. It’s been so amazing to see so many women connect with this brand, our products, and our mission to bring a little southern joy into everyone’s homes and wardrobes,” Witherspoon said in a statement. “We are excited to join forces with the team at Consortium, who understand our vision as a company and the importance of our community.”
On Wednesday, private equity group Consortium Brand Partners disclosed their acquisition of a majority stake in Reese Witherspoon’s fashion and lifestyle brand, Draper James. Under the terms of the deal, Consortium Brand Partners has taken over 70% ownership of the company, although Witherspoon will maintain her involvement as a partner and board member.
Draper James, which has become synonymous with its classic yet stylish clothing and accessories inspired by Witherspoon’s Southern heritage, has been a passion project for the actress since its establishment in 2015. Witherspoon’s vision aimed to celebrate the grace and warmth of Southern culture, a vision that she successfully translated into the essence of Draper James.
As the brand continued to flourish, it expanded its footprint by opening three retail locations and securing an exclusive partnership with Kohl’s, making its products available nationwide and online in 2022.
Following this acquisition, Consortium Brand Partners has confirmed that Draper James products will continue to be sold through the company’s website and at its three retail stores, as well as at Kohl’s locations.
This sale of Draper James comes on the heels of Witherspoon’s previous business move in 2021 when she sold her media company, Hello Sunshine, for over $900 million to a media entity backed by the private-equity firm Blackstone. Hello Sunshine was responsible for producing several of the actress’s successful TV projects, including “Big Little Lies,” “Little Fires Everywhere,” and “The Morning Show,” as well as managing Reese’s Book Club. The company was initially launched in 2016 as a joint venture with AT&T.
With this latest development, Reese Witherspoon continues to make strategic decisions in her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing her ability to navigate the dynamic worlds of fashion and entertainment successfully. The sale of the majority stake in Draper James marks a significant milestone in the brand’s history, and its future evolution under Consortium Brand Partners is eagerly anticipated by both the fashion industry and loyal Draper James enthusiasts.