Launched in 1978 by founder, owner and designer Brenda French, French Rags is a manufacturer of mass customized knitwear separates that is leading the fashion industry in the new concept of merchandising directly to the consumer . French Rags started with a $500 investment manufacturing knitted rayon scarves produced $165,000 by the end of the first year. Expanding its manufacturing facility, French Rags soon earned loyal customer in the major department stores such as Neiman- Marcus, Lord & Taylor, and Bloomingdales.

By 1986 French Rags offered a whole coordinated knit sportswear line, and sales were reaching a staggering $8 million. Soon after, French Rags began to restructure the company and started merchandising directly to the consumer through wardrobe consultants. It relies exclusively on its 100 wardrobe consultants in cities nationwide selling via trunk shows four times a year . 
     Today French Rags manufacturing facility in Los Angeles is completely computerized and the process from design concept to production, to orders and delivery is accomplished in a six-week time span. This innovative merchandising strategy has netted French Rags national and international success.