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The 5 Shocking Secrets Behind ABS Evening By Allen Schwartz: From Red Carpet Knockoffs To Sustainable Luxury

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The legacy of ABS Evening by Allen Schwartz is a fascinating, decades-long chapter in American fashion, defined by its audacious ability to bring high-fashion runway and red-carpet looks to the masses almost instantly. Founded on the principle of "affordable luxury," the brand carved out a unique niche by offering stunning, on-trend formal wear—the very essence of the "ABS Evening" collection—at accessible prices, making the dream of wearing a designer-inspired gown a reality for millions of women. As of December 2025, the brand is entering a new and highly significant era, having celebrated its 40th anniversary and undergoing a major acquisition. The focus has pivoted toward a more conscious, sustainable future, while still honoring the core design principles that made its *ABS Evening* gowns and cocktail dresses legendary. This article dives deep into the history, the iconic "designer dupe" culture, and the surprising, fresh direction of the Allen Schwartz brand under new ownership.

Allen Schwartz: The Entrepreneurial Designer Who Democratized Luxury

Allen Schwartz, the visionary behind the ABS brand, built his career not just on design talent, but on a keen understanding of the fashion business and consumer desire. His journey is a classic American success story rooted in the New York fashion industry.

  • Born: Mid-1940s, Brooklyn, New York.
  • Early Career: Began in the family business, starting at a low-level position in a lingerie company's mailroom before moving into sales at the famed retailer Russ Togs.
  • Executive Roles: Held a sales executive position at the iconic casual wear company Esprit de Corp from 1968 to 1977.
  • Co-Founding: Co-founded the East Side Clothing Company in New York City in 1977, where he served as an executive until 1981.
  • Founding ABS: Launched the ABS by Allen Schwartz brand in 1982.
  • Brand Philosophy: Built the company on the concept of "affordable luxury," creating trendy, high-quality, and accessible clothing.
  • Signature Move: Gained massive fame in the 1990s with the "Oscar Watch" line, which involved rapidly producing clever, affordable copies of high-end and red-carpet designer originals.

The Scandalous Brilliance of the 'Oscar Watch' and ABS Evening

The ABS Evening by Allen Schwartz collection was, for decades, synonymous with the most coveted and talked-about gowns in the world. The brand’s notoriety stemmed from its "designer dupe" strategy—a business model that was both controversial and wildly successful.

The Red-Carpet Replication Machine

The legendary "Oscar Watch" was the engine of the *ABS Evening* line. Allen Schwartz and his design team would famously watch the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and other major red-carpet events, selecting the most striking and buzz-worthy gowns. Their goal was to create a near-identical, affordable version—a "knockoff"—and have it in department stores within weeks, or sometimes even days, of the event.

This strategy democratized fashion, allowing the average consumer to participate in the excitement of celebrity style without the prohibitive cost of an original haute couture piece. The brand's ability to turn around these formal dresses so quickly was a logistical marvel, cementing its reputation as the go-to source for affordable formal wear that was always on-trend.

Iconic Duplicates That Made History

While the brand replicated dozens of looks over the years, a few specific ABS Evening gowns stand out as iconic moments in fashion history:

  • Carolyn Bessette's Wedding Dress: Perhaps the most famous copycat dress produced by Schwartz was not from Hollywood, but a replica of the iconic, minimalist silk slip dress worn by Carolyn Bessette when she married John F. Kennedy Jr.
  • The Royal Wedding Dress: Following the 2011 Royal Wedding, ABS was quick to release a knockoff of the evening reception dress worn by Kate Middleton (now Catherine, Princess of Wales). The replica, dubbed "The Catherine," sold for a fraction of the designer original's cost, highlighting the brand's rapid response model.

These successes established the *ABS Evening* line as a cultural phenomenon, proving that luxury style could be made accessible. The collection expanded beyond just gowns to include sophisticated cocktail dresses, prom dresses, and elegant special occasion wear for every major event.

The New Era: Acquisition, Sustainability, and the Future of ABS

After more than 40 years as an independent powerhouse, the ABS brand entered a significant new chapter. This shift has redefined the brand's focus, moving it from a purely trend-driven model to one that champions ethical production and sustainable fashion principles.

The Five Oak Brand Management Acquisition

The most crucial recent update for the brand was its acquisition by an investment group led by Five Oak Brand Management Advisors. This move, which coincided with the brand’s 40th anniversary, signaled a commitment to preserving the ABS legacy while injecting new energy and resources for global expansion and modernization. Allen Schwartz remains closely involved, ensuring the core values of high-quality design and accessibility continue.

A Pivot to Sustainable Luxe and American Production

Under the new structure, the ABS brand has embraced a fresh mandate: sustainability and local production. The brand now heavily concentrates on making affordable, original, sustainable clothing that is produced locally in Los Angeles, California. This commitment to American-made goods is a significant differentiator in the modern global fashion landscape.

The new direction, championed by figures like Bianca Bernal, focuses on creating "forever wardrobe staples" and utilizing materials like sustainable Luxe fabrics. This ethical focus ensures that while the clothing remains on-trend, it is also designed to be long-lasting and produced with a lower environmental footprint. The product range now includes luxury sportswear, career dresses, and casual wear, alongside the enduring evening gown category.

Where to Find ABS Evening Today

While the new collections are rolling out, the classic ABS Evening pieces—the iconic gowns and formal wear—remain highly sought after. Due to their timeless design and high quality, they are a staple in the resale market, providing a unique opportunity for shoppers.

  • Resale Platforms: Sites like ThredUp, eBay, Poshmark, and Etsy are filled with vintage ABS dresses and gowns, often at highly discounted prices, allowing a new generation to access the brand's famous designs.
  • New Collections: The contemporary ABS line, continuing its commitment to affordable luxury, can be found through various online retailers and the official Allen Schwartz channels, showcasing the brand's modern, sustainable aesthetic.

The story of ABS Evening by Allen Schwartz is one of disruption, accessibility, and evolution. From its beginnings as the champion of the "designer dupe" to its current status as a proponent of sustainable, American-made fashion, the brand continues to prove that luxury style does not have to come with an exclusive price tag or a heavy environmental cost. The new era is set to build on a remarkable 40-year foundation, ensuring the ABS name remains relevant for decades to come.

abs evening by allen schwartz
abs evening by allen schwartz

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