BY HUNTER THEIRS

For many, the New Year means moving forward, but for some fashion companies it has meant taking a step backward.

Among other major companies, C. Wonder, a store known for its preppy, yet affordable clothes, accessories, shoes and other goods, has taken a huge hit. They will be closing all of their 32 storefronts.

Since its beginning in 2011, C. Wonder has been known for providing affordable, preppy clothing. The company’s owner, however, has recently sparked controversy and has been the root of C. Wonder’s problems.

“I really like C. Wonder because it is a popular, preppy clothing brand. I think I heard about it first in Cape Cod,” says senior Mary Deadrick.

Many female Mariemont students can be seen carrying C. Wonder’s iconic nylon tote, which is similar to, but more affordable than the Longchamp, a nylon tote created by the designer company, Longchamp.

“When I was walking in Soho, I saw this cute little store [C. Wonder], and I thought, ‘I’m never going to be able to afford this, but when I went in, I was super surprised with how reasonable everything was.’ And I was like, ‘oh my gosh, I can actually afford this stuff,’” says Liz McGahey, the chorus teacher at Mariemont High School.

C. Wonder is owned by Chris Burch, Tory Burch’s ex-husband. Ms. Burch owns the company Tory Burch, which she and her husband started in 2004. After their divorce, Mr. Burch started his rival company C. Wonder.

“It wasn’t a sister brand to Tory,” says Mr. Burch in an interview with the New York Times.

Despite claims from Tory Burch, Mr. Burch insisted that his company, C. Wonder, was not a copy of his former wife’s brand. He claims that they both have “preppy” tastes, but different standpoints on how to sell that product.

Mr. Burch and Ms. Burch have had multiple legal disputes regarding his involvement with Tory Burch as well as his company, despite Mr. Burch’s claim about C. Wonder. This includes several law suits, which set C. Wonder back.

Now the company has filed for bankruptcy, but Mr. Burch intends to buy back the company for $2,050,000.