The 30th anniversary of the IMG was celebrated in Oelde, Germany, home of the Rusche family and headquarters of the renowned SØR. The 40th anniversary was celebrated in Rome with Brioni as the host and 2008 is the IMG’s 50th birthday. Fifty years since that brave band of warriors met in Amsterdam to give birth to such a wonderful concept. Their IMG child has grown into arguably the most significant and relevant apparel retail group in the world.

In 1997, for instance, the ‘Classico Italia’, a group of Italy’s very finest manufacturers, bestowed on the IMG their most prestigious award for its contribution to Italian fashion over many years.

Individual members have been similarly recognized both internationally and nationally. Henry Bucks in 1996 received a Royal Warrant of Appointment from the Duke of Kent for services to British export; Brioni has won countless awards for its contribution to the world fashion industry; Harry Rosen has received 40 industry awards for business practice. Stenströms can proudly claim ‘By appointment to H.M. the King Carl XV1 Gustav of Sweden’ and ‘by appointment to H.M. the Queen of Sweden’; Queen Juliana of the Netherlands conferred the title ‘Royal’ to Meddens on the occasion of their 150th birthday. And so on.

The combined buying power of the IMG members is astonishing and with some major suppliers extremely important. This is in no small way brought about by mutual endorsement of brands and product between members. The relationships formed through recommendation between suppliers and IMG companies have proved beneficial and profitable for both parties.