Who are the Meyers: the family behind the Desigual empire that captivates the royal family

Good news for the Meyer family: Desigual is once again among the members of the royal family. Princess Leonor appeared at the Marivent Palace reception wearing a dress that Queen Letizia had already worn at the same event in 2023. Specifically, it is a design from the Stella Jean x Desigual capsule collection, which debuted in the spring-summer 2023 season.

This boho chic-inspired dress was launched on the market at a price of 80 euros. It features a flowing midi silhouette, a Bardot neckline with an XL ruffle, and a blue and white color print. Apparently, it is made with eco-friendly materials, which points to Desigual's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

It should not be forgotten that the company led by Thomas Meyer started as two second-hand clothing stores in Barcelona. Moreover, since 2021 the company has been among those that already have a 4-hour workday in place, voted for by 86% of its employees. However, the company's numbers are not good: the 2024 revenue—332 million euros—is the lowest figure since 2010.

Despite being known worldwide, the life of the family behind the company remains a mystery. It is known that its founder, Thomas Meyer, tries to go unnoticed on the streets of Barcelona, the city where he lives. In addition, the businessman keeps a relationship with one of his employees, with whom he has a daughter.

Who is Thomas Meyer, president of Desigual

The creator of the fashion company is Thomas Meyer, who co-founded Desigual together with his brother Christian in 1984. Thomas was born in Basel (Switzerland) and at 20 years old arrived in Spain, where he started with a stall in Ibiza. 

However, for many years he tried to remain anonymous: no photo of him was published until 2008. In fact, it was not until 2020 that he appeared before the media, the only time, and when he reflected on the company's stagnation.

According to his personal Instagram profile, "everything started in Barcelona." In the eighties he created two second-hand clothing stores in the Raval neighborhood of the Catalan capital. In those years, the jacket they made from a pair of jeans became well known.

Soon Desigual was born, with a name coined thanks to filmmaker Isabel Coixet and the slogan "No es lo mismo" ("It's not the same"). Despite a suspension of payments in 1988, the company managed to take off. Currently, its owner, Thomas Meyer, holds the number 64 spot on the Forbes list of the richest Spanish fortunes, with 700 million in assets.

The Swiss businessman generates more than 870 million according to the aforementioned magazine, which he allocates to other businesses. For example, through his company La Vida es Chula SL, he has invested in a fitness center in Barcelona. 

He also lives near the Gothic church of Santa María del Mar with his partner, a young Mexican woman who works at the company. From this relationship a daughter was born, who is Meyer's third since he has two others from a previous marriage to a Catalan woman. In fact, in 2021 one of these daughters made him a grandfather.

Meanwhile, Desigual's top management has changed over the years. His brother, Christian, who did not have shares but was responsible for expansion, left the project in 2011. Manel Adell also left in 2013, who was CEO and was one of those responsible for the company's success.

About the fashion company Desigual

Desigual has been in the fashion sector for more than 40 years, with a presence in over 100 countries. Its hallmark lies in the originality of its designs, prints, and textures, even in the way it conceives its logo, now reversed. The first logo was created by artist Peret, who designed the iconic symbol of "Los Humanos," a naked man and woman holding hands.

In 2006, the textile company made its international leap, with Singapore as its first destination. It later arrived in the United States in 2009 and Colombia in 2010. Now, with around 2,000 employees and 282 stores, the company doesn't seem to be at its best moment. 

Last year it caused 332 million euros, which is the lowest figure since 2010 and a 12% decrease compared to the 2022 fiscal year. According to El País, Desigual did not publish its 2023 results and they are not accessible in the Mercantile Registry. However, the company had a profit before taxes of 3.1 million euros.

In his appearance before the media in 2020, Meyer attributed the poor results to the lack of innovation and the disconnection with the market. Meanwhile, Desigual has tried to modernize in recent years, with a commitment to sustainability and the four-hour workday.