Escada was founded in 1976 by Margaretha and Wolfgang Ley. The name of the company actually came from the name of a race horse on which the two had made a winning bet. The word Escada it self is a Portuguese word, which means “nothing". This seemed appropriate, as the company represented a gamble as they entered into the world of high fashion.



The company started as Escada Sportliche Eleganz by SRB, but was shortened to Escada the next year. The brand specialized in luxury and upscale sportswear, and in a few years Escada had established itself as a major player in the luxury sportswear field. This was because of their use of high quality materials, the effective and creative use of colors, and of course feminine and elegant designs.

Escada continued to provide high quality designer clothing and succeeded in expanding their clientele base, eventually growing to many fields of women’s wear - specializing in formal wear and knitwear. Escada opened their first US store in 1982 on Fifth Avenue in New York City and followed it by opening they first store in Asia in Hong Kong. Escada did not gain popularity in the United States right away, it was not until 1984 that after the fashion and women's wear magazine Vouge published an full edition devoted to promoting Escada that pushed Esacada to the top. By 1986, the company had expanded to have outlets throughout Asia and the United States, and Escada gained the worldwide prominence that it continues to possess up to today.

Today, Escada provides items in just about every fashion category, from clothing to shoes, bags, and other fashion accessories. Escada also has a rich line of perfumes, dating back to 1990 when Escada, a perfume for women, was released.

Three years later an Escada cologne for men was also released, along with two new scents for women: Margaretha and Chiffon Sorbet. Chiffon Sorbet represented an innovative new idea implemented by the new designer Michael Stolzenberg, who succeeded Margaretha Ley upon her death. This was the first of many experimental seasonal scents, which were marketed only over a particular season.

Since the first perfume launch by Escada in 1990 named, Escada Perfume, there have been over 30 fragrances created and launched by Escada in the period of 16 years. These include; Escada Collection in 1997, Escada Sentiment in 2000, Magnetism in 2003. Escada has also created a range of fragrances by season and these include; Chiffon Sorbet, Summer in Provence in 1994, Ocean Blue in 1995, Jardin de Soleil in 1996, Que Viva Escada in 1997, Sunny Frutti 1998, Loving Boquet in 1999, Lily Chic in 2000, Tropical Punch in 2001, Sexy Graffiti in 2002, Ibiza Hippie in 2003, Island Kiss in 2004, Rockin Rio in 2005, Pacific Heat in 2006 and Sunset Heat in 2007.

The Escada fragrance line is one of the most prolific among the major designers and fashion companies, with over thirty eight scents being created over a span of only sixteen years. The classic Escada Sport trio, for instance, is one of the most well-known fragrances on the market.