Early Days

Herbie Dayal and Will King established KMI in 1993 selling one shaving oil under the name King of Shaves. Sales in the first year were just £300.

Harrods was an early stockist – a pretty impressive name for such a small concern, and things took off from there. KMI’s market leadership could already be seen in those early days; in 1995 it secured the valuable domain name www.shave.com for just $35 – making it the first UK web site for a toiletries brand. Today KMI is one of the fastest growing beauty businesses in the UK, offering more than 150 products across 14 brands.

Milestones

KMI now has a raft of brands under its wing – here is a snapshot of the journey we have been on:

1993:

KMI established with King of Shaves as the first brand within the portfolio.

1998:

World Wide Licence Agreement of Ted Baker Fragrance (launched in Selfridges).

2001:

Development of Fish hairstyling products for Soho hairdresser Paul Burfoot.

2005:

Launch of Ted Baker Bodywear toiletries (distributed through Boots).

2007:

Acquisition of Floraroma and its portfolio of brands including Phil Smith haircare and Beautifully Delicious skincare.

2009:

(June) King of Shaves demerged from KMI brands. KMI Brands Ltd. established and moves from Chesham to Teddington.

2009:

(October) Acquisition of Naked Bodycare.

2010:

Teams up with British designer Orla Kiely to develop a new perfume line.