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Merrell Launches Apparel Collection
Outdoor footwear company Merrell has taken the plunge into apparel with the launch of men's and women's collections that combine modern design with comfort and outdoor performance.
“Just like we did with footwear, the launch of Merrell Apparel reinvents utility clothing with the technology and design to meet real-world demands,” said Jacques Lavertue, president of Merrell. “Our apparel collection takes a modern and contemporary view of the outdoors —
a place we call the intersection of lifestyle and performance, or Modern Outside.”
The apparel collection, which will be available in July, offers products incorporating Merrell's three distinct proprietary technologies, including:
nMerrell Slick Seam™, a laser-cut, stitchless garment production technique that makes clothing lightweight, strong and to an exacting fit;
nMerrell Opti-Shell™, a waterproof breathable fabric that repels rain and snow while allowing perspiration to escape (fully seam-sealed jackets, such as the “Radar” for men and “Command” for women, incorporate this fabric for everyday use); and nMerrell Bio-Blend™, a blend of sustainable materials. One of the earliest innovations featuring this technology is the Meric jean, which is made of the first denim on the market that combines merino wool and organic cotton, Nicole Myden, public relations associate, told Apparel.
Merrell also is offering style-driven performance wear by partnering with GORE-TEX® Pro Shell, Paclite® and Windstopper®, PrimaLoft® insulations and Polartec® Thermal Pro®, she said.
The Merrell apparel team, formed during the past two years, is led by creative director Tobin Teichgraeber, former vice president of product and marketing at Helly Hansen, and includes members with experience at such brands as Nike ACG, Arc'teryx, Columbia Sportswear, Marmot, Ralph Lauren, The North Face, Oakley and Juicy Couture.
For more information: www.merrell.com
— Jordan K. Speer
JCPenney Creates ‘American Living'
Polo Ralph Lauren Forms Global Brand Concepts J.C. Penney Co. Inc. is launching American Living, a lifestyle brand created exclusively for the JCPenney customer by Polo Ralph Lauren's new Global Brand Concepts group.
The launch is expected to be the largest in JCPenney's history and include a full range of merchandise for women, men and children, as well as intimate apparel, accessories and home fashions. American Living will be available through JCPenney's stores, catalog and web site in spring 2008.
“Our customer research clearly tells us that substantial opportunity exists within the traditional and classic lifestyle category. Bringing brands like American Living into our merchandise assortment is a key part of JCPenney's strategy to accelerate our growth, and we are looking forward to introducing it to our customers,” said Myron E. “Mike” Ullman III, chairman and CEO.
American Living is the first brand being created by Global Brand Concepts, a new group formed within the Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. to develop new lifestyle brands for specialty and department stores.
Polo Ralph Lauren chairman and CEO Ralph Lauren said: “The concept for this new initiative is pretty simple. We've built and elevated our luxury brand, led the way in many respects, and now we can do the same for new types of brands. There's a strong need in the marketplace for individuality to drive traffic into stores.
We will meet that need by partnering throughout the process on quality design, operations, marketing, merchandising and advertising. We can be all of that for stores looking for new, specialized brands.”
In other Polo Ralph Lauren news, the firm is expanding into Russia with two flagship locations in Moscow, and in early February, the company was added to the S&P 500 Index.
For more information: www.jcpenney.com , www.poloralphlauren.com
Pizzazz Opens Office, DC
Wooster, OH-based Pizzazz Performance Wear has more than tripled its warehousing capacity with the opening of a new corporate office and warehouse facility to accommodate increased product demand.
The company also reported it has introduced state-of-the-art Sage ACCPAC Plus accounting software for greater efficiency in order processing. Customers now can be notified immediately of product shipments and are provided tracking numbers instantaneously. Interactive improvements to the company's web site also are in development.
Pizzazz produces women's athletic apparel with a focus on the cheer and dance industry.
For more information: www.pizzazzwear.com , www.sageaccpac.com
Footwear Launches,
Michelin Footwear, a licensed brand produced and distributed by Rocky Brands, is expanding its product line with the launch of a collection of adventure shoes and boots geared toward hikers and climbers. The new Michelin Off-Road Footwear line capitalizes on the tire company's expertise and innovation in rubber compounds, and expands on Michelin's brand of high-tech safety footwear, said Dennis Bleile, vice president of sales, Rocky Brands.
The footwear, which has a unique and colorful look, offers features such as high-grip rubber; a breathable midsole that allows air to circulate around the foot; a Michelin TPU D-Flector plate for preventing foot bruises and providing support; and an advanced rear suspension (ARS) heel stabilizer for shock absorption. Michelin Footwear, such as the Wadi Hiking Boot pictured here, uses revolutionary rubber technologies called Michelin Vertical Culture (MVC) compounds. Two types of rubber are used in the shoes' outsoles to provide superior grip on unstable surfaces without sacrificing durability. ¸Shoe sole producer Vibram has parlayed its expertise into a new product called FiveFingers™ performance footwear, which combines the “freedom of going barefoot” with the protection and grip of a Vibram® sole, the company reports. FiveFingers look like high-tech gloves for feet, and come in three distinct designs — Classic, Sprint and Surge — for different activities, from yoga to running to windsurfing, working as a second skin to offer a “gecko-like” grip over a variety of terrain. ¸R.G. Barry Corp., owner of Dearfoams®, has introduced Terrasoles®, a hybrid footwear concept that goes from “the living room to Starbucks,” says Jerry Hemphill, brand president.
Terrasoles target a void in the market: the need for transition footwear that is comfortable and casual, like a slipper, but functional for outside-the-home use. Terrasoles are ideal for travel, running errands and relaxing, says Hemphill, who adds that much of the packaging and fleece in the products is made from recycled materials.
For more information: www.rockybrands.com , www.vibramfivefingers.com , www.rgbarry.com
Perfection Uniforms Receives Award
Perfection Uniforms has received The Univator Award for its Ergonomic Garment Construction (EGC) System, part of its MatrixSeries line of fabrics. Since its launch, the system has won high marks from existing public safety and police accounts and gained new customers in the fire and EMS markets, the company reports.
The goal of the system is to offer a comprehensive approach to a department's uniform needs, taking into account comfort and mobility as well as durability.
The Univator Award was created three years ago by UniformMarket to showcase the best programs, ideas and innovations of the uniform industry.
For more information: www.perfectionuniforms.com
eco snapshot Mission Playground,
an apparel company devoted to sustainability, has introduced a men's Pollock sweater made from a blend of 70 percent bamboo charcoal fleece and 30 percent polyester. Corduroy accents on the pockets, plackets and shoulder panels, as well as the collar, are made of 100 percent organic cotton. Mission Playground offers primarily organic cotton T-shirts and some recycled polyester fleece garments. www.missionplayground.com
Fashion designer Kate D'Arcy has introduced the label “Toggery
by Kate D'Arcy,” a blend of contemporary design and environmentally conscious fabrics, all made in the United States.
The label, with the tagline “Sustainable clothing for a lux life,” incorporates premium fabrics made from organic supima cotton, bamboo and other fine yarns. Toggery will debut in fall 2007. nSoybeans are moving from the kitchen to the wardrobe at eco-friendly apparel brand Disoia,
which offers “tissue weight” knit separates composed of 94 percent Azlon, the brand's distinctive soybean-derived fabric. www.disoia.com
Nike's Miller to Speak at Apparel Executive Forum
Executive Will Discuss ‘Brand Jordan: Behind the Legend'
Larry Miller, president of the Jordan Brand for Nike, will present the opening keynote address at the 2007 Apparel Executive Forum.
Miller's presentation, “Brand Jordan: Behind the Legend,” will explore how the Jordan brand continues to resonate with its core fans while also appealing to a new generation of consumers. He will offer an inside look at how the brand has evolved, addressing the extension of the brand, the role of new technologies in developing performance products, the strategy behind the NikeID custom design concept and more.
The Apparel Executive Forum, produced by Apparel magazine, is an invitation-only event that brings together 75 to 100 senior-level executives representing apparel retailers, brands and manufacturers. It provides thought-leading content and networking opportunities for exchanging ideas and developing strategic alliances. This year's seventh annual forum will take place Oct. 7-9 at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne in Key Biscayne, FL, near Miami.
To request an invitation, nominate a speaker or inquire about sponsorship, contact Apparel publisher Susan Black at 803-771-7500, ext. 3020, or e-mail Sblack@apparelmag.com
For more information: www.apparelmag.com
Licensing & Acquisitions Update
Brand Marketing Strategies Inc. (BMS) has acquired the license to manufacture a line of young men's clothing under the Mack Truck brand name. The line, called Mack™, will feature a full range of casual apparel, including T-shirts, henleys, work shirts, vests, jeans and outerwear. It is targeting the upper-tier chains and specialty retailers.
NexCen Brands Inc. has acquired designer apparel company Bill Blass Holding Co. Inc. for $54.6 million. Blass is known for its classic American style. This acquisition will include two subsidiaries: Bill Blass Licensing Co. Inc. and Bill Blass International LLC. In addition, NexCen has entered into a license agreement for men's and women's denim with Designer Licensing Holdings LLC.
The private equity firm Parallel Investment Partners has acquired Moosejaw Apparel, a multi-channel retailer of outdoor apparel and equipment. Parallel reports that its consumer and retail expertise will help fuel smart growth for Moosejaw Mountaineering and Backcountry Travel through its retail stores, seasonal catalogs and web sites.
For more information: www.wearmack.com , www.nexcenbrands.com , www.moosejaw.com
New Queen Latifah Line for Curvy Women
Queen Latifah has introduced her new CURVATIONTM apparel line, a collection of figure-flattering, runway-inspired clothing and accessories for curvaceous women. The line is available only at www.shopcurvation.com , where an interactive environment offers a glimpse into Queen Latifah's life and provides style, trends and fashion for curvaceous women.
Developed by the makers of CURVATION® Intimates, the line, which ranges in size from 12 to 22, was created in response to consumer demand for contemporary, fashion-forward apparel. It includes three collections: Approachable Glamour, Weekend Chic and Power Meeting.
CURVATION specifically tailors its styles for a variety of “curvy” body types. Rather than creating styles that are just incrementally bigger than the standard sample size, CURVATION uses three sample sizes (14, 18 and 22) to ensure that every size gets the same attention to detail. Accessories take into account the same size considerations so they don't look out of proportion with the bodies wearing or carrying them: clutches come in slightly longer lengths, bags are slightly bigger all-over, and belts are cut a quarter-inch wider than normal, for example.
Louis Vuitton Drives Highest Holiday Online Searches
Luxury brand Louis Vuitton drove the highest number of online searches among apparel and footwear brands during the month of December 2006, according to the Stylophane Brand Popularity Index.
The index, which tracks the volume of searches received by hundreds of apparel and footwear brands, showed Ugg Boot, Nike, The North Face and adidas rounding out the top five for search volume during the important holiday shopping month.
The index tracked more than 7.3 billion searches during December in the apparel and footwear marketplace. While a far cry from the market leaders in search volume, the two brands that experienced the greatest surge in searches during the period were British Knights Shoes, which experienced 570 searches (up 2,275 percent) and Ciano Farmer, which had 242 searches (up 908 percent).
For more information: www.stylophane.com
Lou Brand Lingerie Enters North America
BL Intimates has announced the North American launch of the Lou® brand of lingerie for fall 2007. The French brand is well recognized in Europe and has been around for more than 60 years, the company reports.
BL Intimates is a joint venture owned in part by VF Intimates L.P.
For more information: www.vfc.com
Career Moves
• The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has appointed the following to its board of directors: Emanuel Chirico, CEO, Phillips-Van Heusen; David Edelman, CFO, Kenneth Cole; Rick Helfenbein, president, Luen Thai USA; and James McMurray, senior vice president and general manager, SAP Retail Inc.
• Teen specialty retailer Anchor Blue Retail Group Inc. has appointed Thomas “Tom” Sands as president and CEO. Sands joined Anchor Blue last year as president of the company's Levi's and Dockers' Outlet by MOST. Previously, he served for three years as executive vice president of North America stores with Gap Inc., and prior to that spent 19 years with Target Corp.
• Dualstar Entertainment Group, the company of superstar twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, has hired online executive Lee Barth as vice president of digital media. Barth joins Dualstar from Sports Loyalty Systems Inc., where he launched the company's consumer loyalty programs for professional sports leagues.
• Fashion, retail and lifestyle executive search firm Fusion Consulting has appointed Sarah-Jayne Bennell to the dual role of head of marketing and international business development. She was previously with global marketing recruiter Aquent.
• Hanesbrands Inc. has appointed Joia M. Johnson executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary. Johnson joins Hanesbrands from RARE Hospitality International Inc., a restaurant franchise owner and operator.
• Hartmarx has announced several appointments within its family of brands. Hickey-Freeman Co. Inc. has named Eric Jennings as brand director of the hickey collection. Previously, Jennings was an account manager for Hugo Boss Fashions Inc. Bobby Jones has appointed Renee Beechler director of the Bobby Jones women's collection, which is sold exclusively at green grass and resort shopping destinations in the United States. Previously, Beechler was women's regional manager at Tommy Bahama Sportswear.
• John Windham has been named president and COO of Kellwood Co. Windham was most recently executive vice president, operations, for Kellwood's Calvin Klein division.
Kellwood also has named Rick Klimberg CEO for Briggs New York. He joined the company last year as vice president of new markets, and previously was president and divisional manager for Land N Sea Inc. Briggs New York, acquired by Kellwood in 2003, was founded in the 1960s and grew quickly by creating replenishment programs for pants and skirts.
• The National Retail Federation has added 10 new members to its board of directors, including four executives from the apparel and soft goods markets: Claudio Del Vecchio, chairman and CEO, Retail Brand Alliance; Robert DiNicola, chairman and CEO, Linens ‘n Things Inc.; Roger Farah, president and COO, Polo Ralph Lauren Corp.; and Michael Rousseau, president, Hudson's Bay Co.
• Francois Delage has joined Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. as president, Asia Pacific. Most recently, Delage served as president, Asia Pacific, for Louis Vuitton, where he led brand efforts across 14 markets.
• The Tommy Bahama Group has named the following executives to two new positions in the company: Don Kerkes, formerly president of the Indigo Palms and Island Soft brands, has been promoted to president of men's products, and Lynne Koplin, previously director of women's sportswear, has been promoted to president of women's products. These appointments are part of the company's “family of brands” strategy to enhance its business by placing all men's product together under a single president, and all women's product under a single president. Also, Ellen Levy-Ganz has been named director of women's sales.
• Lori Greeley has been promoted to CEO and Mark Weikel to president and COO of Victoria's Secret Stores. Grace Nichols has retired from her role as CEO and transitioned to a role supporting critical initiatives within the Victoria's Secret mega brand, including the growth of the Intimissimi business.
• Kristin Kramer has been promoted to senior vice president, product commercialization, Victoria's Secret Stores. Kramer joined Limited Brands Inc. in 1993, and has identified and brought to market proven winners for the business, including most recently the one-piece bra Secret Embrace™ Technology. She will lead an expanded team that will focus on capturing the strongest externally developed ideas and hottest trends, with an emphasis on panties and bras. The promotions and team expansion come as part of Victoria's Secret's accelerated growth strategy to drive new ideas into its product pipeline through open innovation and drive growth in its panty and bra businesses. |
