Marchpole Wins DKNY Menswear Deal

th DKI in New York.

The spring 2009 DKNY Black Label will be the first collection supplied by Marchpole under this agreement. The line is aimed at the bridge or second line market through department and specialty stores, as well as DKNY’s own retail network, including 60 DKNY stores around the world.

The sportswear part of the DKNY men’s apparel line will be distributed in North America, Europe, Africa, the South Pacific, Middle East and Asia.

The agreement is initially for seven years, with an option to extend the license for an additional seven years.

A new company, called Newco, has been formed under the joint venture. Marchpole owns 90 percent of Newco, DKI owns the remainder.

“The DKNY brand is recognized worldwide as one of the leading international lifestyle fashion collections and is a wonderful addition to our collection of luxury fashion brands,” says Michael Morris, Marchpole executive deputy chairman.

“This joint venture agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding our men’s product lines, and marks the next step in the evolution of our business,” comments Mark Weber, chairman and chief executive of DKI. “Since joining DKI, I have been keenly aware of the real opportunity that exists to build the DKNY brand and capture the enormous potential in the men’s bridge market. We are confident that Marchpole will be a good partner for us as we grow our merchandise mix, pursuing our objective of a complete men’s lifestyle brand.”

Other brands in the Marchpole portfolio include Jean Charles de Castelbajac, Emanuel Ungaro and Homebody.