Kathy Ireland Joins Licensing Expo 2013

kathy ireland Worldwide has announced plans to exhibit for the first time at this year’s Licensing Expo in the show’s new Fashion District area.

Taking place June 18-20 in Las Vegas, Nev., kiWW will use the exhibition to extend its already extensive licensing empire.

With more than 40 category extensions–the most recent of which (floral) was announced just last month–kiWW is one of the top licensors in the world, ranking No. 25 in License! Global’s most recent Top 125 Global Licensors report. In 2012, kiWW generated $2 billion in retail sales of licensed merchandise worldwide.

The Kathy Ireland brand, which started with a sock line by Moretz Marketing in 1993, celebrates its 20^th anniversary this year.

Founder and former supermodel Kathy Ireland was the keynote speaker at the 2012 Licensing Expo, where she discussed the continued growth of her brand and the lessons she’s learned throughout her two decades of licensing. License! Global featured Ireland on the cover of its May 2012 issue.                                               

kiWW will be featured in the Fashion District area at the 2013 Licensing Expo, a new space designed to showcase fashion licensors.

“Congratulations to the Licensing Expo on the magnificent addition of the Fashion District," says Ireland. "One reason that Licensing Expo is a destination is their passion for innovation. You’ll find all of the usual spectacular participants and this year there will be more new ones. We’re delighted to join the exhibition. Participating in the Fashion District is a major step forward for kathy ireland Worldwide and offers us extraordinary opportunities.”

“2013 is an exciting year for Licensing Expo with a number of new additions to the show, including the full-scale launch of our Fashion District,” says Jessica Blue, vice president, Licensing Expo. “Kathy Ireland is a fashion icon and we’re delighted to welcome kathy ireland Worldwide to Licensing Expo.”