Michael Kors (USA), Inc. announced today that it has entered into a multi-year worldwide (excluding Japan) licensing agreement with The Warnaco Group, Inc. to manufacture, distribute and market Women's Swimwear, related cover-ups and accessories under the Michael Kors and MICHAEL Michael Kors trademarks. The collections will launch for the Cruise 2006 season and will target the designer and better segments.
Michael Kors stated, “Swimwear is such an integral part of what I do. My customers travel, and lead the lifestyle where swimwear is an essential part of their wardrobe. I look forward to launching this exciting new collection.”
“Michael Kors is a leading luxury fashion brand and we are excited by the prospects of extending its authority and credibility to the swimwear category,” said Roger Williams, President of Warnaco's Swimwear Group. “We look forward to working with the Kors organization on this new initiative.”
John Idol, CEO of Michael Kors (USA), Inc., said, “We are delighted to partner with Warnaco, the world's leading manufacturer of swimwear, and look forward to the launch of our new swimwear collection. We are known for our chic, luxurious lifestyle collections, and we believe that our association with Warnaco will enhance that image.”
Joe Gromek, Warnaco's President and CEO, commented, “We are pleased to add the Michael Kors brands to our portfolio of leading designer swimwear properties. This new partnership reflects Warnaco's strategy to build upon its core competencies and expand our market position while working with the best brands in the marketplace.”
About the Warnaco Group, Inc.
The Warnaco Group, Inc., headquartered in New York, is a leading apparel company engaged in the business of designing, marketing and selling intimate apparel, menswear, jeanswear, swimwear, men's and women's sportswear and accessories under such owned and licensed brands as Warner's®, Olga®, Lejaby®, Body Nancy Ganz(TM), Speedo®, Anne Cole Collection®, Cole of California® and Catalina® as well as Chaps® sportswear and denim, JLO by Jennifer Lopez® lingerie, Nautica® swimwear, Michael Kors® swimwear and Calvin Klein® men's and women's underwear, men's accessories, men's, women's, junior women's and children's jeans and women's and juniors swimwear.
About Michael Kors (USA), Inc.
Michael Kors is recognized as one of America's pre-eminent designers for luxury sportswear. His namesake company, established in 1981, currently produces a range of products though his Michael Kors Collection, KORS Michael Kors, and soon to be launched MICHAEL Michael Kors labels, including men's and women's ready to wear, accessories, and a line of fragrance and beauty products for both women and men.