Kathy Ireland Worldwide has signed two new deals that started blossoming at Licensing Expo in May. This will be the first foray of the lifestyle company into travel goods. Besides an eyewear deal will extend KIWW’s reach in the fashion space.
Kathy Ireland Worldwide first line of travel goods from new partner LongLat will include upright spinner bags, companion totes and lunch totes. The collection will be available in retail stores and online across the U.S. in September.
“We are thrilled to make our first foray into the travel goods market with Gary and his remarkable team at LongLat,” says Kathy Ireland, chair, chief executive officer and chief designer, KIWW. “In our partnerships, we look for those who share the same values and ethics as we do at KIWW. When we met the great executives at LongLat at the Licensing Expo, we immediately knew that they were the right partners for us to enter the travel goods market with. Bringing our customers designs which are on-trend, functional and at competitive price points is a passion both our companies share,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Kathy Ireland brand and KIWW’s luxury brand Kathleen Marie New York brand will be among three new properties picked up by Loose Leaf Eyewear at the Licensing Expo. The third brand that will join Loose Leaf’s portfolio later.
The new eyewear deal is the latest extension for the Kathy Ireland fashion program which already includes intimates, shapewear, handbags, wedding and more.
“We surveyed many wonderful designers during the recent Licensing Expo in Las Vegas and decided that these three brands were the best possible association for our company,” observed Giuseppe Morabia, founder and CEO, Loose Leaf. “As one of the most powerful brands in fashion, Kathy, and the KIWW creative team are second to none in understanding their customers’ needs. This collaboration will enable us to strengthen our presence in the fashion eyewear market, as well as create and present quality fashion products for men, women and children,” he added.
