Dive Brief:
- WHP Global has inked an international licensing agreement for the Vera Wang brand with Batra Group, according to a press release last week.
- Under the deal, Batra will launch a contemporary, ready-to-wear womenswear collection for the brand, followed by a men’s line, “across the UK and Europe,” per the release.
- The agreement comes after WHP bought the intellectual property of the Vera Wang brand earlier this year. WHP said the deal with Batra was the first major licensing deal since the acquisition.
Dive Insight:
When Vera Wang sold the IP of her namesake label to WHP, she stayed on as chief creative officer of the brand and also became a shareholder at WHP.
“This is an entirely new experience for Vera Wang as we have never before offered product at this price point, for this segment of the market, and at this level of geographical penetration,” Wang said in last week’s release.
Wang founded her label as a bridal brand in 1990 and expanded into ready-to-wear in 2000.
The addition of Vera Wang is part of the Batra Group’s plan to expand its luxury division. The division is based in London, and it will oversee the development, production and distribution of the new ready-to-wear collection. The Batra Group plans to launch across premium retail segments, specialty boutiques and Vera Wang flagship locations, per the release.
The Batra Group specializes in licensing, design, sourcing, and distribution and operates in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Its brand portfolio includes Reebok, Fila, Juicy Couture, Russell Athletic and Hunter Boots, among others.
Meanwhile, WHP partnered with Guess to acquire Rag & Bone last year. WHP also owns a majority interest in G-Star Raw, and its other fashion holdings include Joe’s Jeans, Express, Bonobos and Anne Klein.
