Nautica enters accessories license with Mundi Westport Group

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Feb 23, 2017

Nautica announced on Tuesday that it has entered into a license agreement with Mundi Westport Group to manufacture and distribute men’s and women’s bags, small leather goods, tech and travel accessories under the Nautica brand.

 
The first collection will feature nautical-inspired patterns and floral graphics, and it will launch in the US and Canada in summer 2017 at major department stores and specialty retailers
 
“We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Westport for the Nautica men’s and women’s accessories license,” said Brendan Sullivan, president of VF Sportswear. “MWG has a great reputation in the industry for producing quality items that are both fashionable and wearable, and we look forward to expanding our product offerings through this partnership.”

Nautica in February 2016 introduced a new positioning and brand strategy at NYFW: Men's based on feedback from customers and clientele. In January 2017, the brand tapped rapper Lil Yachty to be Creative Designer. The 19-year-old rapper will design a collection for the brand and will front the brand's campaigns.

VF Corporation, the parent company of Nautica, reported a 20% decrease in revenue for Nautica in the fourth quarter. The Sportswear segment fell 17% to $162 million.