Karl Lagerfeld's namesake brand headed to North America

A partnership between G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. and Karl Lagerfeld Group BV, the parent company of the Karl Lagerfeld global brand, is to see the designer's namesake brand developed for the US, Canadian and Mexican markets.

Under the joint venture, Karl Lagerfeld products are expected to ship for the Spring 2016 season, according to Morris Goldfarb, G-III's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. They will include apparel and some consumer products -- including handbags and excluding eyewear, fragrance, cosmetics, watches, jewelry and hospitality services.

G-III has been granted a five-year license (with two renewals of five years each) for women's apparel, women's handbags and men's outerwear.

"We believe that these first categories will quickly form the cornerstone of our North American business," said Pier Paolo Righi, CEO and President of Karl Lagerfeld Group BV.