The Jones Group entered into an exclusive, world-wide license agreement with Philip Simon Brands Group, Inc. (PSBG) for the creation, production, marketing and global distribution of a fashion sneaker collection under the Nine West brand. Philip Simon Brands Group is well-known for its modern, innovative approach to fashion sneaker designs.
The partnership creates a Nine West brand extension that will be known as Nine West Original Sneakers and will incorporate a unique logo and distinct packaging. The collection will capitalize on Philip Simon Brands Group’s experience producing high end fashion sneakers that are on-trend and synergistic with Nine West’s renowned style and design DNA.
Under the agreement, the initial Nine West Original Sneakers collection will be marketed and sold globally in better department stores, specialty retailers and Nine West global retail stores, with a FFANY (Fashion Footwear Association of New York) trade show introduction in August, and a launch planned in the spring of 2012. Nine West is currently sold in 60 countries with flagship stores in leading cities, including New York, Toronto, London, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing. The initial term of the agreement ends on December 31, 2014 with a provision for further renewal. Nine West Original Sneakers showroom will be located within the Nine West footwear showrooms.
Richard Dickson, The Jones Group President and Chief Executive Officer of Branded Businesses, stated: “The extension of Nine West into the hot, fashion athletic arena takes one of the world’s premier footwear brands to an exciting, new level. The Jones Group continues to look towards further developing and enhancing its brands. Nine West’s partnership with the creative minds behind Philip Simon Brands Group comes fresh on the heels of other successful brand initiatives over the past year, including the announced licensing agreement for a Nine West fragrance, which is set to launch in February 2012, and collaborations with Karen Elson, Giles Deacon and Sophie Theallet through our Shoelaborations platform.”
Philip Chemla, Philip Simon Brands Group Chairman and President, stated: “We are proud to be launching the Nine West Original Sneakers collection with The Jones Group. Nine West is renowned for its style and quality footwear. We look forward to working together with the talented Nine West team to create an exciting new collection that will exceed the customer’s expectations.”
Ariel Weindling, Philip Simon Brands Group Chief Executive Officer, added: “We look forward to collaborating with Rick Paterno, The Jones Group President of Footwear on retail strategy for Nine West Original Sneakers.”
