Li & Fung Limited, a supply chain solutions partner for consumer brands and retailers, has inked a licensing agreement with C&C California, a division of Established Lifestyle, featuring category exclusivity for women’s swim, sleepwear/loungewear and outerwear. The licensing agreement was facilitated by ACI Licensing.
The agreement also includes wholesale distribution rights across all channels, including full-price, off-price, and club retailers. The new collection will debut at the Holiday 2026 market.
C&C California was founded in 2002 by Cheyann Benedict and Claire Stansfield, drawing inspiration from ’70s surf culture and celebrities such as Raquel Welch and Natalie Wood. Over the last 20 years, the brand has been acquired by Liz Claiborne and Perry Ellis International. In 2015, ACI Licensing acquired C&C California and C&C California Sport, expanding to 21 licensees worldwide at the latest count.
ACI Licensing also owns the Rachel Roy, Kay Unger and Badgley Mischka brands.
Li & Fung is expected to infuse its expertise into the C&C California brand, with the swim, sleep, and outerwear categories among its key specialties. New product offerings in the swim category will include a full collection of women’s swimwear separates, one-piece swimsuits, and beachwear. The company said a new seasonal outerwear collection will span lighter windbreakers, puffers and parkas.
“At ACI Licensing, we excel at maximizing the impact of our brand partners within the marketplace, and identifying the right licensing partner is critical to driving that success,” said Andy Cohan, co-founder and co-CEO of ACI Licensing. “Given Li & Fung’s long-standing expertise across key categories, the company was a natural match for further unlocking and expanding the power of the C&C California brand.”
The C&C California deal adds another license to Li & Fung’s portfolio of national brand licenses that range from heritage brands to American fashion brands.
“We are honored to partner with C&C California, a brand known and loved by many generations, to bring three new categories to market that center on their signature quality, laid-back aesthetic, and approachable West Coast lifestyle vibes,” said Mel Limoncelli, SVP, head of Licensed Brands, Li & Fung. “The category expansions remain true to a brand heritage rooted in 70s West Coast culture, while also speaking to an endless summer moment through comfort, ease of wear, and easy-care fabrics.”
Image courtesy Li & Fung
