Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. announced a new men’s premium apparel license for its flagship Dickies brand with Whispering Smith (WSNY), an established European apparel company with operations in New York City. The license-titled Dickies CONSTRUCT-will combine authentic Dickies construction and signature design details with a contemporary fashion approach to workwear. The new men’s premium collection will include knit and woven shirts; sweaters; outerwear (hoodies, jackets); denim jeans; and bottoms (pants, shorts).

This most recent addition to Dickies extensive portfolio of licensees allows the American heritage brand to deliver a broad spectrum of work- and work-inspired offerings that include men’s, women’s, juniors and kids apparel; bags; footwear; belts; socks; medical wear; headwear; sunglasses; and more.

“Dickies prides itself on adding brand extensions that are intuitive and high-quality with thoughtful designs, fabrics and features,” said Michael Penn, senior vice president of marketing, worldwide licensing and international sales for Dickies North America. “Whispering Smith is the perfect collaborator to introduce a premium line for Dickies men’s apparel with the style and originality our lifestyle consumers expect.”

The collection is intended for a premium U.S. retail audience, with product developed utilizing Dickies workwear heritage and authenticity adapted for a contemporary audience. Fabrication, fit and functionality will be key elements of the assortment.

“I am delighted to be working with such an iconic brand as Dickies and feel we can produce a truly exceptional collection alongside their fantastic team,” said WSNY CEO Brian King.

Dickies CONSTRUCT will reside between the brand’s made-in-the-USA archival replica line-Dickies 1922-and the brand’s core Dickies categories. Whispering Smith has enlisted the help of Creative Director Willy Chavarria to curate the distinct, upscale collection. Chavarria has an extensive design and retail background and also works closely with the workwear company on the Dickies 1922-Palmer Trading company capsule collaboration.

Design and production of Dickies CONSTRUCT will begin immediately, with marketing and retail distribution targeting a Fall/Winter 2015 debut.