G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. and The Camuto Group together announced the formation of a joint venture that will open and operate footwear and accessory retail stores under the name “Vince Camuto”. Initially focused on the outlet retail market, the companies believe that there is a significant opportunity for this joint venture to leverage both G-III's highly capable retail infrastructure and The Camuto Group's strong brand portfolio to create a vibrant, attractive and differentiated footwear and accessory concept.

The Camuto Group, a private company founded in 2001 by Camuto and other footwear industry veterans, will provide product for the new concept and will merchandise the stores. G-III will provide the infrastructure and expertise needed for a successful retail chain, including real-estate, distribution, information systems, finance and administration. Both companies will share equally in the capital costs of the joint venture.

Vince Camuto, Owner and Chief Executive Officer of The Camuto Group, commented, “We are very excited about this new strategic initiative, which will take our growing family of brands directly to the consumer through a visual and dynamic compelling concept. We also believe that, with the combined expertise and resources that this partnership brings to bear, these stores will prove capable of strong financial performance. We are confident that these stores will address a void in the outlet marketplace for fashionable but affordable women's contemporary footwear and accessories.”

Morris Goldfarb, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of G-III Apparel Group, Ltd., stated, “Vince is an icon in the fashion footwear industry and we are very pleased to extend our strategic relationship with The Camuto Group. We believe that the concept will prove to be an excellent platform for the Camuto Group's strong assortment of brands and will resonate well with a wide range of women. For G-III, this initiative will enable us to better leverage our retail infrastructure and serve as another vehicle for growth within our increasingly diversified mix of businesses.”

The companies both noted that they were targeting the opening of the first Vince Camuto store during the first half of 2011.