Reebok International Ltd. and Pharrell Williams jointly announce that they have mutually agreed to end their footwear and apparel licensing relationship. In connection with the separation, Reebok will continue to sell “Ice Cream” footwear at retail through June 30, 2005 and Pharrell will soon be announcing future plans for the “Billionaire Boys Club” apparel line, and for the continued manufacture and sale of “Ice Cream” footwear.
In December 2003, Pharrell and Reebok announced the launch of a collection of men’s and women’s “Ice Cream” footwear and “Billionaire Boys Club” apparel to be developed and marketed under the brand’s Rbk initiative.
“Pharrell and Reebok are parting ways as friends with a mutual understanding and respect that Reebok’s strategy and his strategy for the design and distribution of Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream were simply different. Although we would have liked for this venture to have been more successful, in the end, we both realize that the design and distribution fit just wasnt there,” said Reebok’s Chief Marketing Officer Dennis Baldwin. “I commend Pharrell for his unwavering commitment to the strategic direction in which he intends to take his collections. Pharrell brings a unique and strong creative touch to the market, and we wish him well,” continued Baldwin. “We both agree that the door is open for future opportunities to work together.”
“Reebok and I both understand we have very different visions for my clothing line, BBC, and my sneaker line, Ice Cream,” said Williams. “I have learned a great deal doing business with Reebok, and it has a been a great experience. I am pleased that we can part ways amicably and am excited to launch my line independently.”
Further details of the dissolution of the partnership are not being publicly disclosed.
