In a strategic expansion, Signature Eyewear, Inc. established a new division, Signature Fashion Group, to focus on women's footwear and fashion accessories. This division will bring Signature's expertise in brand management to the development and marketing of these new product lines.
The first addition to the Signature Fashion Group is the “Rough Justice” brand of trendsetting women's footwear. Signature has acquired this brand from Bodo Loerke and Lee Ashworth, industry experts who conceived the brand two years ago and have joined Signature Fashion Group as Senior Vice Presidents to drive sales and product design. Well recognized in the industry, they have a combined 35 years in brand design, development and sales.
“Rough Justice exists to meet the fashion sensibilities of that woman who is always one step ahead of the trend and appreciates a bold fashion statement,” said Ashworth. “Additionally our goal is to push the envelope of footwear fashion at an affordable price for young women 18 to 35, looking to be Fashion Forward.”
“This is a bold step for our company,” said Michael Prince, CEO of Signature Eyewear. “Gaining access into the footwear and accessory categories will give us a broader platform to expand our reach to department stores and major accessory retailers. The eyewear division will work closely with the footwear and accessories group to leverage opportunities with its sunglass collections.”
Rough Justice Footwear can be found in finer department stores and independent specialty retailers across the country. The Spring 2011 collection will preview this December at the FFANY show in New York. “Signature Fashion Group will provide the engine and infrastructure necessary for Rough Justice to realize its potential in the fashion footwear and accessories segment of the market. We are all excited about the synergy between the design, fashion and sales teams formed by melding Rough Justice and Signature Eyewear,” said Loerke.
Signature Eyewear's roster of eyewear brands include Carmen Marc Valvo, Cutter and Buck, Hart Schaffner Marx, Laura Ashley, Michael Stars, Nicole Miller and the soon to be launched Bobby Jones and Hickey Freeman. Proprietary brands include Dakota Smith Eyewear, The Signature Eyewear Collection, and Rough Justice.
