Karen Millen in accessories deal with Global Brands Group

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Aug 29, 2018

Karen Millen is on a roll at the moment and has just announced an international licensing partnership deal with Global Brands Group for small leathergoods and accessories. The news follows the signing of a deal in June with Pentland for footwear after Karen Millen had linked up with IMG as its worldwide licensing representative this spring to drive a vast expansion of its overall product offer.

So what does the new accessories deal look like? We don’t know the full terms but it will enable the company to sell its accessories beyond its own stores and its webstore with a ramp up in department stores, boutiques and other e-tailers. That means it will follow a similar model to the one signed with Pentland that will also ensure much wider distribution for its shoes.

The choice of GBG is a strong one as the company already works with a raft of big name brands including Kate Spade, All Saints, Kenneth Cole and Fiorelli. 

Its Europe managing director for footwear and accessories, Mike Hiscock said the new Karen Millen deal is “an important initiative as part of our strategy to grow GBG’s portfolio of European Fashion Brands. By leveraging our design and distribution expertise, we see significant opportunities for growth in bags and small accessories.”

Karen Millen CEO Beth Butterwick said that the link-up is part of its plan “to successfully drive our next phase of growth.”