Tommy Hilfiger to wholesale catwalk collections

Tommy Hilfiger has signed a distribution deal for its catwalk collections and will now wholesale both the men’s and women’s ranges, starting with autumn 2012. The agreement will allow Ittierre S.p.A to produce and distribute apparel

and the majority of accessories, with distribution concentrated in Europe, North America and Asia; with Tommy Hilfiger retaining creative control over all collections.

Under this agreement, distribution of the runway collections will extend from Tommy Hilfiger retail stores to also include high-end wholesale, specialty and online retailers. The collections will be sold in six showrooms throughout Europe, North America and Asia following presentations during New York Fashion Week in February 2012.

Prices for the men's and women's runway collections are expected to range from 140.00 - 2,000.00 Euros; the entry price points are expected to be consistent with previous seasons but will extend to include higher level pricing for tailored clothing, dresses and leathers. The first collection distributed under the licensing agreement will be in stores July 2012.

"We are thrilled to enter into this licensing agreement with Ittierre, which will allow us to broaden our upper tier global distribution," said Fred Gehring, Chief Executive Officer of The Tommy Hilfiger Group. "Over the past few years, the successful repositioning and elevation of the brand has led to an increase in the demand for our runway collections. Partnering with Ittierre is a wonderful opportunity to reach new customers and to further evolve our most elevated expression of preppy American classics with a twist. We look forward to building on the brand's current momentum with Ittierre, a partner that is renowned for their passion and capability to manage the manufacturing and distribution of designer collections on a global scale."

Antonio Bianchi, Chairman and CEO of Ittierre S.p.A. added: "We are delighted by this new collaboration with one of the world's leading designer apparel brands. It is a historic event that enhances the global reputation of Ittierre and rewards the dedication of our management team, headed by General Manager Alessandro Locatelli.”

This marks the fifth licensing agreement signed with Ittierrre S.p.A. in 2011, and tenth overall in its portfolio, which includes international brands such as: Karl Lagerfeld Paris, Pierre Balmain, Aquascutum, Galliano, and C'N'C Costume National.

Image: Tommy Hilfiger