Karen Millen signs accessories deal with Global Brands Group

Karen Millen has signed an international licensing partnership deal with Global Brands Group (GBG) for its small leather goods and accessories as part of its global growth strategy.

The premium British womenswear brand said the deal, which was brokered by IMG with whom it has a global licensing deal, would enable it too sell its accessories beyond its own standalone stores and online channel such as in multibrand department stores and boutiques. It follows a similar deal signed with Pentland earlier this summer for its footwear offer.

Karen Millen CEO Beth Butterwick said of the deal: “Over the last three decades, our customers have loved and appreciated the design detail and quality of our bags and small accessories. In order to successfully drive our next phase of growth, I am delighted that we are entering into a licensing partnership with GBG.

“With a long-standing track record of working with other brands to build their global presence and with their expert level of knowledge in designing beautifully crafted accessories, we are excited about what we can develop collectively, to surprise and delight Karen Millen’s international customer base.”

GBG works with a number of global brands on developing their accessories offer, including Kate Spade, All Saints, Kenneth Cole and Fiorelli. GBG managing director, footwear and accessories, Europe, Mike Hiscock said the deal was “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. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Karen Millen team to take this category into new markets and channels of distribution,” he added.

Karen Millen signed its global licensing initiative with IMG in March of this year and said the move would help it expand its product line and transform the womenswear retailer into a fully fledged global lifestyle brand.