Karen Millen signs jewellery licensing deal with Gecko

Karen Millen is continuing its strategy of creating a global lifestyle brand by signing another licensing deal, this time for jewellery, with Gecko.

As a result of the multi-year deal a collection, comprising necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, will be launched in March 2020. Prices are expected to range from £20 to £170.

It will be available in all major Karen Millen stores and online, and will be rolled out to other department stores, jewellers and online retailers.

Karen Millen CEO Beth Butterwick said of the deal: “We are delighted to be working with Gecko as our new licensed jewellery partner. It was clear through discussions we have a shared passion for delivering timeless quality and beauty for our global customer base.”

Andrew J Morton, managing director at Gecko added: “This is an exciting time for Gecko and we are delighted to be working with Karen Millen – one of the UK's leading fashion brands – on the global jewellery license."

This is the latest in a string of licensing deals to be signed by Karen Millen. Over the course of 2018 it signed licensing deals with Pentland for footwear, Global Brands Group for accessories and Heidi Klein for swimwear.

The chain, which operates 58 stores and around 164 concessions globally, is owned by Icelandic bank Kaupthing, which is understood to be inviting bids from potential buyers.