The uber fabulous Kenneth Cole has signed a deal with Lanier Clothes to launch a men’s tailored clothing line in the US. While Kenneth Cole is famous for their handbags, accessories and most importantly (at least to me) footwear, Lanier Clothes is known for their innovative yet old-world style tailoring.
Lanier Clothes is also owned by parent company Oxford Industries who happens to be one of the largest apparel manufacturers in the world. Haven’t heard of Oxford Industries? You are most likely to have heard of the brands and private labels they craft: Nautica, Dockers, Geoffrey Beene, Oscar de la Renta among others. I happen to love Geoffrey Beene and found them to have the only jeans that understand my hips post-baby. They are the only brand of jeans I have worn since 1999, although their website shows no indication of women’s clothing, they do indeed have a women’s section in store. I can attest to the quality of Oxford Industries Geoffrey Beene brand. I still have those same pair of jeans, now 8 years old that have only slightly faded, but otherwise look brand new.
The deal between the two brands appears to be a match made in fashion heaven. What Kenneth Cole does for shoes, Lanier can deliver upon and extend into clothing. This is a great way for Kenneth Cole to expand upon their brand and keep up with the expectations and quality standards we all have come to know and love.
The new clothing line, which will consist of suits, suit separates, sport coats, trousers and rainwear, will be distributed under Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction and Unlisted, a Kenneth Cole Productions label in the fall of this year. You’ll be able to find it nationwide within tailored clothing departments at major retail department stores and select specialty stores.