Calvin Klein licensing deal G-III

Calvin Klein Inc. has signed a licensing agreement with G-III Apparel Group Ltd. for women's better suits, according to media reports. G-III will manufacture and distribute suits under the better-priced Calvin Klein label for the US, Canada and Mexico.

The line should complement the existing Calvin Klein sportswear, outerwear, shoes and accessories. It will be available in select department and specialty stores from spring 2006. The suits will be sold at 300 points of sale, but distribution will increase to over 800 points of sale by the end of the first year.

G-III also manufactures licensed outerwear and sportswear for brands including Kenneth Cole, Tommy Hilfiger, Jones Apparel, Sean John, Ellen Tracy, BCBG Max Azria, Nine West, Cole Haan and House of Dereon. Vice chairman of G-III said in a statement: "At G-III we have an established goal of being a diversified apparel company covering all seasons. The signing of this important license is another big step in that direction."