House of Dereon adds accessories

Superdiva Beyonce and her mother Tina Knowles are continuing the expansion of their empire with a new addition to their fashion brand, House of Dereon. The two have signed a licensing agreement with the New York-based Accessory Exchange to add handbags and small leather goods to its existing collection. In a statement Beyonce, co-creative director of the brand, said that she sees the handbag license as the next step in realising her derams. "In the same way that lighting and sets and sound design are necessary for an engaging concert performance, handbags harmonize with shoes and other accessories to create an unforgettable look," she said.

In an email to WWD, Tina Knowles wrote: "(The handbags) will completely complement the (apparel) line, with like prints, patterns and materials. They will also work independently and feature hot, must-have designs." Tina Knowles is the brands founder and creative director, and a permanent fashion fixture in her daughter's life, having designed all her costumes for performances. The handbags have been categorized into a dozen different groups, from casual to more contemporary designs, and will be sold alongside the brand's footwear range in higher-end specialty store in the US . Prices will vary between $90 and $300.

House of Dereon chose to collaborate with Accessory Exchange because of its talent. "The sensibility and passion were there," said Knowles. "It was an instant partnership from the first time the creative team met." Accessory Exchange also has handbag licenses for brands including XOXO, Via Spica and Bongo. It generates about $125 million in sales in the US . The House of Dereon announced that it would be showing its new collection at New York Fashion Week in February 2006.