Opening Ceremony signs footwear license deal

Opening Ceremony is set to expand its footwear category after signing a global licensing deal with Aldo Product Services (APS), a division of Aldo Group.

The partnership will see APS working with the retailer on merchandising, development and production of the footwear, while Opening Ceremony will continue to spearhead the design. The first collection is expected for spring/summer 2016.

Currently Opening Ceremony produces its footwear in-house and the line is carried by more than 200 wholesale accounts, the new deal will see both companies handling sales and distribution.

“We think it’s revolutionary for the shoe business. It’s an approach we are very excited about given the shoes have consistently been a core part of our brand,” said Opening Ceremony’s Carol Lim and Humberto Leon, in a statement. “Bringing together our design with Aldo, one of the industry’s smartest and largest shoe companies, is an innovation that we believe will lead to great things for both our companies.”

Nicholas F. Martire, vice president of Aldo Product Services, added: “We feel there is a perfect alignment between Opening Ceremony’s design leadership and APS’s unmatched production capabilities.

"Opening Ceremony is without a doubt one of the most inspiring brands of our time, and its success is a true testament to Carol, Humberto and the incredible team they have built."