Kering invests in Tomas Maier

Following investments in Christopher Kane and Altuzarra, luxury conglomerate Kering has taken a stake in Tomas Maier, the signature brand of Bottega Veneta’s creative director. The French group announced that it has entered into a

joint venture with Maier to develop his brand, which was founded in 1997 and is known primarily for swimwear, knitwear and jersey. The short statement added that the focus of the investment will be to develop and complement the assortment of products rounding up a complete “lifestyle proposition for time-off”.

Commenting on the deal, Tomas Maier, founder and creative director of the brand, said: “I am excited to enter into this new chapter for the Tomas Maier brand in parallel with my role at Bottega Veneta.

“I could not imagine a better partner than Kering for the Tomas Maier brand. We speak the same language and have a mutual understanding of how to take this business we started 15 years ago to new heights.”

Kering takes stake in Tomas Maier brand

The deal was confirmed by Kering, though no financial terms were disclosed, although WWD is reporting that the group has taken a “significant stake” in the US-based fashion label, and that the investment will be used to add more standalone stores as well as expand the product range.

Currently, Maier operates two freestanding stores, one in Palm Beach and another in East Hampton and the brand is carried by luxury department stores.

Maier is widely regarded as the man who turned Bottega Veneta around, since joining the Italian fashion house in 2001 he has introduced a number of new product categories including jewellery, fragrances, eyewear and watches.

This is the latest investment for Kering this year, in January the group took a majority stake in London-based fashion designer Christopher Kane, who is set to open his debut store on London’s Mount Street next year, as well as a minority investment in New York-based designer Joseph Altuzarra.

Kering aren’t the only luxury conglomerate investing in brands, rival LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton has also taken stakes in a number of fashion brands including London-based designers J.W. Anderson and Nicholas Kirkwood.

Image: Tomas Maier