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Thom Browne inks deal for first childrenswear line with Italian specialist Simonetta
Thom Browne, the US luxury label controlled by the Zegna group, has decided to collaborate with Italian childrenswear specialist Simonetta to create its first junior line. The CEO of Simonetta, Niccolò Matteo Monicelli, told FashionNetwork.com at the Pitti Bimbo 90 show that the deal struck by the two companies is a first of its kind in the industry.
“It’s a hybrid kind of contract, combining a production exclusive with a licence,” said Monicelli. “We will take care of production for all apparel and accessories, including footwear, through our network of partners; we will also hold an exclusive worldwide distribution licence for [Thom Browne’s] childrenswear in the wholesale channel, in which we are highly experienced. Thom Browne will instead take care of distribution via its 40 monobrand stores and in department stores worldwide,” he added.
A taster of the new line will be available for Fall/Winter 2020/21, but the first full collection will come out in Spring 2020, catering for boys up to 14 years of age.
“We are working closely with the Thom Browne design team on the first capsule collection, we’re selecting fabrics. We’re taking a mini-me approach, revisiting the men’s collection’s style for a junior target,” said Monicelli, adding that “as for the girls’ line, we shall see how the agreement will evolve in future.”
Simonetta was bought in June 2017 by Isa SpA, a company owned by Italian textile group Carisma, and is no stranger to striking childrenswear licence deals with major international labels. Last year, it agreed terms with Brunello Cucinelli and Fay Junior, in 2018 with Balmain (for the children’s line, extended to babywear last year), and a few days ago it announced the signing of a production and distribution agreement for the first childrenswear collection by Elie Saab.
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