Bentley Pens

As reported by LicenseMag, Montegrappa released its “Tibaldi for Bentley Supersports” series of writing instruments.

The collection will be limited to 630 fountain pens and 630 roller balls, which corresponds with the horsepower of the actual vehicle.

Habitat – a sad story

As reported by FTD here, Habitat will close. It is the end of a long story started by a great talent, Terence Conran.

The first Habitat store opened in 1964. From there it expanded into an international chain of furniture and interior design stores.

Habitat was then acquired by Ikea with the intention to establish a higher priced chain. A concept, that The Gap followed with the acquisition of Banana Republic.

But the concept did not work. Thus, Ikea sold, or rather gave away, Habitat to Hilco for three (3) Euro. Hilco tries to revive troubled brands – mostly through licensing – like Polaroid, The Sharper Image, Linens ‘n Things and Bombay Co. Through Brand Matters it owns Ellen Tracy and acts as licensing agent for the Bob Marley estate.

The profitable stores are now up for sale, the other ones will be closed.

And again Li & Fung – now Skechers

LicenseMag reports that Skechers and Li & Fung USA signed a license for Fitness apparel and accessories collections for men and women.

The multi-year licensing agreement will include Shape-ups, Tone-ups and Skechers Resistance branded activewear, outerwear and performance accessories.

Scheduled launch is 2012.

Distribution will be through department stores, sporting goods and independent retailers in the U.S.

Skechers also has licenses in place for kidswear, accessories and eyewear. It is expanding heavily.

Ellen Tracy brand license for Li & Fung

Ellen Tracy has announced a license with Li & Fung for women’s fashion.

Not too long ago Ellen Tracy, established in 1948, was one of the Top bridge lines, along with Dana Buchman and Liz Claiborne.
It had quite a stable of licenses for eyewear, shoes, hosiery, handbags, coats, dresses, suits, women’s fragrances, jewelry, sleepwear, intimate apparel, men’s outerwear and luggage.

It was then taken over, turned into a licensing operation and various retail exclusive deals were made as well as direct to retail licenses. In 2009 vendors filed for Chapter 7.

Li & Fung is a huge Chinese apparel company, that bought 11 US companies over the last two years. Among its growing stable of brands and licenses is Skechers.