Calvin Klein Teeing Off with Windsong

NEW YORK – Windsong Sport LLC has been licensed by the Calvin Klein subsidiary of Phillips-Van Heusen Corp to manufacture and market a line of men’s and women’s golf apparel and accessories bearing the white-label Calvin Klein Golf brand name.

First deliveries are expected for this year’s holiday season. Initial distribution will encompass about 250 golf specialty stores in the US, including those located in country clubs and resorts. Spring 2008 distribution will be expanded to additional U.S. doors and select international markets, the companies said.

Fran Matthews, president of Windsong Sport, has been given the additional title of president of the Calvin Klein Golf division, which will have a dedicated showroom at 1410 Broadway here and a team of a dozen regional managers throughout the U.S.

Matthews, who joined Windsong last year, previously had been associated with the golf collection of Polo by Ralph Lauren and was president of Tommy Hilfiger’s golf line.

Windsong Sport is a division of Windsong Allegiance, which owns the Como Sport, Pivot Rule and Navy Cutter trademarks, among others. Windsong is headed by William Sweedler, chairman and chief executive officer.

“We have been very impressed with Windsong’s expertise in the golf industry,” said Tom Murry, president and chief operating officer of Calvin Klein. “We are very pleased that they have recruited someone of Fran’s stature to run the Calvin Klein Golf business.”

The initial line is expected to include layering tops, sweaters, pants, shorts and outerwear as well as golf accessories and footwear. Kevin Carrigan, creative director for ck Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein, will oversee merchandising and design.

The line is being previewed at this weekend’s International PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

In addition to Calvin Klein, PVH owns the Van Heusen, Izod, Arrow, Bass and G.H. Bass and Co. brands and also manufactures under a series of licensed names.