Isaco Inks Ike Behar License

NEW YORK – Call it the marriage of the Miami Ikes.

Miami-based Isaco International has been licensed by Ike Behar to design, manufacture and market a luxury collection of sleepwear, boxers and hosiery under the Ike Behar brand, beginning with Fall 07 deliveries.

Calling it a “perfect marriage,” Isaac Zelcer, chairman of Isaco, said, “We are delighted that we have been able to partner with the Behars to bring new premium categories to them and a new distribution channel for us. I have known Ike Behar for over 50 years, going back to when we were both young men in Cuba. We have watched each other’s businesses grow successfully through the years and I think, together, we will be able to bring the marketplace a new elegance in sleepwear, boxers and hosiery under the Ike Behar name.”

Ike Behar, tape measure in hand

Fabrics and colors in the licensed collection will tie back to Ike Behar’s shirt collection and in most cases come from Italy or Peru, such as a double-mercerized Italian hosiery knit and pima cotton from Peru for boxers and sleepwear.

Alan Zelcer, president of Isaco, commented, “Our strategy is to offer our categories to the market at every level of distribution. Ike Behar is a strong name in the upscale market. Together with their current distribution and our success in sourcing premium quality product, we look forward to a long-lasting, successful partnership.”

The line was previewed at the Collective in New York and will be shown in its entirety at MAGIC.

Founded as a neckwear resource, Isaco manufactures and markets underwear, hosiery and sleepwear under the Perry Ellis, John Henry and Accents brands as well as under numerous private labels.

For an inspirational story about Ike Behar and a special associate, check out Karen Alberg Grossman’s blog.