Perry Ellis Licenses the Levy Group for Outerwear

Perry Ellis International announced today it has entered into a new licensing agreement with The Levy Group Inc. to design, manufacture and distribute men’s outerwear, top coats and rain coats in the U.S. and men’s outerwear in Canada under the Perry Ellis and Perry Ellis Portfolio brands.

Oscar Feldenkreis, President and COO of Perry Ellis International, said: “Outerwear is a key component for the Perry Ellis lifestyle, and major area of opportunity. The Levy Group, one of the most successful outerwear companies in the department store channel, is the right partner to interpret in outerwear the look that has made Perry Ellis the number one neo-traditional brand.”

The Levy Group Inc. is the largest privately-held outerwear manufacturer in the United States. They manufacture men’s and ladies branded and private label products, including Claiborne men’s outerwear. The company recently ran into a difficult situation in men’s when Macy’s decided to drop the Claiborne brand after the licensor announced sale of a derivative label to JC Penney.

According to Larry Leeder, men’s VP Sales at Levy, “based on the Macy’s decision, we had to find another great brand to continue the strong relationship we had together. Perry Ellis fills that need.” Claiborne and Perry Ellis are generally considered direct competitors, but Leeder emphasized that the two lines would be completely different and that they would continue to produce the Claiborne brand for other retailers.

Perry Ellis Men’s outerwear and topcoats will be available through major department and specialty stores nationwide for Fall 2008.