TLG Adds Berkman, Brands and NY Showroom

NEW YORK – David Berkman has joined Total Luxury Group Inc. (TLG) as president of its new Y Brands subsidiary, which includes the Y-Chrome and Type Y young men’s labels.

Berkman is based in New York and will manage the company’s new showroom at 530 Seventh Ave., which also houses men’s apparel lines YMLA and BC by Garth Cabral.

“The young men’s market is currently one of the hottest segments in the apparel industry,” Berkman said. “It is an exciting time because the market for the category is growing exponentially. At Y Brands, our product designs are continually reaching a broader segment of the men’s marketplace. Although we are considered a young men’s collection, our designs are now appealing to a slightly older customer as well.”

Berkman, a 27-year apparel industry veteran who’s worked at Randa Accessories and Mountain High Hosiery as well as Sierra Fashions, said the firm is working with buyers in areas including young men’s, men’s, streetwear and collections. “We are also looking to expand the brands’ reach by developing additional product categories internally and actively seeking licensing opportunities,” he added.

 The new showroom

Janon Costley, chief operating officer of TLG, commented, “We are very excited to have a person with David’s experience and contacts to lead our company. We feel that Mr. Berkman’s enthusiasm captures the essence of the Y Brands customer and his knowledge of the retail community will be a tremendous asset to a division that has tremendous growth potential in the young men’s retail marketplace.”

TLG holds a distribution agreement for MCM AG and acquired International Apparel Group in July 2006. The rights to the Y-Chrome and Type Y brands were licensed from Castle Hill.