KEDS® Launches Its First Iconic American Apparel Collection
COLLECTION SOLD EXCLUSIVELY AT OPENING CEREMONY FOR RESORT 2012
NEW YORK CITY and LEXINGTON, Mass., (November 23, 2011) – Keds, the original American sneaker brand founded in 1916, announced today the launch of its first apparel collection available exclusively at Opening Ceremony (OC). The limited edition Resort 2012 line will arrive late Nov. 2011 at Opening Ceremony stores in New York and Los Angeles, as well as on openingceremony.us.
The Keds apparel line offers a contemporary twist on classic-inspired silhouettes and creates a fun, confident and easy look for men and women that is simple, clean and versatile.
“The Keds brand was founded about the same time that American sportswear was created, so the introduction of apparel is a natural fit for us in many ways,” said Kristin Kohler Burrows, Keds brand president. “We drew inspiration for this initial collection from American style icons who have worn Keds over the past 100 years. We feel these muses uniquely represent the key attributes of the Keds brand and we’re excited to bring these signature Keds looks to life to complement our footwear and allow us to become a true lifestyle brand from head to toe.”
The collection will launch exclusively at Opening Ceremony, and then will roll out to additional boutiques and high-end department stores starting in spring 2012. The line includes t-shirts, tops, pants, skirts, jackets and sweaters, with suggested retails from $45 - $300 for men and women. Opening Ceremony will partner with Keds and the team at LF USA, Keds' partner for the Keds apparel collection, on merchandising, sales and promotion of the brand.
“We feel very fortunate to be able to draw from so many American icons who wore Keds. Creative Director Daniela Manfredi designed the apparel to be contemporary with a modern twist to vintage inspired silhouettes,” says Haim Dabah, Executive Director, Group President, LF USA. “The collection is original yet simple, aspirational yet accessible. It is a lifestyle brand that is positive and fun!”
“We are really excited to be the exclusive launch venue for Keds at Opening Ceremony,” says Carol Lim, OC founder. “Going forward, we look forward to partnering with Keds and LF USA at key retail meetings and helping to promote this iconic brand with new retail partners and consumers.”
About Keds®
Keds, LLC is a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS). Keds® is a global lifestyle brand founded in 1916. Since then, its original Champion silhouette has been worn by legends and style icons through the decades. Today, Keds continues its almost 100-year legacy of keeping it light by injecting feel-good style into everything it makes from head to toe -- for life, play, and the passionate pursuit of happiness. For more information, visit www.keds.com.
About LF USA
LF USA is a subsidiary of Li & Fung Limited (SEHK:494), the Hong Kong-headquartered multinational group. Li & Fung is recognized as the world's leader in consumer goods design, development, sourcing and distribution. It manages the supply chain for retailers and brands worldwide with about 240 offices and distribution centers in more than 40 economies spanning across the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. Through its three interconnected Business Networks -- Trading, Logistics and Distribution -- the Group offers a spectrum of services that covers the entire supply chain end-to-end. Corporate website: www.lifung.com
About Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony is a multifaceted company comprised of retail boutiques (NY, LA and Tokyo), a website, a showroom, and a private label collection. With the 2002 opening of its downtown Manhattan store, Opening Ceremony established a new, international creative forum which has since extended globally.
Keds Media Contact:
Stacy Forgang
212.242.9579
LF USA Media Contact:
Berns Communications Group
Stacy Berns/Jessica Liddell
212-994-4660