
Vera Wang in major Batra deal for new contemporary RTW in UK, Europe
New York-based brand management firm WHP said it's the first major licensing deal since it acquired Vera Wang earlier this year
'This is an entirely new experience for Vera Wang as we have never before offered product at this price point, for this segment of the market, and at this level of geographical penetration,' said Wang herself. 'I look forward to partnering with Batra Group in creating a collection of specific pieces that reflect my love for wardrobing with a sophisticated, nonchalant and versatile attitude, one that resonates across all age groups, cultures and borders.'
Batra was founded in India and now has operations across the subcontinent, the UK, Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The Vera Wang deal is via its new luxury division that's based in London and that will oversee the development, production, and distribution of the RTW collection. It has plans to launch across premium retail partners, speciality boutiques, and dedicated Vera Wang flagship locations throughout the region.
WHP founder and chairman Yehuda Shmidman said he sees the partnership with Batra as an 'integral step' in the global expansion of Vera Wang — 'one of three core pillars in our long-term growth strategy for the brand. This strategy includes geographic expansion, media initiatives, and the introduction of hospitality projects — all centred around the powerful brand that Vera Wang built'.
Batra Group manages a portfolio of more than 25 brands, collaborates with over 400 partners, and its products are available via more than 5,000 retail doors. Its brand portfolio includes Reebok, Fila, Juicy Couture, Russell Athletic, Hunter Boots, Hi-Tec, Hoodrich, Pony, Sergio Tacchini and Dirty London.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Fashion Network
9 hours ago
- Fashion Network
Tapestry quarterly revenue likely rose 5.5% as Coach bags drew young shoppers
Tapestry kept up a brisk pace of sales in the April-June quarter, with revenue likely growing 5.5%, thanks to growing demand for its stylish handbags that are more affordable than traditional luxury labels. Accessible luxury companies, including Tapestry and Ralph Lauren, are gaining momentum in an economy hit by tariffs and inflation, where younger shoppers are being more prudent with their purchases. Shoppers are walking away from the more opulent wares offered by luxury firms, including Kering. Revenue in the New York-based company's fiscal fourth quarter is expected to have climbed to 1.7 billion dollars, its second-quickest pace of growth in 12 quarters, according to LSEG data. Last week, Tapestry's rival and Michael Kors -owner Capri forecast quarterly revenue above estimates. Shares of Tapestry, which beat Wall Street revenue estimates in the past four quarters, have surged more than two-thirds this year. Revenue from the Coach brand, which accounted for 82% of the company's revenue for the first nine months of the year, likely grew almost 11% in the June quarter, according to LSEG estimates. "They've successfully repositioned the brand to target younger demographics with their Tabby and Brooklyn Bag brands," said Adam Steffanus, a managing director at Advisory Research Investment Management, which owns Tapestry stock. Steffanus noted that sales of European luxury brands LVMH and Chanel have suffered because they raised their prices too high. Tapestry said in May that it was well covered on cross-border tariff risk thanks to less than 10% of production from China and a diversified manufacturing base that includes 70% of production from Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Still, Tapestry's other brand, Kate Spade, has been a drag on its performance. The brand has suffered from heavy promotions that have hurt its status as an upscale brand, Steffanus said. Morningstar analyst David Swartz said Coach could raise prices without driving away customers because of its high margins, but Tapestry cannot do the same for Kate Spade handbags. Kate Spade's revenue likely fell 13% in the April-June period, according to LSEG estimates. Tapestry reports earnings on Thursday. At least 16 analysts rate it "buy" or higher, with five rating it "hold." It has no "sell" calls, according to LSEG data.


France 24
11 hours ago
- France 24
Eyeing robotaxis, Tesla hiring New York test car operator
The role of "Vehicle Operator, Autopilot" involves the driving of an "engineering vehicle" for extended periods, "conducting dynamic audio and camera data collection for testing and training purpose," according to the job listing. The position is based in Flushing, New York in the borough of Queens. The functions described in the full-time position are still many steps away from providing autonomous or robotaxi service in New York City. New York State law currently limits the use of autonomous cars to testing. Waymo in June said it applied for a permit to begin testing self-driving cars. Billionaire CEO Elon Musk has described Tesla as poised for potential rapid deployment of autonomous vehicles, emphasizing the company's use of artificial intelligence to analyze real-world data that has been gathered by the company's existing fleet of vehicles. Tesla in June finally launched limited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas following many delays. On a conference call in July, Musk predicted Tesla would "probably have autonomous ride-hailing in probably half the population of the US by the end of the year" -- an ambitious target that looks highly unlikely. Musk acknowledged that the rollout depends on regulatory approvals, adding that the company is being "very cautious" in light of safety concerns.


Fashion Network
15 hours ago
- Fashion Network
Gildan to buy underwear maker Hanesbrands for 2.2 billion dollars
Inc. agreed to buy US underwear maker Hanesbrands Inc. for about 2.2 billion dollars in cash and stock, in its largest ever acquisition. Canada-based Gildan is offering Hanesbrands holders roughly 6 dollars a share, based on the companies' closing prices on Aug. 11, according to a statement Wednesday. Including debt, the deal values Hanesbrands at about 4.4 billion dollars. The transaction targets synergies at least 200 million dollars within three years, according to the statement, and be at least 20% accretive to Gildan's earnings per share. Shares in Hanesbrands slid 7.4% in premarket trading, after gaining 28% on Tuesday following reports on the deal.