Jack Spade to Launch Apparel

[kimair]

dnr / october 13, 2009

Jack Spade has plans for growth, and a new men’s apparel line—set to launch for fall ’09—is only part of the accessory brand’s strategy.

The Claiborne-owned brother label to the $90 million Kate Spade brand has also tapped former Paul Smith and Original Penguin alum Cuan Hanly as its new vice-president and general manager. Hanly, who has been on board for four weeks, is charged with spearheading the new men’s collection and enhancing Jack Spade’s retail plans.

“To support our projected growth over the next few years, Cuan will develop and execute a comprehensive growth strategy including sales, merchandising and product development for the Jack Spade brand,” said Kate Spade’s co-president and COO Craig Leavitt, who Claiborne hired in March in hopes of tripling Kate Spade’s sales by 2010.

First on Hanly’s to-do list has been the creation of a capsule collection of men’s outerwear, shirts and sweaters for spring 2009. Distribution for the debut is scheduled for Bloomingdale’s, Barneys Co-op and Fred Segal.

 

[Meg]

hmm, interesting time to expand. It'll be interesting. I definitely think there is good brand/growth potential for Jack Spade, esp. if they do cool outerwear (i'm envisioning practical but sleek anoraks) and not hokey shirts and things.

 

[fashionable24/7]

Hmm. Staying tuned to find out what happens next.