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| Candie's, Inc., Announces a Couture License with Groupe JS International for Badgley Mischka Label |
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 16, 2005--Badgley Mischka, a division of Candie's, Inc. (NASDAQ: CAND) announced today a license agreement with Groupe JS International for couture apparel under the Badgley Mischka label. Groupe JS will begin to ship product for Fall 2005 deliveries. Groupe JS International is a leading eveningwear dressmaker based in Montreal with over 30 years of fashion experience and is noted in the industry as one of the leading suppliers of ladies' dress, sportswear and eveningwear. Groupe JS will continue to manufacture Badgley Mischka couture apparel by utilizing the world's best materials and craftsmanship to deliver the unsurpassed glamour and sophistication which has become the signature look of Badgley Mischka. Commenting on the new agreement, designers, James Mischka and Mark Badgley stated, "Groupe JS delivers continuity to our couture business by working with the same manufacturing resources and key members of our sales and production staff that were essential in the development of the brand. At the same time they have augmented what we do with the addition of significant financial, sales and manufacturing resources that we have not had in the past." According to Mitchell Hops, President and CEO, Groupe JS International, "Mark and James are among America's most talented and recognized designers and the favorites of the young Hollywood set. We could not be happier to obtain this license. We look forward to a prosperous future together." Neil Cole, CEO, Candie's, Inc., stated, "We look forward to this strategic partnership, I believe that with Mark and James' outstanding talent combined with JS Groupe's manufacturing expertise and Candie's, Inc.'s marketing skills will make this a very successful business. We have confidence that this will take Badgley Mischka couture to an entirely new level." About Badgley Mischka Based in New York City, Badgley Mischka is known for its luxury evening wear sold through the most prestigious stores in the world, including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. Founded in 1988 by designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka, Badgley Mischka has been named one of the "Top 10 American Designers" by Vogue magazine, and has dressed numerous celebrities, including Kate Winslet, Madonna, Halle Berry, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker and Ashley Judd. About Candie's, Inc. Candie's, Inc. is in the business of licensing the CANDIE'S, BONGO and BADGLEY MISCHKA trademarks on a variety of footwear, apparel and fashion products. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Brightstar Footwear, Inc., the Company also arranges for the manufacture of footwear products for mass market and discount retailers under the private label brand of the retailer. For investor information please visit the corporate web site at http://www.candiesinc.com. About Groupe JS International Groupe JS International has been a dynamic presence on the North American fashion scene for over 30 years. Today, Groupe JS International has five strong divisions and is widely recognized as one of the leading suppliers of ladies' dress, sportswear and eveningwear available in specialty stores, major chain stores and department stores around the world. Operating out of its office in Montreal, Canada, and with offices in New York, Toronto and London, the privately held company is an innovative force in the global marketplace. More information is available at www.jsgroup.com.
CONTACT: Badgley Mischka |