NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 21, 2004--Continuing with its growth strategy for the BONGO(R) brand, Candie's, Inc., (NASDAQ: CAND) (the "Company") announced today a license agreement with Benco International for women's, girls, men's and boys jeanswear and tops under the BONGO label. Under the terms of the agreement, BONGO products will be distributed in Mexico, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil and Jamaica.

The Company has pursued an aggressive expansion strategy for BONGO with the goal of transforming BONGO into a complete lifestyle brand in the United States and internationally. In the past few months the Company has announced several new BONGO license agreements, including handbags, tops, outerwear, girls' outerwear, and most recently, jewelry and belts.

Neil Cole, Chairman and CEO, Candie's, Inc., stated, "This is the beginning of a business strategy to expand all three of our brands internationally. We look forward to growing the BONGO brand with Benco."

Ofer Benzion, President of Benco, stated, "BONGO is one of the most sought after brands in the United States and we are very excited that we have been selected for this exclusive opportunity. We look forward to bringing the brand to Latin America and are confident that the brand will do exceptional well internationally."

Additionally, the Company has also announced a license agreement with Amiee Lynn, Inc. for junior belts and jewelry under the BONGO label. BONGO belts and jewelry will debut in Fall 2005 at major department and specialty stores nationwide.

David Conn, Executive Vice President, Candie's, Inc., stated, "Jewelry and belts are key accessories for our BONGO consumer, so it was a natural addition to the licensing portfolio."

Candie's, Inc. is in the business of licensing the CANDIE'S and BONGO trademarks on a variety of women's 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.

CONTACT: Candie's, Inc.
Maria Dolgetta, 212-819-2084
mdolgetta@candiesinc.com

SOURCE: Candie's, Inc.