Jones Apparel Group, Inc. announced that it has expanded its l.e.i. franchise by signing an exclusive license agreement with Steven Madden, Ltd. (Nasdaq: SHOO) which will design, manufacture and distribute a collection of junior and girls footwear under the l.e.i. brand. The collection will be distributed exclusively to Wal-Mart stores nationwide beginning Spring 2009.

G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. (NasdaqGSM: GIII) today announced that it has executed its first license for the Andrew Marc brand. G-III and Camuto Group, headed by Vince Camuto, have entered into a license agreement through January 31, 2013 for Camuto Group to design, market, and distribute women’s footwear under the Andrew Marc and Marc New York brand names. It is expected that product will begin distribution for the Fall 2009 season. Terms of the license were not disclosed.

Payless ShoeSource and
fashion designer Lela Rose announced today that they have signed a new
multi-year agreement for Rose to continue to design her popular collection,
Lela Rose for Payless(TM), available exclusively at the footwear retailer.
To further expand the partnership and draw from Rose's 2007 launch of her
wedding collection, Payless and Rose have also agreed to Rose designing
Unforgettable Moments by Lela Rose(TM), a special occasion collection
exclusively for Payless initially due out in early 2009.

Cherokee Inc. (NASDAQ: CHKE), a leading licensor and global brand management company, announced this week that it has signed an exclusive brand representation agreement with award-winning fashion designer David Rodriguez.

Maidenform Brands, Inc. (NYSE: MFB), a global branded marketer of intimate apparel, today announced that Robert Gardner has been named General Manager of the new Donna Karan and DKNY women's intimate apparel license announced on May 6, 2008. In this role, Mr. Gardner will oversee all key aspects of the business which is expected to launch at the beginning of 2009. Mr. Gardner will report to Maurice Reznik, Maidenform's President.

$39.1 Billion Apparel Licensing Industry Driving Sales in a Questionable Retail Environment

As countless manufacturers and retailers scramble to address growing weakness in consumer spending, the market for apparel and non-apparel licensing opportunities is poised to flourish.

In fact, the global licensing industry is on track to break the $200 billion mark this year, with fashion second only to character-based licensing ($39.1 billion and $42.7 billion in 2006 retail sales, respectively).

Hartmarx Corporation (NYSE: announced that it has reached agreement with Airwair International Limited and R Griggs Group Limited, the holders of the worldwide license for Dr. Martens(R), to manufacture, market and sell a wide range of men's and women's casual apparel under the Dr. Martens brand. The Dr. Martens sportswear will be manufactured, marketed and sold by HMX Sportswear, Inc., a New York based subsidiary of Hartmarx.

Blue Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLUE), a designer, manufacturer and distributor of high-end fashion jeans and denim apparel, today announced that the Company entered into two separate licensing agreements for the Antik Denim and Yanuk brands to further diversify the product mix into a broader lifestyle collection and to extend each brand’s reach.

K-Swiss inked an endorsement deal with internationally acclaimed tennis player, Tommy Haas. The German-born player has over 11 career ATP titles with a career high ranking of #2 in the world. Tommy has been a fixture at the top of the ATP rankings for over a decade, and is one of the top players on the tour. Jennifer Weiderman, VP of Marketing, was happy to make the announcement. "Tommy is a perfect fit for K-Swiss given our strong classic tennis heritage. His leadership on the court, style and passion make him a perfect brand ambassador for K-Swiss."

Jockey International, Inc., and Gerber Childrenswear, Inc., a division of Kellwood Company, have entered into a licensing agreement. Effective immediately, Gerber Childrenswear, Inc. will begin the design, production and distribution of Jockey-branded underwear, sleepwear and thermalwear for infant, toddler and children's apparel.

Golden Age Brands, LLC, the owner of Lord Isaacs, the brand long known for its comfortable and casual lines of classically inspired women’s denim jeans, pants, knit tops and sweaters, announced today that it had entered into an multi-year license agreement with Kovac Manufacturing, Inc. Under the license agreement for the Lord Isaacs brand, the company will design, manufacture, promote and sell a full range of Women’s sportswear in knit and woven fabrics throughout the United States and Canada. This branded line will include a broad selection of products including pants, shorts, and skirts; shirts, tops, vests and jackets.

The Sports Licensed Division (SLD), part of the adidas Group, announced it acquired Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Company, a wholesaler, marketer and distributor of authentic vintage athletic product. SLD uses its manufacturing and design expertise to grow and strengthen Mitchell & Ness' market position in the U.S. and key markets around the world. Financial details of the transaction are confidential.

Mitchell & Ness currently holds licensing agreements with the National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Football League (NFL, through a Reebok sub-license) to reproduce historically accurate uniforms and other vintage-inspired athletic apparel.

“This acquisition will enable us to strengthen and expand our relationships with sports fans collecting and wearing vintage, authentic professional and college sports apparel,” said David Baxter, President of the Sports Licensed Division.

“Reebok’s licensed product expertise and worldwide footprint will enable us to enhance our market-leading position,” commented Peter Capolino, Mitchell & Ness President and Owner.

About the adidas Group

The adidas Group is one of the global leaders within the sporting goods industry, offering a broad range of products around three core segments adidas, Reebok and TaylorMade-adidas Golf. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the Group has almost 30,000 employees and generated sales of more than €10 billion in 2006.

About Mitchell & Ness

Founded in 1904, Mitchell & Ness is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA and offers more than 1,600 authentic styles representing player jerseys, warm-ups and heavyweight jackets.

The Sports Licensed Division (SLD), part of the adidas Group, announced it acquired Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Company, a wholesaler, marketer and distributor of authentic vintage athletic product. SLD uses its manufacturing and design expertise to grow and strengthen Mitchell & Ness' market position in the U.S. and key markets around the world. Financial details of the transaction are confidential.

Mitchell & Ness currently holds licensing agreements with the National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Football League (NFL, through a Reebok sub-license) to reproduce historically accurate uniforms and other vintage-inspired athletic apparel.

“This acquisition will enable us to strengthen and expand our relationships with sports fans collecting and wearing vintage, authentic professional and college sports apparel,” said David Baxter, President of the Sports Licensed Division.

“Reebok’s licensed product expertise and worldwide footprint will enable us to enhance our market-leading position,” commented Peter Capolino, Mitchell & Ness President and Owner.

About the adidas Group

The adidas Group is one of the global leaders within the sporting goods industry, offering a broad range of products around three core segments adidas, Reebok and TaylorMade-adidas Golf. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the Group has almost 30,000 employees and generated sales of more than €10 billion in 2006.

About Mitchell & Ness

Founded in 1904, Mitchell & Ness is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA and offers more than 1,600 authentic styles representing player jerseys, warm-ups and heavyweight jackets.

Hanesbrands Inc. (NYSE:HBI) and The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) today announced a 10-year strategic alliance that will tap into the marketing and product expertise of two of the world’s most trusted and recognized lineups of brands. The alliance includes basic apparel exclusivity for the Hanes and Champion brands, product co-branding, attraction sponsorships and other brand visibility and signage at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts properties.

Cherokee Inc. (NASDAQ:CHKE), a leading global licensor and brand management company, announced today that it has signed an exclusive international license agreement for its Cherokee brand with Arvind Mills Ltd., India’s largest integrated textile company and retailer. This multi-year agreement covers a wide range of categories including men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, footwear, accessories, home and other categories.

"Good grief" turns into great fashion relief as MetLife will present a group designer fashion show on Friday, September 7th at 6:00 p.m. as part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Many of fashion's favorite designers are confirmed to participate including Heatherette, Isaac Mizrahi, Betsey Johnson and Pamella Roland, among other leading designers from around the world. Each designer will take inspiration from their favorite Peanuts character to create a couture runway outfit, making a bold leap from their black and white sketches to vibrant color.

Everlast® Worldwide Inc. (Nasdaq: EVST), manufacturer, marketer and licensor of sporting goods, apparel, footwear and other active lifestyle products under the Everlast brand name, today announced the signing of a two-year sponsorship and licensing agreement with U.S. Amateur Boxing, Inc. (USA Boxing), the National Governing Body for the sport of amateur boxing. Under the terms of the agreement, Everlast will be the exclusive boxing equipment supplier for USA Boxing and its athletes for all USA Boxing and International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) sanctioned tournaments, world competitions, Olympic trials, and camps for the Men’s, Women’s, and Junior Olympic programs. Everlast boxing equipment will be used at all USA Boxing-sponsored events and shows in preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games in 2008.