NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Brian Atwood and Steve Madden (NASDAQ:SHOO) today announced that they have acquired the Brian Atwood® intellectual property and related assets in transactions involving Bluestar Alliance LLC, which facilitated the sale, and The Jones Group, Inc. (NYSE: JNY), which previously owned the assets. The portfolio includes the Brian Atwood® designer and the B Brian Atwood® contemporary brands. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Atwood has full operational and creative control in the design, production and distribution of the Milan, Italy based Brian Atwood designer collection and will continue as an owner and Chief Creative Officer at the Brian Atwood intellectual property.
The partnership leverages Steve Madden's global brand building expertise, strategic vision and relationships to collaborate with Atwood on the design, production, marketing and distribution of B Brian Atwood® footwear and handbags.
Brian Atwood, Chief Creative Officer, said, "I've always had a clear vision for the Brian Atwood brand and the women who wear it. I look forward to the next phase of my business with support and expertise of Steve to drive strategic growth and category expansion to continue to create experiences that women love."
Steve Madden, Founder of Steve Madden, said, "Brian Atwood is one of the world’s great designers. I’m such a big fan of his. We feel lucky to have the opportunity to work with him.”
The Brian Atwood® designer collection, launched in 2001, is available at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Net-a-Porter and high-end boutiques. B Brian Atwood® footwear, launched in Fall 2011, is sold in better department stores and specialty retailers. B Brian Atwood® handbags, launched in Fall 2013, are sold in better department stores.
The brand will transition from The Jones Group Inc. for Spring 2015 deliveries.
ABOUT BRIAN ATWOOD
Coveted by women around the world for his silhouettes, fearless luxe and sky-high heels, Brian Atwood infuses glamour, lust and desire into everything he designs. Since its 2001 debut, the Brian Atwood collection has been globally coveted for exquisite craftsmanship and huperluxe design and detail. Brian is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and has been honored with the CDA Swarovski Perry Ellis Award for Best Accessory Design and the 2010 Footwear News Designer of the Year award. Learn more at www.BrianAtwood.com
ABOUT STEVE MADDEN
Steve Madden designs, sources and markets fashion-forward footwear and accessories for women, men and children. In addition to marketing products under its owned brands including Steve Madden®, Steven by Steve Madden®, Madden Girl®, Freebird by Steven®, Stevies®, Betsey Johnson®, Betseyville®, Report Signature®, Report®, Big Buddha®, Wild Pair®, Cejon® and Mad Love®, the Company is the licensee of various brands, including Olsenboye® for footwear, handbags and belts and Superga® and l.e.i.® for footwear. The Company also designs and sources products under private label brand names for various retailers. The Company's wholesale distribution includes department stores, specialty stores, luxury retailers, national chains and mass merchants. The Company also operates 121 retail stores (including the Company's four Internet stores). The Company licenses certain of its brands to third parties for the marketing and sale of certain products, including for ready-to-wear, outerwear, intimate apparel, eyewear, hosiery, jewelry, fragrance, luggage and bedding and bath products.
