“Fragrance is an aspirational category and the perfect way for our customer to discover the joy and femininity our brand is known for,” says Anna Bakst, CEO and brand president of Kate Spade New York, in a media release about the company's new agreement with Inter Parfums. The licensing deal is, of course, a global one. And Bakst goes on to emphasize in her remarks that “We are very excited to have a world class partner in Inter Parfums SA to take our global business to the next level.”
Time and space
The licensing agreement runs for 11 years. And under the terms of the agreement Inter Parfums will develop, make, and distribute not only perfumes under the Kate Spade New York brand but also what the media release describes as “fragrance-related products.”
Kate Spade New York fragrances will be sold at Kate Spade New York branded stores and at department and specialty stores in and beyond the States. And the fragrance will be available through the travel retail channel too, in duty-free shops. “With strong positions in the United States and South America as well as a presence in Asia, we are convinced in [Kate Spade New York's] potential as an international brand,” Jean Mader, chairman and CEO of Inter Parfums, tells the press.
Scents and strategy
The Premiere Group oversaw Kate Spade’s fragrance portfolio most previously. And from the sounds of Madar’s comments to the press, Inter Parfums will not only take on the existing portfolio of scents but also expand the collection, taking cues from the brand sensibility being established by Kate Spade New York’s new creative director Nicola Glass.
“We are extremely pleased to announce this new partnership,” says Mader. “The Kate Spade brand’s youthful, colorful spirit and touch of humor give it a unique and entirely new position within our portfolio which will allow us to develop very creative projects closely aligned with the image conveyed by Nicola Glass.”
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Deanna Utroske, CosmeticsDesign.com Editor, covers beauty business news in the Americas region and publishes the weekly Indie Beauty Profile column, showcasing the inspiring work of entrepreneurs and innovative brands.
