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Phillips-Van Heusen Licenses Ricardo Beverly Hills

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, January 8th 2009 at 8:52 GMT, Last Modified on 2009-01-08 08:53:16 by Market Wire
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NEW YORK--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation (NYSE: PVH) announced today that it has licensed Ricardo Beverly Hills, a leading luggage supplier based in Los Angeles, to design, produce and market luggage and travel accessories in the United States under PVH's well-known IZOD brand.

Beginning with Fall 2009 deliveries, Ricardo Beverly Hills will offer luggage, backpacks, sports bags, duffel bags and a variety of travel accessories under the IZOD brand to leading department and luggage specialty stores in the United States.

The IZOD brand, with a heritage dating back to the 1930s, is licensed in 24 product categories to 22 companies in the U.S. and five internationally.

"We went through an extensive process to identify the right partner to present the IZOD lifestyle in the luggage and travel accessory market," said Allen Sirkin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Phillips-Van Heusen. "With its in-depth understanding of the luggage market, the value proposition of the IZOD brand and, most importantly, the brand's persona of colorful and active-inspired product, Ricardo Beverly Hills is well-positioned to introduce a product line that complements those of our men's and women's apparel businesses and of our existing accessories partners. We look forward to a long-term, successful working relationship with the Ricardo Beverly Hills team."

Robert Dodson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ricardo Beverly Hills, said, "Our company is pleased to partner with PVH to create a dynamic new line of IZOD brand luggage featuring highly recognizable bold colors and distinctive patterns. We believe the IZOD luggage collection will perform well in the department and specialty store environments – the strength of the brand, combined with innovative marketing programs, represent an outstanding opportunity for IZOD luggage."

Founded in 1978 by Richard Ricardo Gibbs, Ricardo Beverly Hills is one of the largest luggage companies in the United States and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to luggage that combines attractive, innovative design with superior performance, whether the destination is a few streets or several continents away.

Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation is one of the world's largest apparel companies. It owns and markets the Calvin Klein brand worldwide. It is the world's largest shirt and neckwear company and markets a variety of goods under its own brands, Van Heusen, Calvin Klein, IZOD, ARROW, Bass and G.H. Bass & Co., and its licensed brands, including Geoffrey Beene, Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction, unlisted, A Kenneth Cole Production, BCBG Max Azria, BCBG Attitude, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Sean John, Chaps, Donald J. Trump Signature Collection, JOE Joseph Abboud, Tommy Hilfiger, DKNY and Timberland.