Xcel Brands Inc. has signed a licensing agreement with KBL Group to produce the Off/Duty by Coco Rocha ready-to-wear collection, which is expected to debut this fall.
Xcel will tap KBL Group’s expertise in sourcing, product development, manufacturing and supply chain management to bring the Off/Duty to life. The brand will also expand beyond ready-to-wear into accessories and other categories.
“KBL Group brings exceptional expertise in product development and manufacturing, making them an ideal partner for Off/Duty,” Robert W. D’Loren, chairman and chief executive officer of Xcel Brands, said in a statement on Monday. “As we continue to build the brand, having a best-in-class partner capable of executing Coco’s vision with the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship is critical.”
Off/Duty will be offering “elevated wardrobe essentials designed for women constantly on the move,” Xcel said in its statement. “Inspired by the pieces Coco has relied on throughout her two-decade career of fashion weeks, international travel, business meetings and family life, the brand delivers stylish, versatile and functional pieces that seamlessly transition from day to night.”
David Guisinger, CEO of the KBL Group, said in his statement, “Coco’s authentic point of view and deep understanding of how women dress today have created a powerful foundation for the brand.”
Last year, when her collaboration with Xcel was revealed, Rocha told WWD: “I’ve been so fortunate to spend over 20 years working at the highest level in this industry. I’ve observed some of the greatest designers and craftsmen of the last 50 years and have been dressed in everything from couture to fast fashion. Along the way, with that front-row seat, I feel I’ve learned what works, what lasts and what truly makes me feel confident. What excites me about partnering with Xcel is the opportunity to finally channel all of those unbelievable lived experiences into something of my own.”
Also for fall, Rocha, a renowned model, entrepreneur and social media celebrity, will be offering a limited-edition handbag collection called, The Baggallini x Coco Rocha Capsule Collection. It’s a collaboration between Baggallini, a brand known for designing highly functional bags with multiple compartments, and Xcel, the media and consumer products company.
Xcel is engaged in the design, licensing, marketing, livestreaming and social commerce sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, fine jewelry, home goods, pet products and other consumer products as well as the acquisition of consumer lifestyle brands.
The company owns the Halston and C. Wonder brands, as well as the co-branded influencer-led brands Tower Hill by Christie Brinkley; Trust Respect Love by Cesar Millan; GemmaMade by Gemma Stafford; Off/Duty by Coco Rocha, and holds a long-term license agreement in Mesa Mia by Jenny Martinez. Additionally, Xcel owns and manages the Longaberger by Shannon Doherty brand through its controlling interest in Longaberger Licensing. Xcel sells its products through interactive television, digital livestream shopping, social commerce, brick-and-mortar retailers and e-commerce channels.
KBL Group, based in New York and Hong Kong, is a fashion brand development and sourcing partner that supports retailers and designers through the product life cycle.
