Karl Lagerfeld partners with Vaprio Stile

PARIS Karl Lagerfeld has entered into a licensing partnership with Vaprio Stile to produce his women's collection starting with Fall 2008.

"In Italy, there is a high quality capacity for ready-to-wear licenses because in that area it is a real tradition," said Karl Lagerfeld.

Fred Gehring, ceo of the holding company of the Karl Lagerfeld brand, added, "This partnership with Vaprio Stile demonstrates our continued effort to build and expand the Karl Lagerfeld brand to become a true global business. Given Vaprio Stile's proven track record in producing and distributing womenswear of exceptional quality, we are confident that we have found the best partner to enable the Karl Lagerfeld collection to maximize its potential and to reach a broader consumer base worldwide."

Karl Lagerfeld will continue to directly manage the aspects of design and marketing for the collection. The first collection produced by Vaprio Stile will be shown on the runway during Paris fashion week in February 2008 and will bow at retail for Fall 2008. The collection will be sold worldwide in select department stores and specialty stores.