Sears launches collection with French Connection UK

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. Sears announced that it is partnering with French Connection UK and LF USA's Regatta division, to launch UK Style by French Connection.

According to the company, the collaboration will bring in-store, branded boutiques to 500 Sears locations throughout the United States starting in the first quarter of 2011, just in time for the spring shopping season. Simultaneously, the collection will be available on Sears.com.

"French Connection is a world leader in contemporary fashion," said John Goodman, EVP apparel and home Sears Holdings. "This addition to our brand portfolio will significantly increase our relevance among younger customers while strengthening our effort to re-energize our fashion offerings at Sears. The launch of UK Style by French Connection signifies our continued commitment to compelling fashion and great value. We are thrilled with this major opportunity to work with a company whose vibrant, cutting-edge fashion and avant-garde marketing have made waves in the fashion industry for almost forty years."

The women's collection offers floral leggings and striped tanks (from $9.90) along with patterned minis, sequined and animal-print shifts (starting at $29.90), designed to capture French Connection's joie de vivre, Sears noted. Inspired by street and runway fashions in international capitals, the men's collection offers dark-washed jeans ($24.90), button-down Oxford shirts ($24.90), and V-neck tees ($12.90).