Paris-based fashion brand Isabel Marant will expand across Greater China after entering into a partnership with Lane Crawford subsidiary ImagineX Group.
The two companies have entered into an exclusive strategic partnership to develop the Isabel Marant brand as well as its second line, Isabel Marant Étoile, to open a 12 points of sale within five years.
The first free-standing Isabel Marant boutique will be launched in Hong Kong at On Lan St in July 2015. Rollout plans include high profile stores in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and Macau.
Isabel Marant started designing jewellery and knitwear in 1990 and established her collection of ready-to-wear four years later. She opened her first store in Paris in 1998 and today her designs are located in 18 Isabel Marant boutiques and more than 800 luxury multi-brand retailers worldwide.
Isabel Marant CEO Sophie Duruflé said Isabel has always remained true to her design DNA with each of her collections and has never compromised on her vision.
“Our partnership with ImagineX is in line with this spirit and we have great confidence in their management of the brand, the collections and our growth in Greater China.”
Since 1992 ImagineX has built a portfolio of 21 international luxury and contemporary fashion, beauty and lifestyle businesses in the region, including Salvatore Ferragamo, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Paul & Shark, Paul Smith, DKNY, Tumi and Scotch & Soda.
Executive director Alice Wong described the addition of Isabel Marant to its brand portfolio as “a coup”.
“It is also strategic for our continued appeal to both luxury and contemporary consumers. Her eponymous brand, Isabel Marant caters for our luxury clientele and for those consumers seeking value, her diffusion line, Isabel Marant Étoile is ideal.
“This fresh and effortless urban style is very appealing for the Chinese consumer who is looking for an inspirational look worn by many style icons such as Kate Moss or Gisele Bündchen. We just see the brand having enormous potential in this market due to its heritage of carefully constructed design and eclectic essence of Isabel herself,” she added.
