Sequential Brands taps Centric Brands for Jessica Simpson handbag, jewelry lines

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Nov 19, 2019

Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and Jessica Simpson have entered into a new, multi-year licensing agreement with Centric Brands Inc. to develop, manufacture and distribute the Jessica Simpson Collection’s handbag and jewelry collections.

As part of the deal, Centric’s design team will work with Simpson’s in-house team; -- which includes Simpson and her mother, Tina Simpson -- to develop and maintain the brand’s current image.

Together, the partners plan to release handbags in popular silhouettes like double handle satchels, totes and hobos, featuring exclusive prints and hardware.

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Meanwhile, the brand’s jewelry collection will feature colorful and mixed-media pieces, including a range of hoop earrings, friendship bracelets, charms and layering pieces.

“We are thrilled to be working with a powerhouse like Centric Brands on our handbags and jewelry collections,” said Simpson, whose brand was founded in 2005.

“Accessories are essential to the Jessica Simpson Collection and to every woman’s closet.”

“We are excited to partner with Jessica and with Sequential Brands to support the continued growth of Jessica Simpson handbags and jewelry,” said Jason Rabin, chief executive officer of Centric Brands Inc.

“The Jessica Simpson collection is an accessible, fashion forward lifestyle collection and we see significant opportunity to build upon the brand’s iconic handbags and jewelry collections and to bring it to new heights.”

Under the new partnership, handbags will launch in Spring 2020 and will retail between $78 and $118, while jewelry will launch in April with prices ranging between $18-$58.  Both categories will be available on the brand’s newly launched direct-to-consumer site, and department stores that carry the Jessica Simpson Collection.

A majority interest of the Jessica Simpson brand was acquired by Sequential Brands in 2015. Jessica Simpson footwear has been licensed to Camuto Group since 2015, the same year that a majority stake of the brand was acquired by Sequential.

Camuto Group was later acquired by DSW and Authentic Brands Group in October of 2018, in a deal worth over $300 million.