Los Angeles, CA, October 27, 2011 – Wendy Bellissimo Media, Inc. and 5 Star Apparel Group announced today a licensing partnership that will include the marketing, production, and distribution of the Wendy Bellissimo Baby & Kids apparel line. Through the agreement, 5 Star will head the creation, production, and distribution of the favored Bellissimo brand lines including layette sets, sleepwear and clothing geared for boys and girls aged 0-7. Consumers can expect innovative attire and fashion-forward creations made from high quality fabric and streamlined styles all reminiscent of the favored Bellissimo lines that were originally launched in 1997.
5 Star Apparel Group, a leader in the apparel industry, is the heading the production and distribution of the re-launched Bellissimo brands. This agreement attracts attention to 5 Star as they plan to move ahead with new fashion lines that better speak to consumers needs. They are bringing innovation, creativity, and style to the forefront as they change their outreach to consumers in a way that offers even more elegance and quality in each product that they distribute.
“The timing of the agreement is perfect, and we couldn’t be more delighted to partner with Wendy Bellissimo as she prepares for the launch of the Wendy Bellissimo Kids and Baby Brands,” said Albert Pardo, VP of 5 Star. “Her designs coupled with our know-how coincides with our company’s global strategies of bringing beauty and innovation to the consumer in a new and fresh way. With Wendy’s fashion sense and creativity, we are confident that it will be successful.”
“I am excited to be partnering with creators like the 5 Star Apparel Group. Their motivation and skill is unchallenged. Plus, our timing and goals for the re-launch of our Wendy Bellissimo Baby and Kids apparel designs complements perfectly with both of our companies’ goals. The consumer will have an opportunity to enjoy my designs and the products that have become so well-loved on a mainstream level. With the support of 5 Star, we hope to bring these creations back to the consumer for Fall 2012.”
Richmond Management Group, Inc. (RMG), exclusive licensing agency for Wendy Bellissimo, brokered the deal.
About Wendy Bellissimo
The mother of four daughters aged six to eleven, Wendy Bellissimo is widely known as a successful entrepreneur with a passion for creating products that families love. First perceived as an authority on products for growing families, Wendy’s sincerity and approachability enable her to connect with other women who see her as either the mom they are or as the mom they would like to be. Mainstream media has also recognized this connection. Wendy continues to be a much sought after lifestyle expert for Television, On-line, Print and Radio and has endorsed national consumer brands in multiple deals with both P&G and Unilever.
With her past DTR program generating in excess of $100 million dollars in a three-year limited run, Wendy Bellissimo has expanded her base of offerings from her beginnings in interiors to a broad range of juvenile categories which include bedding, décor, apparel, gift and baby gear.
About 5 Star Apparel Group
5 Star Apparel Group was established in 2005 and has become a leader in the kid’s apparel industry. The Company’s products are distributed domestically and internationally, primarily to wholesale customers through various distribution channels, including major department stores, independent retailers, chain stores, membership clubs, specialty, off-price and other stores, mass merchandisers and the internet.
5 Star Apparel group includes divisions that address: Design, Merchandising, Product Development, Retail Planning and Analysis, Marketing and Licensing, Sourcing and Production, Logistics and Distribution, Information Technology, Finance, Customer Service and Retails Services. The Company owns and licenses a portfolio of highly recognized brand names including: Enyce by Sean Combs (Men’s), Mecca (kids), Vigoss Jeans (7-16), StarDoll (Juniors), Akademiks (girls & baby), Rocawear (layette).
About Richmond Management Group, LLC
Jennifer Richmond, a veteran with over 18 years experience in the licensing industry recently joined Richmond Management Group as Managing Director. Founded in 2003 by her husband, Andy Richmond, a veteran in-house licensing attorney, Richmond Management provides strategic and legal consulting in the areas of license and brand acquisition, brand development, deal and contract negotiation and the long-term management of licensed products and programs. Looking to assist companies without in-house expertise navigates through the sometimes complex world of licensing, Jennifer and Andy are able to provide their clients with a full range of services: from acquisition through final negotiation and brand management.
Contacts:
Richmond Management Group
Jennifer Richmond
Richmond Management Group
P: 818.713.0120
jmrichmond@me.com
5 Star Apparel Group
Isaac Saide
31 West 34thStreet, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10001
P: 212.563.1233
F: 212.563.3756
Saide@mecca5star.com