A New Bag

Jones Apparel Group Inc. (New York) has signed an exclusive license agreement with Olivet Intl. Inc. (Pomona, Calif.), a privately held marketer of luggage and travel accessories in department stores and specialty stores, to manufacture and distribute women’s luggage and travel accessories under the Nine West brand.

The new line, which will be re-launched next March for fall 2005 delivery, will be carried by department stores and specialty retailers who carry Nine West footwear, accessories and apparel, as well as by upscale luggage specialty stores. The collection was previously marketed by Nine West Accessories.

“Our agreement with Olivet for Nine West luggage will leverage our strengths to maximize this business opportunity,” said Rhonda Brown, president and ceo of Nine West’s footwear, accessories and retail group. “We look forward to translating the spirit of Nine West to luggage that will complement our brand initiatives and offer a unique point of view to our loyal Nine West customer.”

Olivet ceo Jerry Moon said, “We are pleased to enter this agreement for Nine West luggage. We believe our shared focus on superior quality product, innovative styling and marketing synergies will make a difference to both our retail partners and the Nine West consumer.”

Jones Apparel Group is a leading designer and marketer of branded apparel, footwear and accessories, under such brands as Jones New York, Evan-Picone, Norton McNaughton, Gloria Vanderbilt, Erika, l.e.i., Energie, Nine West, Easy Spirit, Enzo Angiolini, Bandolino, Joan & David, Mootsies Tootsies, Sam & Libby, Napier, Judith Jack, Kasper, Anne Klein, Albert Nipon and LeSuit. The company also markets apparel under the Polo Jeans Company brand licensed from Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. and costume jewelry under the Tommy Hilfiger brand licensed from Tommy Hilfiger Licensing Inc. and the Givenchy brand licensed from Givenchy Corp.