Smelling Like a Rose

The John Varvatos Co. (New York), a subsidiary of Nautica Enterprises Inc., has entered into an exclusive license agreement with fragrance and skin care manufacturer Zirh International Corp. (New York), a subsidiary of Shiseido International Corp. (Tokyo).

The agreement calls for Zirh to develop, manufacture and distribute worldwide, fragrance and premium skin care products under the John Varvatos name. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The signature line will launch in spring 2004 in approximately 500 U.S. retail doors, including specialty and department stores, as well as in all company-owned John Varvatos stores. Distribution is expected to expand to more than 40 countries within the first year.

Varvatos will collaborate with the Zirh research team to create the fragrance and men's skin care products. The designer commented, “I am very pleased about this new venture with Zirh and Shiseido because of their unparalleled technology and research and development, coupled with their total commitment to the project. I am looking forward to working with them to create the ultimate products for men, together with distinctive packaging that conveys the John Varvatos esthetic.”

The Varvatos menswear collection, launched in 2000, is comprised of tailored clothing, sportswear, belts, bags, hosiery and footwear. Varvatos has been twice recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), with an American Fashion Award for New Menswear Designer (June 2000) and Menswear Designer of the Year (June 2001). The collection is distributed in 16 countries, including Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Russia and the U.K. Current U.S. distribution includes freestanding John Varvatos boutiques in New York and Los Angeles. The line is featured in Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, and at numerous specialty boutiques throughout the U.S.

Zirh International, founded in 1995, manufactures prestige-level skincare products and fragrances, which are sold in 41countries and 1600 doors worldwide. U.S. distribution includes Barneys, Bloomingdale's, Sephora and Saks Fifth Avenue.