IMG is set to expand the British heritage brand Laura Ashley’s consumer products line in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China, India and the Middle East.
“For almost 70 years, Laura Ashley’s iconic, quality-led designs, prints and patterns have continued to inspire the most coveted styles and fashion trends around the world,” said Tim Smith, Vice President at IMG. “We are eager to leverage this rich heritage and the Laura Ashley archive, comprising more than 98,000 pieces of unique artwork, textiles and footage, to develop relevant new fashion and lifestyle products for existing and new fans of the brand.”
The multi-year deal will allow the global licensing agency, IMG, to work with the brand to create new apparel, accessories, homeware, and more through licensing partnerships, retail partnerships and collaborations.
Founded in 1953 in London, the Laura Ashley brand began with printed fabrics and headscarves. It became internationally known for its fabrics, home furnishings, apparel and accessories accented by signature designs, prints and patterns.
During spring 2021, Laura Ashley released a collection that featured the return of bestselling ranges, customer-favorite prints, and new designs inspired by the heritage of the Laura Ashley archive.
“We are excited to be working with IMG to expand the brand globally,” said Carolyn D’Angelo, Managing Director of Brands at Gordon Brothers and President of Laura Ashley. “Following the success of our spring home collection relaunch and fall fashion collaboration last year, it is clear there is a strong customer appetite for a new wave of Laura Ashley lifestyle products.”
“We look forward to seeing the first designs of our 2023 fashion relaunch spring to life for the brand’s 70th anniversary and for the next generation of Laura Ashley customers,” continued D’Angelo.
The licensed Laura Ashley brand was acquired by Gordon Brothers in 2020. Gordon Brothers is an international investment, advisory, and restructuring firm. The firm is known for partnering with companies in the retail, commercial and industrial sectors to streamline company assets. Founded in 1903, Gordon Brothers conducts more than $70 billion worth of dispositions and appraisals annually.