Kenneth Cole Announces Worldwide Licensing of Men's Underwear, Women's Intimates, Loungewear and Hosiery to Delta Galil

NEW YORK, Jan. 4, 2012 /CNW/ - Continuing to build upon its global expansion, Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. (NYSE: KCP) announces that it has entered into a licensing agreement with Delta Galil Industries, Ltd. (DELT/Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, DELTY.PK/OTCQX) for men's and women's underwear, loungewear and hosiery under both the "Kenneth Cole New York" and "Kenneth Cole Reaction" labels. 

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The collection will be developed, produced and distributed by Delta Galil, an internationally famous manufacturer and distributer of underwear and intimates.  While details are being finalized by category, some of the collections will be launched as early as fall 2012 with the balance to launch by early 2013 and will be distributed at Kenneth Cole New York retail stores and select department and specialty stores worldwide.

Paul Blum, CEO, Kenneth Cole Productions Inc. said, "We are very excited about this new initiative and are pleased to have such a strong partner in these important classifications as we look to continue to better access the global marketplace. As was the case with our announcement last month to partner with The Reliance Group in India, this arrangement is another step in our overall strategy to become a leading dual gender global lifestyle brand."

In Delta Galil, Kenneth Cole has chosen a partner with a tradition of designing and manufacturing products that maximize comfort, aesthetics and quality, and an innovative body-before-fabric™ approach that utilizes cutting edge technologies and fabrics. Delta Galil has a reputation for excellence in manufacturing, marketing and servicing products, building on its deep knowledge base and strong core manufacturing competencies.  Their global presence includes 17 development, design, logistics, manufacturing and marketing locations worldwide.

"Kenneth Cole is one of the most recognized brands in the fashion industry and a great addition to our branded portfolio," said Isaac Dabah, CEO of Delta Galil Industries.  "We are excited to be partnering with the Kenneth Cole team, and we look forward to applying Delta Galil's strengths in design, product and material innovation, and global distribution to grow both the Kenneth Cole brands and our own business."

Kenneth Cole's current licensing partner, Esportia International Inc., will continue to ship to their current customers during the transition period in order to ensure continuity of deliveries between existing accounts.

"Esportia has been a great partner over the years and we thank them for their contributions," added Mr. Blum.

About Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.

Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. designs, sources and markets a broad range of footwear, handbags, apparel and accessories under the brand names Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction, Unlisted and Le Tigre, as well as footwear under the proprietary trademark Gentle Souls. The Company has also granted a wide variety of third party licenses for the production of men's, women's and children's apparel as well as fragrances, watches, jewelry, eyewear and several other accessory categories. The Company's products are distributed through department stores, better specialty stores, company-owned retail stores and its e-commerce website. Further information can be found at http://www.kennethcole.com.

About Delta Galil Industries

Delta Galil Industries is a global manufacturer and marketer of branded and private label apparel products for men, women and children. Since its inception in 1975, Company has continually strived to create products that follow a body-before-fabric philosophy, placing equal emphasis on comfort, aesthetics and quality.  Delta Galil develops innovative seamless apparel including bras, shapewear and socks; intimate apparel for women; extensive lines of underwear for men; babywear, activewear, sleepwear, and leisurewear. For more information, visit www.deltagalil.com.

SOURCE Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.

For Kenneth Cole, Lisa Hellman, Vice President, Public Relations, Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc., [phone], [email protected]; or Investor Relations, James R. Palczynski, Principal, Integrated Corporate Relations, Inc., [phone]; or for Delta Galil, U.S. Media, Stacy Berns or Jessica Liddell, both of Berns Communications Group, [phone], [email protected], or Israel Media, Nissim Douek, [phone], [email protected]

http://www.kennethcole.com

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