Elizabeth Arden Enters Into Licensing Agreement with kate spade new york to Launch Fragrance

NEW YORK, March 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Elizabeth Arden, Inc. (Nasdaq: RDEN), a global prestige beauty products company, has entered into an exclusive long-term global licensing agreement with kate spade new york for the manufacture, distribution and marketing of kate spade new york fragrances. A debut fragrance is planned to launch in the fall of 2010.  

"kate spade new york is the ideal brand partner for Elizabeth Arden," stated Art Spiro, Executive Vice President, Global Fragrance Marketing, Elizabeth Arden. "kate spade new york has grown from a small handbag company to a total lifestyle brand. We are proud to contribute to bringing the kate spade new york lifestyle to the next level."

In 1993 kate spade new york started a revolution in the accessories market with sleek utilitarian handbags. Since then, the brand has grown to include clothing, accessories, jewelry, shoes, apparel, eyewear, legwear, home, paper and now fragrance.

In 2007, this iconic American brand was acquired by design powerhouse Liz Claiborne, Inc.  Deborah Lloyd, formerly of Banana Republic and Burberry, took the helm as Creative Director and Co-President that same year, with an aim to broaden the product line while honoring kate spade new york's core values.

"Elizabeth Arden has a proven track record as a successful partner," commented Craig Leavitt, Co-President and Chief Operating Officer, kate spade new york. "Through our partnership with Elizabeth Arden we'll be able to bring another dimension of the kate spade new york brand to life."  

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

About Elizabeth Arden - www.elizabetharden.com

Elizabeth Arden is a global prestige beauty products company with an extensive portfolio of prestige beauty brands sold in over 100 countries. The company's brand portfolio includes Elizabeth Arden skincare, color, and fragrance products, PREVAGE(R) anti-aging treatments, the celebrity fragrance brands of Elizabeth Taylor, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Hilary Duff, and Usher; the designer fragrance brands of Juicy Couture, Alberta Ferretti, Alfred Sung, Badgley Mischka, Bob Mackie, GANT, Geoffrey Beene, Liz Claiborne, Halston, kate spade new york, Lucky Brand, Nanette Lepore and Rocawear; and the lifestyle fragrance brands Curve, Giorgio Beverly Hills, and PS Fine Cologne.

About kate spade new york – www.katespade.com

in 1993, kate spade designed the utilitarian handbag she'd been craving for years but hadn't been able to find. and so began a revolution in the accessories market. simple silhouettes sprang to life with crisp palettes and clever details. women and fashion editors alike fell for the designs. and the company grew. over time, core design values were reinforced by classic shapes and modern graphic elements, establishing a visual shorthand for the brand recognizable the world over.

today you'll see kate spade new york on the arms of women everywhere -- with 36 retail shops, a thriving e-com business, 89 boutiques in asia, a new flagship in brazil and distribution in more than 400 doors worldwide. categories include handbags, accessories, jewelry, shoes, apparel, eyewear, legwear, home, paper and now fragrance.

SOURCE Elizabeth Arden, Inc.