NEW YORK--()--Haspel, the iconic American menswear brand best known for creating the seersucker suit, is expanding into men’s outerwear under a newly signed licensing agreement with Harbour International, LLC, a New York-based manufacturer of high-quality leather and cloth jackets and coats. The deal, which follows an agreement with other licenses for Haspel dress shirts and neckwear, marks the next step in the century-old, family-owned label’s evolution to a contemporary, lifestyle brand.
“We are delighted to be playing a role in the brand’s continued expansion and, in fact, the timing for this partnership is ideal”
Set to debut in department and specialty stores beginning in spring 2011, Haspel outerwear, designed by industry veteran Carlo Quintiliani, will include two separate collections emanating from a group of core designs.
“For 100 years, Haspel has defined a uniquely American style, setting the standard for the original, classic prep look. Today, as younger men increasingly dress up and embrace modern interpretations of more traditional looks, Haspel is taking on a new, modern resonance,” said James Ammeen, chairman of Haspel Worldwide.
“Following last year’s highly successful debut of Haspel dress shirts and neckwear, outerwear is a natural extension of the brand,” he added. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Harbour International, which not only takes great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of its products, but also truly understands the foundations of the Haspel brand and what makes it so exciting.”
“Throughout its history, Haspel has stayed true to its roots of quality and innovation and a style that’s proven to have an enduring identity and strong following,” said Tom Lewis, President and CEO of Harbour International.
“We are delighted to be playing a role in the brand’s continued expansion and, in fact, the timing for this partnership is ideal,” he added. “Not only are consumers gravitating to looks that speak to a twist on tradition, there has been a void in the outerwear category for some time. With Haspel, we have the opportunity to create a fresh and exciting collection in a category the consumer needs under a brand that’s generating significant interest in today’s market.”
About Haspel Worldwide
Formed in May 2008, Haspel Worldwide is a partnership between the Haspel - Lipsey families, James Ammeen whose Neema Clothing, Ltd. holds the license for Haspel men’s clothing, and Graj + Gustavsen, an integrated branding firm known for building consumer brands.
Haspel History
Founded in New Orleans in 1909, Haspel operated as a small manufacturer of men’s workwear – until a lightweight Indian fabric known as seersucker forever changed what was in store. Joseph Haspel’s suit solution for Louisiana’s blazing summer heat became the brand’s signature item, propelling Haspel’s popularity beyond its southern roots, while making an indelible mark on American menswear. In the following decades, Haspel continued to expand its offerings, attracting new enthusiasts with its bold colors and classic sensibilities. It also pushed the envelope of innovation with new fabrics and materials. The tradition continues today. With its 2010 collections, Haspel has sought to capture and reinterpret its heritage as a family-owned brand whose patriarch famously never wore socks and publicized “wash-and-wear” fabric by swimming suit-clad in the Atlantic Ocean. The clothes reflect polish without pretention, anchored by an iconic style that’s never been out of fashion.
About Harbour International
Harbour International manufactures high quality men’s and ladies’ cloth and leather outerwear. In addition to owning Boston Harbour, founded by Tom Lewis a decade ago, and operating its related brands, the company holds the licensing agreement for Ike Behar outerwear.
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