DORFMAN PACIFIC SIGNS LICENSING DEAL WITH STETSON

Dorfman Pacific just signed a license agreement with Stetson. The new collection, that debuts this August at trade shows in Las Vegas, includes dressy cloth caps and hats, men’s outdoor and golf headwear (and unisex) as well as women’s and children’s headwear.

The Dorfman Pacific Stetson line will also include authentic Western wear, sturdy action wear and men’s contemporary street wear.

"We are very excited to partner with Dorfman Pacific and look forward to taking Stetson's headwear business forward with them in collaboration with all of the Stetson licensees" said Pamela Fields, CEO of Stetson Worldwide.

The new collection will be shown in August 2010 with product showcases at WWDMAGIC, Project and MRMarketPlace. An expanded agreement, covering Japan, Asia, Oceana (Australia - New Zealand) and Latin America includes all fabrics, as well as dress and Western hats.

“For an American company to add an American heritage brand to its portfolio is always a cause for celebration,” said Douglas Highsmith, President and CEO of Dorfman Pacific.

“But for an American hat manufacturer, nothing could be more viscerally thrilling, or a greater cause for pride, than to take responsibility for Stetson—one of, quite possibly the most authentic and legendary of all American brands. We expect that this enormously prestigious brand will become one of our largest brands.”

Stetson was founded by John B. Stetson in 1865. “Stetson has remained true to its heritage and to the timeless standards that it represents,” they said.

In the last year Dorfman Pacific has added Tommy Bahama, Woolrich, Panama Jack, Blue Chair Bay(TM) by Kenny Chesney, Cappelli Straworld(TM), Discovery Expedition(TM), John Deere and Mossy Oak to its line up.

DP recently opened a new, expanded showroom in Atlanta, and has showrooms in Dallas, Boston, Honolulu and New York.

As for Stetson, I am waiting for their napkin line, ice cream line and perhaps underwear collection. It seems that Fields has been hot on her heels to make this brand as ubiquitous and powerful as Ed Hardy. And maybe that’s a great thing today.