TOPSON DOWNS ANNOUNCES MAJORITY EQUITY STAKE IN RACHEL ROY

Topson Downs today announced that it has purchased a majority share of the Rachel Roy brand. Under the terms of the agreement, Topson Downs, a privately-held apparel and manufacturing company, will form a partnership to develop, market and license the New York-based fashion brand Rachel Roy. Topson Downs will relaunch the Rachel Roy designer brand and expand upon the contemporary RACHEL Rachel Roy collection. In the agreement Ms. Roy will retain 100 percent creative control of her name.

Ms. Roy launched her eponymous luxury brand in spring of 2004. The debut collection featured a modern assortment of chic, ready-to-wear staples. Pieces such as the classic trench, perfect blouse and easy, day-to-night dresses were touchstones of a vision Ms. Roy built upon season after season. In 2009 Ms. Roy launched contemporary line RACHEL Rachel Roy in an exclusive partnership with the Impulse Division of Macy’s, which features apparel, shoes and jewelry that embody the same effortless point-of-view as her namesake line. Off the runway, Ms. Roy is a tastemaker in her own right, having topped international best dressed lists, as well as earning membership into the Council of Fashion Directors (CFDA) in 2007. Her work has also been recognized by the Accessories Council - in 2010 she won Best Brand Launch at its annual ACE Awards. Ms. Roy is a favorite designer of the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama as well as countless powerful women, such as Oprah Winfrey, Iman, Sharon Stone and Diane Sawyer. She’s also been a permanent judge on the “Project Runway” spin-off show, “Under the Gunn” with Tim Gunn.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Topson Downs in this next stage of Rachel Roy. ” said Ms. Roy. “My partners and I share a vision of the brand and where it has the capability to go. They understand quality control, speed to market and the needs of their consumer. I’m very excited to start this next chapter and continue to build my brand.”

The Rachel Roy brand will continue its close partnership with Macy’s, via the RACHEL Rachel Roy collection.

"We look forward to strengthening our close relationship with Rachel Roy, and to the continued development of a very successful RACHEL Rachel Roy brand sold exclusively at Macy's," said Jeff Gennette, president of Macy's, Inc. "Rachel is an extraordinarily talented designer with a creative vision that resonates with the Macy's customer. She and her team are committed to defining a style that is fresh and differentiated. We are confident that the RACHEL Rachel Roy brand will excel in the context of the Topson Downs organization."

Denise Johnston has been named president of Rachel Roy and RACHEL Rachel Roy. Ms. Johnston will oversee all aspects of the lines, including growth and future licensing opportunities. She has over 25 years experience running iconic companies such as Liz Claiborne, Emma James, Jack Rogers and Gap Adult North America. Her extensive background in both wholesale and retail has been cultivated from early management positions at Macy's, Neiman Marcus and Dayton Hudson.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to build upon an already established fashion brand and see it to its fullest potential,” said Ms. Johnston. “Rachel remains chief creative officer and will continue to spearhead the brand’s vision. She has built an incredible team over the years and we’re very excited that the majority of them are coming over to participate in the expansion of the company. Our job is to support Rachel and her team in every way possible, from finding the right retail partners, to opening stores, to expanding into other categories. We see great promise in making Rachel Roy a true player in the global arena.” 

Based in Los Angeles, Calif., Topson Downs is a global leader in the apparel and manufacturing industry. Over the last 42 years it has built a roster of independent fashion brands and private label collections that ship to major retailers internationally, such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Target, Walmart and Kohl’s. With its strong network of retail partners and a vast global infrastructure, it maintains an unparalleled standard in production and quality control. Its core values remain the same since 1971, centering on quality, sustainability and community.

“We see a white space in the market and believe Rachel’s aesthetic and vision have room to grow and flourish,” said Daniel Abramovitch, one of the partners at Topson Downs. “We are excited to continue to grow our exclusive partnership with Macy’s and tap into a new world of omni-channels. This brand has endless possibilities.”

 

 

Links below for Press and more information:

Topson Downs Acquires Rachel Roy
Women's Wear Daily

Rachel Roy's Jones Group Troubles Are Over
Fashionista

L.A.’s Topson Downs Acquires Majority of Rachel Roy Label
California Apparel News