Allen Schwartz thinks that fashion trends like skirts and culottes are playing in favor of a surge in legwear sales and he’s designated a partner to steer the category under his brand.
Schwartz, best known for his ability to quickly turn out dresses based on emerging trends, has granted Majesty Brands the rights to design, produce and distribute legwear under the ABS by Allen Schwartz brand in the U.S. and Canada.
“Jeans dominated retail for a long time, and now that the trend is past its peak there’s million of dollars of open-to-buy being created in other categories, and not just yoga pants,” he told WWD. “We’re seeing interest in a lot of new items and silhouettes, including outerwear, but it’s also been great for dresses, skirts and culottes, and that plays well into our new legwear partnership.”
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Majesty, founded in 2013 by Jack Safdeye, president and chief executive officer, will make first deliveries for holiday with distribution geared toward department stores with established ABS businesses, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Dillard’s and Belk.
While focused on women’s and girls’ legwear products, including panty hose and leggings, the line will include an assortment of men’s hosiery as well. Retail prices will be in the range of $10 to $20.
“With the ABS brand, we feel we have a chance to fill the void for products that are highly functional with a taste of luxury,” Safdeye said. “We’re working on antirun panty hose and really focusing on products that deliver a fashion message but also provide performance advantages.”
Production will come from China, South Korea and other locales, he added.
Majesty also markets the Sam & Olivia brand of legwear.
Reflecting on his recent conversations with retailers, Schwartz noted, “You can still sell denim, but it better be fashion, and I’m not talking about six pockets instead of five. It’s got to be a new silhouette or fabric.
One thing we’re all coming to grips with is that the ‘same-old, same old’ doesn’t work. Customers may want the item, but you can’t expect them to buy an encore piece.”