American Idol Extends Brand into Apparel

MENOMONEE FALLS: FremantleMedia Enterprises, 19 Entertainment, Bravado and Kohl’s department stores are to launch an exclusive American Idol apparel collection from LF USA.

The American Idol fashion brand, Authentic Icon (AI), will be available exclusively at Kohl’s and Kohls.com from April through June 2012 to coincide with American Idol’s 11th season. LF USA’s MESH division will design and produce the collection, while Kohl’s will be the exclusive retailer and support the brand. The TV series is produced by 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia North America.

“This launch brings together a national retailer and award-winning television show to create a new collection for customers,” said Kevin Mansell, the chairman, president and CEO OF Kohl’s. “We are excited to collaborate with American Idol, a leading entertainment platform in pop culture, and are confident this partnership makes Kohl’s an immediate consumer destination this spring.”

“For over a decade American Idol has seamlessly woven fashion and music together to transform lives and create music icons,” said David Luner, the executive VP of consumer products and interactive for FremantleMedia Enterprises. “It was a natural extension to partner on a line of American Idol inspired apparel that captures the essence of our rich music, style and performance heritage.”

“The American Idol collection will build upon the powerful influence of music and entertainment on today’s fashion conscious consumers,” said Rick Darling, the president of LF USA. “As consumers seek innovative and differentiated concepts, we are excited to partner with Kohl’s and American Idol to deliver a unique and compelling fashion proposition.”

“As a company dedicated to creating strategic value for our brands and artists through licensing, merchandising and integrated marketing, we couldn’t be happier about the new partnership with Kohl’s,” said Chris Gannett, the chief marketing officer of CKX and its 19 Entertainment division. “With the AI line, we are extending the spirit of the American Idol brand into our fans’ lives in an organic way.”