Boss Bullish on '07, Inks Deal With Swarovski

By: Melissa Drier
Hugo Boss has inked a licensing deal with Swarovski to design a jewlery collection for the company. This move is motivated by their plan to expand sales for the 2007 year, and to expand their collections. “Sälzer declined to comment on first-year sales goals for the venture. However, he said jewelry represented an "important step. Accessories are a key growth segment for Hugo Boss, and extending our product portfolio to include exclusive fashion jewelry represents a logical next step." This deal not only will benefit Hugo Boss but also Swarovski to help define them as just not crystals. The head of Swarovski was quoted as saying, “Building on our competence in fashion jewelry, we will be creating exclusive creations reflecting the identity and signature design of the individual Boss fashion lines, he said.” That is expected to translate into elegant pieces for Boss Black, eclectic looks for Boss Orange and luxury cuff links for Boss Selection. As for the choice of Swarovski, Sälzer commented, "In the last years, we have sought license partners that are market leaders, and that is true of Swarovski." This is not the only licensing deal that Hugo Boss has and probably won’t be the last; “Hugo Boss has three other licenses: Procter & Gamble for fragrance and cosmetics, Safilo SpA for eyewear and Movado for watches.”

Cristina Gadaleta