Kenneth Cole announced yesterday that the collection is to be developed, produced and distributed by Delta Galil and will be launched in autumn  2012, with the balance to launch by early 2013. The range will be distributed at Kenneth Cole New York retail stores and department and speciality stores around the world.

Delta Galil is to replace Kenneth Cole's current licensing partner Esporta International, which will continue to ship to its current customers during the transition period in order to ensure continuity of supply.

"Kenneth Cole is one of the most recognized brands in the fashion industry and a great addition to our branded portfolio," said Isaac Dabah, CEO of Delta Galil Industries.

"We are excited to be partnering with the Kenneth Cole team, and we look forward to applying Delta Galil's strengths in design, product and material innovation, and global distribution to grow both the Kenneth Cole brands and our own business."

Delta Galil Industries is a global manufacturer and marketer of private label apparel products for men, women and children. The company says since its inception in 1975, it has continually strived to create products that follow a body-before-fabric philosophy, placing equal emphasis on comfort, aesthetics and quality.

Delta develops an eclectic offering of made-to-order products, including intimate apparel for women; extensive lines of underwear for men; innovative bras and socks; childrenswear, leisurewear and nightwear; knitted fabrics, elastic ribbons, trimmings and a variety of other basic apparel materials.

The company claims to leverage a deep knowledge base and enjoys flexible core manufacturing competencies in knitting, dyeing and finishing, as well as cutting, sewing, seamless, and moulding.  

Its clientele includes retail giants such as Marks & Spencer, Target, Wal-Mart, JC Penney; and leading fashion brands such as Calvin Klein, Nike, Hugo Boss and Pierre Cardin. Delta Galil also sells its products under brand names which are licensed to the company, including Wilson, Maidenform and Tommy Hilfiger.  

Over the years, Delta has expanded considerably from its base in Israel, establishing strategically located design, development and manufacturing centres on four continents and employing 7000 people worldwide.