Mumbai - Arvind Brands, division of Arvind Mills Ltd. announced today that it has signed an exclusive license agreement with The Hartmarx Corporation. As a part of the agreement, Arvind Brands will have exclusive rights to design, distribute and retail in India, Hart Schaffner Marx, Pierre Cardin and Sansabelt – global brands reputed in the men’s apparel segment.

Hartmarx Corporation is America’s largest men’s tailored clothing company, catering to 40% of the tailored clothing market in US. The company currently manages more than 35 brands either owned or licensed. Focused on the young, ambitious and contemporary minded men, Hartmarx through its iconic brands like Hart Schaffner Marx, Pierre Cardin and Sansabelt offers a wide range of formal dressing for men with a classic American style. Hartmarx processes a proud tradition of product quality and innovation, backed by valued relationships with the retail partners.

The three brands - Hart Schaffner Marx, Pierre Cardin and Sansabelt will be distributed through large departmental stores and multi branded outlets.

Mr. Homi Patel, CEO of Hartmarx said, “We are extremely excited to be working with the group at Arvind Mills on the introduction of the Hart Schaffner Marx, Sansabelt and Pierre Cardin brands in India and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship for both companies.”

“The tie up with Hartmarx Corporation, USA’s No. 1 tailored clothing company, will not only add strength to our portfolio but will also help us in taking a dominant position in the suits market. Arvind Brands will initially introduce 3 iconic brands in India – Hart Schaffner Marx, Pierre Cardin and Sansabelt, but the door is open to bring in many of the brands in the future from Hartmarx stable which successfully manages more than 35 brands in US. These brands reinforce our commitment to associate with world class labels that have carved a unique place in fashion history. Our decision to associate with Hartmarx Corporation in India is a meeting of minds, capabilities and objectives,” says Mr. Sanjay Lalbhai, Chairman and Managing Director, Arvind Mills Limited.

“The addition of Hart Schaffner Marx, Pierre Cardin and Sansabelt to our basket of international brands will further enhance our position in the premium apparel category. The suit segment in the Indian market is all set to explode. We would like to encash on this opportunity. Our partnership with Hart Marx will certainly help us take an aggressive stance in the men’s suits market,” said Mr. J Suresh, CEO of Arvind Brands.

Hart Schaffner Marx: The flagship brand of the Hartmarx Corporation, Hart Schaffner Marx, the classic American style has defined the standard for the professional man for 120 years since 1887. By providing quality and comfort with an unparalleled sense of style, Hart Schaffner Marx fuels confidence and ambition.

Pierre Cardin: Pierre Cardin has been one of the world’s leading fashion innovators for over 50 years and has developed a level of recognition globally that surpasses all other designers. Pierre Cardin revolutionalised the fashion business by being the first couturier to launch a ready to wear collection in 1959; applied a brand licensing system in 1960.

Sansabelt: Sansabelt (Sans, French for without), one of America’s best selling quality trouser brands that changed the way men purchased trousers. The unique patented waistband featuring an exclusive triple-zone, triple-action elastic webbing that offered Men the style and comfort made Sansabelt one of the top selling quality trouser brands in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The exclusive inner waistband feature differentiates Sansabelt from its competition.
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About Arvind Mills Ltd.: Established in 1931 as a global leader in the development and production of textiles, Arvind Mills is India’s largest integrated textile company and operates across the entire value chain from design to fabric to brands. Arvind was the first company in India to bring international brands when they brought Arrow to India. Arvind now has licensing relationships with many international brands like Arrow, GANT, Cherokee, IZOD,USPA & JVs with VF with huge portfolio of brands like Lee, Wrangler, Nautica Kipling and Jansport and JV with Tommy Hilfiger.

In addition Arvind also owns a number of successful Indian brands viz Flying Machine, Newport, Excalibur and Ruf and Tuf. Arvind pioneered India’s largest value retail chain concept through Megamart, currently operating 83 outlets in 30 towns across the country. Recently Arvind launched 50,000 sq ft Megamart Outlet Centre at Chennai, styled after outlet malls in USA.