Seattle Pacific Industries Inc in Washington has bought out Orange County clothing designer Jade Howe's 5-year-old company and brand that bear his name.
Yet, Howe will continue as creative director of the Howe clothing line, and the company will hire more people in design, sales and marketing. Howe will be given a free hand in designing clothing and other products.
The first new products will probably be in stores by spring 2008, which will include dress shirts selling for $110 and jeans selling for $110 to $210 at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and specialty boutiques.
Manufacturer of men's and boys' clothing under the Unionbay, Reunion and Sergio Valente labels, Seattle Pacific has the ambition and capital to expand the Howe brand globally and open new stores.