The partnership will debut as the first ever designer collaboration for the brand with the soft launch of a small holiday assortment followed by a full collection for spring 2014 with ready-to-wear, outerwear and accessories. Ruben Toledo's signature sketches will be the focus in the holiday collection which will consist of a novelty tee shirt and tote bag.
Lane Bryant's CEO Linda Heasley said, "Ruben's tote and tee will be fun and a nice way to introduce the brand. Coming into spring with a large introduction is giving us the time to do it right from both a product and merchandising point of view. Finally, we're looking together at all product categories and nothing is being ruled out as a possibility for inclusion down the road. This is a big deal for us and we're treating it in that manner in every way we can."
Isabel Toledo had this to say, "When the Lane Bryant team came to us we were intellectually on board from the first moment. Their unique customer base is an inspiring and diverse audience for which we look forward to crafting new and innovative fashions, accessories and even some other categories. We also wish to introduce our vision of color, design, look and style and with the vast manufacturing capabilities at their disposal, we know whatever we design will be made well and fit and feel marvelous. This seems so natural to Ruben and me and we cannot wait to unveil what we're doing together."
Lane Bryant