Crocs is striving to become as prominent in accessories as it is in footwear.
WWD has learned that Crocs has signed a multiyear licensing agreement with Concept One Accessories, the New York-based accessory firm, which will produce backpacks, handbags, totes, waist packs, cross-body bags and wallets.
Crocs launched three molded-style bags this past summer in their brick-and-mortar and online stores, but will vastly build an accessories offer with the help of Concept One. Molded-style bags are those created using a mold for consistent design and details that can be hard to create by hand.
According to a statement from the two companies: “Similar to the brand’s iconic Classic Clogs, the bags are uniquely designed to be a canvas for self-expression, with holes designed into the molds for adding Jibbitz charms. Concept One will be working with Crocs to expand the line into additional silhouettes, as well as using some of the brand’s most popular prints and glitter finishes from its iconic footwear.” Jibbitz are charms used for footwear to create individual looks.
“Crocs has been synonymous with molded footwear for years and has evolved into a lifestyle brand,” Sam Hafif, chief executive officer of Concept One, said in a statement. “We began discussing a license agreement with Crocs earlier this year, and together shared a vision of having Crocs become as iconic in the bag category as it is in the footwear category. We love the core brand and are excited to work together to create even more product that enables self-expression.”
Hafif added that the bags will be carried at Crocs retail stores, on crocs.com and will also be offered for wholesale distribution beginning early next year.
Founded in 1999, Concept One Accessories provides fashion accessories across all channels of distribution and has offices in New York, Mexico, the U.K. and China along with distribution partnerships in Canada, South Africa, Australia, Central and South America and the Middle East. The company has been steadily signing licensing deals, including most recently with Jason Wu for an “aspirational” collection of handbags and small leather goods. The designer had been handling the production of his bags in-house and has decided to shift to licensing. Also this year, Concept One signed a deal to produce a line of soft accessories for French Connection, the contemporary lifestyle brand. In the last several years, the company has also partnered up with Tommy Bahama, FUBU, New Balance, Brooks Brothers, Smoke Rise and Fred Segal.
Crocs, based in Broomfield, Colo., is a leader in casual footwear. The company’s brands include Crocs and HeyDude.
