Warnaco Cruises Ahead
The Warnaco Swimwear Group, the Los Angeles–based division of New York–based apparel giant The Warnaco Group Inc., dove into the Cruise season with a swimwear fashion show dubbed “Catch the Spirit” on July 7 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Newport Beach, Calif.
“Our company is filled with innovative, talented people and we want consumers to catch the spirit of who we are,” said Kathy Van Ness, president of the Warnaco Swimwear Group’s designer division.
The show featured the Cruise 2005 collections of Anne Cole, Nautica, Choice Calvin Klein and Catalina, and the show’s theme was inspired by each brand’s image, Van Ness noted.
“Each of our very different lines has a message for the consumer,” Van Ness said. “It is really important for us to create and maintain an emotional connection for our brands.”
Highlights of the show included Anne Cole Studio, in its first season, and Nautica Active, which will debut this year.
Van Ness described Anne Cole Studio as a high-end, “very sexy” line for the woman who really likes to show off her figure. “She’s the woman every man wants and every other woman wants to be,” she explained.
Pieces from the line, which targets high-end specialty department stores, range in retail price from $98 to $128.
With the concept of outfit dressing increasing in popularity, Warnaco decided to meet the demand by launching Nautica Active.
“We are excited about this change in the market; clearly, the luxury business has expanded,” Van Ness said. “Buying a jacket with the matching pants or T-shirts or shorts with raincoats has become increasingly important. Consumers want ’the whole look’ for their active lifestyles.”
The company also debuted Calvin Klein’s young women’s brand, Choice Calvin Klein. “This speaks to youths who desire to have ’choices’ in their worlds,” Van Ness said.
“Choice Calvin Klein offers the unique dichotomy of being both fun and serious,” she added. “The line highlights vibrant color and whimsical prints, including rock-star guitars, oversized apples and collage camouflage.”
Retail prices range from $40 to $48 for swim separates and from $48 to $68 for swim coverups. —Susan Hornik
