'Desperate Housewives' Designer to License Her Collection

Cherokee Inc., the California king of brand building in the apparel and accessories world, has signed an agreement with designer Cate Adair to explore licensing opportunities for her Cate Adair Collections.

Adair, the Emmy-nominated costume designer for popular TV show “Desperate Housewives,” launched a line of signature Italian leather handbags on Nov. 19. She debuted them at a private cocktail reception in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills, featuring the leading ladies of Wisteria Lane: actresses Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, Brenda Strong, Eva Longoria Parker, Andrea Bowen and Kiersten Warren.

Adair said she partnered with Cherokee because of the company’s track record with other luxury brands. “They understand the luxury business and how to translate products into more affordable markets,” she said in a statement.

Cherokee, based in Van Nuys, Calif., is a licensor of several well-known brands such as Cherokee, Sideout and Carole Little. —Deborah Belgum