Carol Malony Partners With Russell-Newman
Pacific Palisades, Calif.–based Carol Malony is on the edge of a growth spurt. The lingerie designer has formed an alliance with Russell-Newman Inc., the Denton, Texas–based intimate-apparel manufacturer, and private equity firm Industrial Renaissance.
Russell-Newman creates, produces, sells and distributes sleepwear, robes and other intimate-apparel products for brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Laura Ashley, Caribbean Joe and Jockey. The company recently acquired St. Eve International in March.
Malony was a private-label designer for more than 25 years, during which her primary client was Victoria’s Secret. Since the launch of her Carol Malony brand for the better market and her Haute by Carol Malony designer brand in 2007, the collections have been sold in Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus. One of her designs won the “Ultra Modernity Trophy” at the Salon de la Lingerie 2008 trade show in Paris.
Nancy Marino, president of the new Carol Malony division at Russell-Newman, said Malony’s positive reputation was a perfect fit for Russell-Newman and Industrial Renaissance, which were interested in adding a foundations lingerie brand to their portfolios.
“There are a lot of young designers or young brands out there, but none of them has the cachet that Carol [Malony] has,” Marino said. “As a true intimate designer that has been focused on the intimate industry over the term of her career, she is well-respected.”
Carol Malony’s design and sales headquarters will remain in Pacific Palisades and operate independently from Russell-Newman. Marino estimates that Carol Malony’s sales will double this year. Malony plans to expand international distribution.
“I’ve always been strong on the front end, from conception to product,” Malony said. “I thought I could use the added strength on the back end to make sure we were able to deliver the product on time and meet all the needs of the retailers. Being part of Russell-Newman and Industrial Renaissance, I don’t have to say no to any opportunity that comes forward. I don’t have to worry about moving too fast.”
Malony plans to launch a new “fashion shapewear” line called Bodacious for next Spring. She describes it as “something that makes you look really glam” instead of the traditional spandex bodysuit. Malony plans to expand her international production as well. She currently produces in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Columbia. —Rhea Cortado
