!iT Jeans Forms Partnership With Kasil
Premium-denim brand Kasil is now part of the !iT Jeans family, after !iT Chief Executive Officer Kimmy Song formed a partnership with Kasil founder David Lim.
The deal will bring two California-based denim labels under one roof at the !iT Jeans headquarters in Vernon, Calif.
Kasil will operate as a separate division of !iT, and Lim will remain on board as president of the brand.
“I see great potential; the line itself—the brand itself—has a great image,” Song said. “David is truly creative and a very talented young man.”
Lim said he first met Song shortly after founding his company in 2002. The two talked about working together at the time but did not finalize any plans. They began discussing a partnership again earlier this year.
“I wanted to concentrate on the creative side of Kasil,” Lim said. “I needed someone who had a really good, strong business structure. Ms. Song and !iT Jeans are the perfect match for Kasil.”
The Kasil team—with about 18 people—will move to !iT Jeans’ facility at the end of August.
“We’re looking forward to working in the building,” Lim said. “We think there are a lot of resources we can share [such as customer service and design resources].”
“Ms. Song is going to implement some of her business structure to the company,” Lim continued. “I think that’s going to be a stronger foundation for Kasil.”
In addition to workplace synergies, the two companies have complementary distribution channels. Kasil sells to about 300 specialty stores, including Ron Herman, American Rag, Nordstrom and Lisa Kline. !iT has a wider distribution of about 1,000 specialty and department stores.
Kasil produces men’s and women’s premium denim, with an emphasis on a custom-tailored fit.
“I really believe in the brand,” Song said. “David Lim is behind the brand. I have all the trust in him. He knows how to make a great jean.” —Alison A. Nieder
