Kohl's Gets Ready to Rock & Republic
Rock Republic, the high-end L.A. denim brand that crashed and burned in a bankruptcy filing nearly two years ago, is rising from the flames. It makes its debut in Kohl's stores on Feb. 15 as a lower-priced clothing line. It is also available online.
The Spring/Summer 2012 collection was rolled out with great fanfare last Friday during New York Fashion Week. The star-studded event attracted celebrities such as Zoe Saldana, Ashlee Simpson, Mena Suvari and Kelly Bensimon. A runway fashion show was held at the Hammerstein Ballroom on West 34th Street, showing edgy, contemporary looks at price points that won't strain your pocketbook.
The label's former hipness was everywhere with chic denim leggings selling for $80, instead of Rock Republic's old price points that went as high as $200. A floral A-line tank will fetch $44 and a rockin' denim blazer will go for $90.
Rock Republic was founded in 2002 by Michael Ball. The company hit a hurdle in 2010 when it was unable to repay a $15 million debt to Richie Koral, a Los Angeles seller of off-price goods from major labels. Rock Republic filed for bankruptcy on April 1, 2010. At the end of 2010, the brand name was sold to VF Corp. VF turned around and struck up a long-term licensing deal with Kohl's.
