Eveningwear and bridal gown designer Marchesa is expanding into jewelry, with a collection that will initially appear exclusively at Macy’s.
The first two collections will debut in November in Macy’s stores and online. But the brand and partner Prestige Jewelry International plan to take the collection worldwide and may expand into other retailers, says Marchesa CEO Edward Chapman.
“Marchesa is very much a global business,” he says. “Following the first two seasons at Macy’s, we will be expanding on a global basis to domestic and international retailers.”
“It’s still a little early” to talk about where else it might be sold, adds Prestige CEO Rajiv Kothari. “We have two seasons at Macy’s and then we’ll see where we take it.”
He says Prestige wanted to partner with Marchesa because it’s “one of the most recognized and coveted brands in the fashion industry.”
“[Founders] Georgina [Chapman] and Keren [Craig], their aesthetic really lends itself to jewelry,” Kothari says.
Chapman says the line will target the sophisticated female consumer.
“It will be very romantic, very feminine,” he says.
Chapman adds that the company’s bridal business has grown substantially in the past few years, so jewelry was a logical next step.
“We want to offer the full package for the Marchesa bride,” he says.
The debut collection will feature mostly bridal jewelry and consist of 20 different styles, with a focus on engagement rings and wedding bands, as well as earrings, pendants, and solitaire stones. Retail prices will range from $2,000 to $20,000 and above for statement pieces.
“There is a trend of major jewelry retailers moving into brands, but there aren’t that many established luxury brands that are a logical extension for fine jewelry,” says Howard Feller, a partner in Marketing Management Group, who represented Prestige in negotiating the brand license. “Marchesa is a perfect fit because it is rooted in luxury fashion, including bridal.”
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