NEW YORK, Aug. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Kellwood Company announced today that Kimora Lee Simmons, currently Baby Phat president and creative director, has been elevated to the new post of creative director for Phat Fashions in addition to her current responsibilities, according to Robert C. Skinner, Jr., Kellwood chairman, president and chief executive officer.
"Kimora's ability to create the Baby Phat brand universe from a simple tee shirt on the runway over 10 years ago and turn it into a multi-million dollar global business today -- is truly an amazing feat in today's mercurial fashion world," said Skinner. "We believe her innate sense of style, extensive fashion background, and her gift to mesh unique trends that resonate with her core audience is readily transferable to the men's Phat business. She will have the oversight of the creative direction for both the Baby Phat and Phat Farm family of brands. Her business savvy and understanding of the Phat Fashions' brands and consumer following are very valuable to the company as we continue to build the aura of Phat worldwide," added Skinner.
Kimora was Russell Simmons' business partner for many years and she has a keen understanding of the Phat legacy. "I look forward to interpreting the Phat essence for today's man as well as the Baby Phat woman," commented Kimora Lee Simmons. "This is a natural extension for me. Our consumer -- man, woman, or child -- wants to be immersed in the aspirational Phat lifestyle and it's my role to assure them that every product they touch is authentic to the Phat philosophy and creative vision."
Yesterday in a separate announcement, the company said Russell Simmons had left Phat Fashions to focus on his other business interests.
ABOUT PHAT FASHIONS LLC
Phat Fashions LLC, a Kellwood company, delivers a distinct expression of style through its men's, women's, and children's lifestyle sportswear, accessories, footwear, home collection, and loungewear. Phat Fashions' portfolio of brands, including Baby Phat(R), Baby Phat(R) Girlz, Phat Farm(R), Phat Farm(R) Boys and XV(TM), deliver a universal message that transcends stereotypes and ethnic boundaries. Phat Fashions has 30 domestic and eight international licensees covering 38 different product categories. There are 13 freestanding Phat flagship stores globally operated under license.
ABOUT KELLWOOD COMPANY
Kellwood Company , a $2 billion marketer of apparel and consumer soft goods, specializes in branded as well as private label product, and markets to all channels of distribution with product specific to a particular channel. For more information, visit http://www.kellwood.com/.
