Bruno Magli is returning to the women’s game, which had been discontinued in the U.S. and Europe.
Last year, Magli was acquired by Marquee, a licensing and development company sponsored by Neuberger Berman Private Equity. The label’s collections are developed by LJP International, Marquee’s New Jersey-based sourcing, distribution and licensing partner.
“The goal is to rejuvenate the image of the brand, delivering powerful styles that are also sexy and fashionable,” said Paul Vando, LJP International vice president of design and product development.
The first collection includes heels as well as flats, leather soles, signature hardware and the brand’s signature bow, elegant pipelines and ornaments. Styles are crafted from suede, glossy calf, metallic leather and exotic skins. “There are a lot of combinations,” said Vando, who revealed that the company also reworked its classic men’s spectator for women.
The collection, which retails from $450 to $1,200, is worked in subdued shades of nudes, black, brown and burgundy, played against bright tones of bright blue, yellow and green.
“We want to be strategic with distribution, targeting only the best retailers,” said Cory Baker, chief operating officer of Marquee Brands LLC, adding that the debut collection is expected to hit between 20 and 30 American stores, and that Bruno Magli is opening about 60 stores across China, the U.S. and Europe within three years.
Baker said Lucy Liu will appear in the brand’s fall campaigns. “Lucy is also customizing a specific shoe, which will be on sale next holiday season.”
