Elizabeth Arden, Inc. Enters Into License Agreement With John Varvatos Apparel Corp. for the Development, Marketing and Distribution of John Varvatos Fragrances

NEW YORK, April 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Elizabeth Arden, Inc. (Nasdaq: RDEN), a global prestige beauty products company, and John Varvatos Apparel Corp. announced today that they have entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement for the development, marketing and distribution of John Varvatos men's and women's fragrances.  

The John Varvatos fragrance collection currently includes the original John Varvatos classic fragrance, which was launched in 2004, the John Varvatos Vintage fragrance and the recently launched John Varvatos Artisan fragrance.  The fragrances are currently sold primarily in U.S. prestige department stores and to select markets internationally.

"John has established a premier men's designer fragrance business in the U.S. and is one of the most dynamic men's fashion designers. We are excited to take the fragrance business to another level and expand the franchise," said Ron Rolleston, Executive Vice President of Global Fragrance Marketing. Mr. Rolleston added, "This license provides us the opportunity to grow our market share of the men's fragrance market with an already existing and successful men's designer fragrance brand and leverage the growing awareness of the John Varvatos fashion line."

Commenting on the new license arrangement, John Varvatos stated, "We are excited to partner with Elizabeth Arden.  The combination of their expertise in fragrance and our ability to affect popular culture will create some incredible products and breathe excitement into the category.  We enjoyed our relationship with Shiseido and are grateful for their efforts in building a successful John Varvatos fragrance franchise."

The previous licensee for John Varvatos fragrances and skincare was Shiseido Americas Corporation ("Shiseido").  Shiseido will continue to sell the John Varvatos fragrances until June 30, 2010.

About Elizabeth Arden

Elizabeth Arden is a global prestige beauty products company with an extensive portfolio of prestige beauty brands sold in over 100 countries.  The company's brand portfolio includes Elizabeth Arden skincare, color, and fragrance products, PREVAGE® anti-aging treatments, the celebrity fragrance brands of Elizabeth Taylor, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Hilary Duff, and Usher; the designer fragrance brands of Juicy Couture, Alberta Ferretti, Alfred Sung, Badgley Mischka, Bob Mackie, GANT, Geoffrey Beene, Halston, John Varvatos, Kate Spade New York, Lucky Brand, Nanette Lepore and Rocawear; and the lifestyle fragrance brands Curve, Giorgio Beverly Hills, and PS Fine Cologne. www.elizabetharden.com

About John Varvatos

Launched in 2000 with a collection of tailored clothing and sportswear, John Varvatos now represents an entire men's lifestyle that includes footwear, bags, belts, eyewear, limited edition watches, men's and women's luxury skincare and fragrances, as well as the younger, edgier John Varvatos Star USA Collection and Converse by John Varvatos.  The designer has been recognized three times by the CFDA with an American Fashion Award for New Menswear Designer (June 2000) and Menswear Designer of the Year (June 2001 and June 2005) and was honored as GQ's "Designer of the Year" in 2007.  The collection is distributed in freestanding John Varvatos boutiques across the US and on johnvarvatos.com, as well as in better specialty stores throughout the world.  www.johnvarvatos.com

About VF

VF Corporation is a global leader in lifestyle apparel with a diverse portfolio of jeanswear, outdoor, action sports, image, sportswear and contemporary apparel brands. Its principal brands include Wrangler®, Lee®, Riders®, The North Face®, Vans®, Reef®, Eagle Creek®, Eastpak®, JanSport®, Napapijri®, Nautica®, Kipling®, John Varvatos®, 7 For All Mankind®, lucy®,  Splendid®, Ella Moss®, Majestic® and Red Kap®.

VF Corporation's press releases, annual report and other information can be accessed through the Company's home page, www.vfc.com.

SOURCE Elizabeth Arden, Inc.