Teen Sensation Maddie Ziegler Launches "Maddie" 1st Sportswear Collection With Leading Girls & Tween Manufacturer Kahn Lucas

"I was inspired by my own personal style to create a line that is casual and tomboyish yet girly. The looks are comfy and versatile, with pieces you can mix and match. These are all pieces you can dance in; I want everyone to feel comfortable and not restrictive, hence the saying 'wear what moves you!'" says Ziegler. "I have a team and a style panel of girls that I work closely with to share ideas, study trends, and learn from each other to ensure the line is super strong and relevant for today."

The tagline, wear what moves you, was inspired by the belief that teens should wear clothes that make them feel confident and comfortable, and that they should be inspired to go after their dream - do whatever moves them – dance, singing, boxing, acting, sports, school. It also refers to Ziegler's world that is deeply ingrained in dance and movement.

Ziegler will bring her sense of style to maddiestyle.com and through social media (@maddiestyle and @itsmaddiestyle).  Pins are her "favorite things" including sneakers, makeup, sunglasses, as well as chat bubbles, since Ziegler is always texting, on her phone, and posting to social media.  "Cool" is a mix of tomboy and girlish things that are a part of her everyday.

"Maddie is a great talent on and off the stage and is a wonderful role model for today's teens.  As a father of two daughters, I can say that this collection reflects what tweens want today," explains Howard Kahn, Kahn Lucas Executive Chairman.  "Maddie demonstrates Kahn Lucas' ability to drive change in the apparel industry and focus on a customer that has been largely ignored.  Kahn Lucas is continuing to shape brands and products listening to consumers, and is working closely with retailers to find solutions that are relevant to their consumers." 

In addition to Maddie's personal fashion style and design direction, the consumer-centric collection also uses social shopping and design feedback from over a thousand teens via the company's proprietary data analysis solution called "Kahnalytics".  Developed by the marketing team of Kahn Lucas, the data system generates feedback, analysis, and intelligence that drives more successful sales performance through restructured design processes, and marketing strategies.  While the initial designs and overall fashion direction reflects the point-of-view of Maddie Ziegler, final design details are directly influenced by the results of the Kahnalytics 1,000+ member teen panel.

Maddie blends fashion with function, using materials that are comfortable and move with the body.  Targeted for teens 13-18+, the collection features pieces that will be available exclusively at Nordstrom and online. Kahn Lucas is also exploring relevant international partners. Price points range from $24 - $125, with the first collection will launch in early October, in time for holiday. 

Dor Sela, Kahn Lucas CEO, and the creator behind Kahnalytics, with a background that includes executive positions in marketing at Carrefour, MasterCard, and Procter & Gamble, states, "We held in-house teen panels at Kahn Lucas to discover insights to their world. Quickly it became apparent that the teens felt Maddie Ziegler is a star, yet an accessible, and a genuine wholesome girl that the girls grew-up with and relate to easily. We approached Maddie with the idea of designing her own collection and she was enthusiastic about the opportunity.  The launch of Maddie gives teens the fashion they want and provides retailers a way to compete vertically by speculating less on what this customer is looking to purchase."

"The teen shopper has been largely ignored. She is too old for the girls department, and too young for adult looks and fits.  Maddie is designed by a teen with a great sense of style, and someone that this age group feels connected to.  Our in-house teen panel also gives feedback on the designs, making the collection a true teen collaboration," says Elizabeth Toney, Brand Director, Kahn Lucas.

ABOUT KAHN LUCAS
Kahn Lucas is the leading consumer-centric designer of girls apparel in the world. Placing the consumer first, their team of retail disruptors tests color, design, fabrication and shopping preferences with shoppers each season. Utilizing data analytics, they infuse the product development and brand lifecycle with research and insights to ensure consumers and retail partners are satisfied.

Kahn Lucas, a privately held and award-winning fashion apparel company, was established in 1889. The company oversees design, production and e-commerce for The Edit by Seventeen, Dollie & Me and the Madame Alexander Doll Company.  Kahn Lucas founded popular girls apparel lines Emily West, Youngland, Bloome and Sweet Heart Rose. The company's headquarters are in New York, NY.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160901/403569

SOURCE Kahn Lucas