Vena Cava Announces Partnership With LF USA

NEW YORK, April 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vena Cava, a leading contemporary women's fashion brand, today announced that it has entered into multi-year licensing and design agreements with LF USA, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-headquartered Li & Fung Limited, the multinational consumer goods export and logistics group.

"We are beyond excited to take Vena Cava to the next level with the support of LF USA—the industry destination for creative partnerships," said Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai, Founders of Vena Cava.  "Their guidance and expertise will make it possible to execute the vision we have always had for Vena Cava. We look forward to building an amazing brand together."

Founded by Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai in 2004, Vena Cava is best known for its playful and thoughtful approach to femininity and proportion, particularly for the duo's inventive use of prints and eclectic references to the past. Soon after launch, the brand was acknowledged for its distinctive aesthetic and was awarded an Ecco Domani in 2006, back-to-back nominations for the coveted Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund Award in 2007 and 2008 and was the runner up for the Fashion Finalist Award in 2009.  Inspired by Art Deco, films of the 1970's, travel and flea market finds, Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock have emerged as a leading voice of the style-savvy woman and their designs have become favorites of celebrities like Natalie Portman, Blake Lively, Emma Watson, and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Their fresh perspective has led to collaborations with brands such as Gap, Converse and Uniqlo.

As part of the agreement, Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai will continue to oversee the creative vision for the brand, while LF USA will contribute its extensive global resources and deep retail relationships to support the growth of the brand. Vena Cava and LF USA will work closely together to expand the brand into additional product categories and broaden its distribution. The brand will be part of LF USA's Women's Apparel Group which houses other leading fashion brands such as Rachel Zoe, Ellen Tracy, Keds Apparel, Sofia Vergara, and Daisy Fuentes. 

"Driven by an innovative design vision, Vena Cava is one of the most sought after young, emerging apparel brands in the industry," said Rick Darling, President of LF USA. "Lisa and Sophie's design sensibility and understanding of the millennial consumer are unique and we see tremendous opportunities to support their distinct design talent and extend the brand's influence into additional product categories.  As we continue to strengthen our position as a design-driven organization, Vena Cava is a great addition to our fashion portfolio."

About Vena Cava

Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock, the design duo behind Vena Cava, both moved to New York in 1999 to attend Parsons School of Design. In 2003, three weeks after graduation, they began making their first Vena Cava collection.  Buhai and Mayock's designs, known for their unique handmade prints, often draw inspiration from design movements from the past, found objects, and a certain way of dressing they see amongst their group a friends. Their designs reference the past but always feel modern and classic, with unusual color combos and details. The LA born designers have been nominated twice for the coveted CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award.  In 2009, they were the runner's up for the Fashion Finalist fund and have collaborated with brands such as Gap and Converse.  The Vena Cava collection is currently carried at top retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Opening Ceremony.  For additional information on Vena Cava, please visit www.venacava.com

About LF USA
LF USA is a subsidiary of Li & Fung Limited (SEHK:494), the Hong Kong-headquartered multinational group.

Li & Fung Limited is recognized as the world's leader in consumer goods design, development, sourcing and distribution.  It manages the supply chain for retailers and brands worldwide with over 300 offices and distribution centers in more than 40 economies spanning across the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia.  Through its three interconnected Business Networks -- Trading, Logistics and Distribution -- the Group offers a spectrum of services that covers the entire supply chain end-to-end. Corporate website: www.lifung.com

SOURCE Vena Cava