Emily the Strange Press Release
January 22, 2010

 
NEW YORK, NY, January 19, 2010— For Pier SpA, Strange is the new black. Global licensing agency Gator Group announced today that it has signed a license agreement for iconic brand Emily the Strange to inspire a progressive collection of Italian designed streetwear and accessories set to launch in the European marketplace in Fall 2010. The new line will highlight the artwork and graphic styling of Emily creators, Cosmic Debris, and will be sized for Teens and Women.

Pier SpA, known for production agreements with the likes of Balenciaga, Chloé, Dior Homme and Dries Van Noten, past licensing arrangements with Karl Lagerfeld and Katharine Hamnett and recently announced licensing agreements with Boy by Band of Outsiders and Charles Anastase, specializes in high fashion streetwear for the European marketplace. Fusing together progressive design and styling by Pier SpA with the iconic imagery of Emily the Strange, the new collection will be sold in high end boutiques and retailers throughout Europe.

Created by artist Rob Reger in 1993, Emily the Strange is recognized worldwide for her iconic black hair, black dress, black tights and white Mary Jane shoes and her omnipresent four black cats. In her 15 year heritage, Emily has appeared in countless fashion, business and lifestyle magazines including features with top designers like Valentino, Marc Jacobs, Chanel and several others inspired by Emily’s style.

“Emily the Strange is a powerful, art-driven brand that is both modern and relevant for the world of fashion and we are very excited to work with her creator Rob Reger," stated Marzia Narduzzi, co-director of Pier SpA. "Emily is the perfect muse for streetwear with attitude and Rock & Roll energy."

Embraced by girls and young adults around the world, Emily and her four sleek black cats project confidence and independence that resonate with fans of mod, goth and music inspired fashion as well as fans of surreal art.

Creative Director and President of Cosmic Debris, Rob Reger remarked, “Our new partnership with Pier SpA marks the beginning of a new era for Emily the Strange in streetwear. In 15 years, we have built a strong publishing portfolio that has established our footprint in the global marketplace with a core fanbase. Pier SpA’s creative and unique vision will give us the ability to provide our longtime fans with incredibly crafted garments while also attracting new devotees to the essence of Emily.”

Reger remains the creative force behind the brand.

About Gator Group
Launched in 2009 by Australian entrepreneur Geoff Rosenhain, Gator Group is a full-service licensing agency offering the unique combination of seasoned licensing executives coupled with expertise in product design and manufacturing. Gator Group provides a wide range of services for a focused group of strategic corporate partners as well as wholly owned brands. The company is the worldwide licensing agent for renowned fashion brand Paul Frank Industries manufactures a range of electronics accessories for Apple iPods, iPhones and laptops and recently launched a new socially responsible soft toy line, Tales 4 Tomorrow, created in partnership with Conservation International. Gator Group is headquartered in Dana Point, California with offices in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Paris. For additional information please visit http://www.gatorgroup.com.

About Emily the Strange
Created by Reger and his company Cosmic Debris in 1993, Emily the Strange has become an internationally known icon for individualism, female empowerment, and do-it-yourself style. Born from the San Francisco graphic arts community, Emily graces a full, rock-influenced fashion clothing and accessory line, including everything from T-shirts, dresses, and underwear to toys, guitars, and school supplies. She is the featured character in a series of comic books from Dark Horse Comics, four hardbound Chronicle Books, and an upcoming series of young adult novels from HarperCollins Publishing. For more information about Emily the Strange, visit http://www.emilystrange.com.

About Pier SPA
Founded in 1970 and located in Treviso, Italy, Pier SPA immediately took center stage in the high-end fashion sector. Their excellent producing capacities and relentless commitment to change and experimental design has set Pier in a category all its own. Pier’s strong street-fashion division is distinctly positioned in the market due to management by an innovative and creative team that connects the world of fashion to the world of streetwear. This innovative and efficient approach has developed this street-fashion division and poised it for increased volumes and continued growth. Over time, this approach has yielded licensed production agreements with history-making niche luxury labels such as Azzedine Alaia, Dries Van Noten, Balenciaga, Charles Anastase, Chloe, Dior Homme and Karl Lagerfeld. For additional information about Pier SpA visit http://www.pierspa.com.