Brand and retail specialist, Damian Hopkins CBE has revealed a new joint venture with the owner of Hong Kong-based fashion supplier Simple Approach, Sunny Malhotra.
The Brand Group forms part of the $2bn global fashion infrastructure platform PDS Limited.
The new company is aiming to be an innovative force within the fashion sector, supporting an exclusive roster of leading creative fashion brands through its expertise in brand development and operational excellence.
The Brand Group (also known as TBG) has started with a big bang at London Fashion Week, this innovative fashion incubator and accelerator with offices in London and Hong Kong has quietly acquired majority stakes in three brands this year already.
The portfolio includes renowned brands such as the luxury award winning womenswear brand ROKSANDA, whose SS25 runway show at London Fashion Week on 15 September was received with unanimous praise. Alongside ROKSANDA, TBG also owns a majority share in contemporary womenswear brand VIVERE, as well as the ground-breaking adaptive fashion brand UNHIDDEN by Victoria Jenkins.
“We are thrilled to launch The Brand Group at a time when the fashion industry is both challenging and full of opportunity,” commented Damian and Sunny (pictured above). “By combining our deep industry knowledge with an unwavering commitment to creativity and operational excellence, we are confident that we can help brands like ROKSANDA, UNHIDDEN, and VIVERE reach new heights on a global scale. Our goal is to foster innovation while maintaining the integrity and unique identity of each brand in our portfolio.”
On behalf of ROKSANDA: “The Brand Group joins us as a valued partner at a pivotal moment, as we explore innovative strategies in the current luxury market. Their experience and dedication to championing British creativity make them ideal partners to help ROKSANDA maintain its esteemed position while reaching new audiences.”
Meanwhile, UNHIDDEN provides the disabled and chronic sick community with stylish, functional clothing, as well as much needed representation within the fashion industry. The Brand Group is dedicated to improving not only sustainable practices within the fashion industry but also improving diversity and inclusion within retail.
Lastly, contemporary British fashion brand, VIVERE debuted in autumn 2023 at John Lewis & Partners. It will benefit from the expanded reach of The Brand Group, with leading London-based sales agent Oldstrom onboarded to target UK and Irish boutiques, as well as extending distribution via the Next platform and to international retail partners.
Want to read more news like this? Simply sign up to our daily digest by clicking here. You can also follow us on LinkedIn and on Instagram (@licensing_source).
