Joseph Abboud brings comfy high style to the table

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 3/31/2003 12:00:00 AM

AT THE NEW YORK MARKET —

Joseph Abboud Environments is coming to the table.

JA Apparel, a division of HDP, has signed a master license with The Excel Group for the manufacture, distribution and sale of the brand in tabletop textiles, as well as hard table items, including dinnerware.

The collection is scheduled to premier in fall 2003 and will retail at better department and specialty stores, the company said.

Joseph Abboud Environments is best known for its use of sophisticated color, luxurious texture and apparel-inspired fabrics. The firm said the designs will reflect the modern classic and sophisticated design point of view it's known for.

"Our vision of a three-tiered complete tabletop business targeting everyday, entertainment and formal in a coordinated design effort from textile base to glass will be realized by the talents and capabilities the Excel Group brings to the partnership," stated Maria Vicari, vp of licensing, for JA Apparel.

The Excel Group is a privately owned, U.S.-based global importer with diversified sourcing capability. It is not connected to Ex-Cell Home Fashions.

"The Excel team is so pumped about the opportunity to combine the brilliant lifestyle touch and feel of Joseph Abboud with the product ranges that we know and understand so well. This first collection, when assembled, will speak volumes of a way of life that is comfortable, accessible yet filled with style and feeling," said Richard Lapine, chief merchandising officer, The Excel Group.

JA Apparel's appointment of this license is part of the company's ongoing effort to expand the brand into a global presence.