NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Universal Music Group has signed a deal with fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger (the man, not the clothing line) to create a new line of rock 'n' roll-inspired apparel, the Los Angeles Times is reporting. The apparel, branded and tied to UMG artists, will be sold through boutiques and high-end clothing stores. UMG is the label home to artists such as Black Eyed Peas, Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga.
UMG struck the deal through their Bravado business unit, which they acquired in 2007 as part of the Sanctuary Music deal. Last year, Bravado chalked up $300 million in sales last year is is projecting an increase of 25% for this year.
Some of the merch Bravado has already developed include a $50 Lady Gaga costume, which proved to be a huge hit last Halloween, Justin Bieber Dolls, which sell for $25.99 with sales of more than 5 million to date and a $4,999 Rolling Stones pinball machine.
"Music's not dead," Tom Bennett, chief executive of New York-based Bravado told the Los Angeles Times. "There's an awful lot of people who are still very keen on music. It goes back to Elvis or the Beatles. People wanted to own a piece of them, be it a doll or a T-shirt. But with our stuff, you can't download a T-shirt, you can't download a doll." – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
