Is Kate Spade Taking its Fragrance Business In-House?

Photo: Kate Spade's ad for in-house fragrance Live Colorfully

The answer isn't clear.  If Kate Spade is taking its fragrance business in-house, it would be following the footsteps of other top fashion houses.  Oscar de la Renta took his fragrance license back in 2009 from L'oreal after a lawsuit and settlement.  Burberry also terminated its license with Interparfums SA, a French company last year but having to pay almost $300 million as an exit payment to take back its license by this April. The companies signed a transition agreement where Interparfums SA will continue operating the fragrance and beauty business for Burberry until March 31, 2013, at which time the business will be turned over.


Kate Spade currently has a license with Elizabeth Arden, which launched the fragrance Twirl in 2010 for Spade.  In April of this year, Spade will be launching its first in-house created fragrance "Live Colorfully."  The speculation is that the company is testing the waters before deciding whether to end their agreement with Arden.  Although, Spade's CEO, Craig Leavitt, denies this stating there was a mutual agreement between the companies that Live Colorfully would be handled by Kate Spade New York.  

The perfume has top notes of sparkling mandarin, pink water lily and star anise. Its heart is made of tiare flower, golden gardenia and coconut water and the base captures notes of sheer amber, musk and Tahitian vanilla.  Seems like an exotic combination, can't wait to try this!

Read More:
WWD (subscription red'q): Kate Spade to Self-Launch New Fragrance
The Guardian: Burberry's perfume deal should smell sweeter with time