Kohl's to launch exclusive American Idol Collection

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. – Kohl’s Department Stores has announced plans to launch an exclusive American Idol apparel collection. Bringing together fashion, music and entertainment, the newly created American Idol fashion brand -- Authentic Icon (AI) -- will be available exclusively at Kohl’s and Kohls.com beginning April 2012.

“This launch brings together a national retailer and award-winning television show to create a new collection for customers,” said Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “We are excited to collaborate with American Idol, a leading entertainment platform in pop culture, and are confident this partnership makes Kohl’s an immediate consumer destination this spring.”

The AI spring collection will be available in Kohl’s stores through June to coincide with American Idol’s 11th season in the junior’s and young men’s departments.

“For over a decade American Idol has seamlessly woven fashion and music together to transform lives and create music icons,” said David Luner, EVP of Consumer Products and Interactive for FremantleMedia Enterprises. “It was a natural extension to partner on a line of American Idol inspired apparel that captures the essence of our rich music, style and performance heritage.”

LF USA’s MESH division will design and produce the AI collection. Kohl’s will be the exclusive retailer and support the brand with marketing such as national advertising, in store graphics, online and digital media, direct mail and public relations.

“The American Idol collection will build upon the powerful influence of music and entertainment on today’s fashion conscious consumers,” said Rick Darling, President of LF USA. “As consumers seek innovative and differentiated concepts, we are excited to partner with Kohl’s and American Idol to deliver a unique and compelling fashion proposition.”

“As a company dedicated to creating strategic value for our brands and artists through licensing, merchandising and integrated marketing, we couldn’t be happier about the new partnership with Kohl’s,” said Chris Gannett, Chief Marketing Officer of CKX and its 19 Entertainment division. “With the AI line, we are extending the spirit of the American Idol brand into our fans’ lives in an organic way.”