LIZ CLAIBORNE INC. HIRES JOHN BARLETT FOR MENSWEAR

Liz Claiborne Inc. has hired John Bartlett to infuse some life into their Claiborne menswear offerings.

According to WWD.com, “Under the label Claiborne by John Bartlett, the men’s line is launching for spring 2009. The wholesale prices of about $15 to $300 will stay the same, and Claiborne will evaluate expanding or scaling back from the estimated 1,000 doors, including Macy’s and Dillard’s, which carry the men’s line.”

In a statement Bartlett told WWD that he aims “to infuse Claiborne with a strong DNA and lead the brand in a new and exciting direction. My goal is to create an enticing line at affordable prices that men will find irresistible. The Claiborne name has a strong legacy and I intend on honoring that while transforming the men’s line to address a great opportunity in the better men’s market.”

It should be interesting to see what Bartlett comes up with. Also look for Liz Claiborne Inc. to announce a counterpart for the women’s line in the near future.

Claiborne Taps John Barlett for Men’s [WWD]