Design icon and leading licensing agency partner to extend brand into home, outdoor and lifestyle categories
New York, NY (June 6nd, 2011) – Chris Madden, celebrity interior decorator, best-selling author and designer, has chosen leading licensing agency Brandgenuity to extend the Chris Madden brand and her signature style of ‘turning home into haven’.
Known for her visionary approach of “personalizing” your home, Madden was the original design correspondent for The Oprah Winfrey Show, host of her own series on HGTV for eight seasons, and author of 17 lifestyle books, most recently The Soul of a House (Rizzoli). Madden is a trusted and leading authority in the traditional categories of home design, and she has incorporated her three distinct design concepts in her home and product lines: romantic, serene and adventurous. With a simple, creative roadmap, it is Chris Madden’s mission to help consumers incorporate these styles into their own homes.
“It’s an honor to be working with Chris Madden,” said Jay Asher, partner at Brandgenuity. “So many people find decorating a home to be an overwhelming challenge. Chris’ mission is to demystify the process, helping people everywhere to transform their homes into personal sanctuaries with ease by offering clever style tips and smart solutions to create the home that they crave.”
Madden’s current line of licensed products, The Chris Madden Collection® for JCPenney Home, is one of the most successful in the retailer’s history. Building on the line’s success, Brandgenuity will capture the essence of Chris Madden’s distinct vision and provide the tools to create the ultimate oasis at home. The licensing program will feature a variety of products – including home and outdoor furnishings, home fragrance, and other lifestyle product categories – and will have Madden’s signature functionality, accessibility and sophistication.
“We are excited to begin collaborating with Brandgenuity,” said Nick Madden, Director of Brand Development, Chris Madden Inc. “Chris’ clear and authoritative design vision, coupled with her ability to articulate this message in a trusted and accessible way, resonates with a large swath of Americans. She is ecstatic about growing her licensing program with partners who share her passion for helping others coordinate their homes in a cohesive way that is beautiful and a reflection of their own taste.”
About Chris Madden Inc.
Chris Madden Inc. is a multi-million dollar home furnishings company founded by celebrity designer Chris Madden. The company spans design, publishing, licensing and television. Madden’s mantra of ‘turning home into haven’ has been shared with millions of women all across America through her numerous books, magazine and newspaper columns, speeches and national television appearances. As the New York Times noted: “Ms. Madden is fast becoming a brand in every room of the house.” The company entered into its first license agreement with Bassett Furniture in 2000. Over the next several years, Madden’s partnership with Bassett generated annual retail sales of approximately $50 million. In 2002, the company expanded its reach and entered into license agreements with Mohawk Home and Austin Candles. Her JCPenney collection is now in its eighth year. Overall, Madden’s licensed products for the home have generated approximately two billion dollars in retail sales to date.
Madden’s philanthropic endeavors include Project Katrina, Operation Cozy Comfort and Partnership for the Homeless. She is also the recipient of numerous industry awards and two honorary doctorates.
For more information please visit us at www.chrismadden.com
About Brandgenuity, LLC
Brandgenuity, LLC is a leading independent brand licensing agency based in New York. The agency was voted #1 Licensing Agency of the Year 2008 by a leading industry
publication. Brandgenuity extends world-class brands into new categories to build awareness and generate incremental revenue. Turnkey licensing services include strategic licensing planning, prospecting, legal support & contract negotiation, and retail development. Brandgenuity’s clients include: MGM Studios (Pink Panther, Rocky and the film library), Food Network, Pabst Brewing Company (Pabst Blue Ribbon, Colt 45, Old Style, Lone Star, Schlitz), World Poker Tour, Chris Madden, Inc., Church & Dwight (Arm & Hammer; OxiClean), FX Networks (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Archer), Kathy Davis Studios, Harlequin Enterprises, The Juilliard School, The Really Useful Group (The Phantom of the Opera), Rodgers & Hammerstein, Pella Corporation and Laura Mercier, among others.
For more information please visit us at www.brandgenuity.com