SHERMAN OAKS, CA — Apex Global Brands subsidiary Hi-Tec Sports International Holdings will launch a collaboration with South Africa-based ecocyle brand Sealand Gearr, bringing the bag and backpack designer into footwear for the first time. Hi-Tec footwear licensee International Brands Group (IBG) will design and develop a limited edition Sierra Re:Flex trail shoes that will be available this summer along with travel bags and accessories. The collection also be Hi-Tec’s first to use recycled materials.

The brands, the outdoor crossover collaboration draws inspiration from travel of all forms, whether it be the explorer, the daily commuter, the jet-setter or festival go-er.

“With global distribution over 40 years, Hi-Tec has demonstrated its unique ability to continuously innovate,” says Henry Stupp, Chief Executive Officer of Apex Global Brands. “Sustainability – whether that be in the manufacturing process or sourcing of materials – is a demand from the consumer that we are committed to delivering. By partnering with Sealand, a brand that has put social and environmental responsibility at the forefront of everything they do, we’re confident that this capsule collection will deliver sustainable products that impact our customers, as well as, help shape the practices of the industry at large.”

The collaboration is the first step in Hi-Tec’s long-term sustainability plan, which will launch the brand’s environmental commitment to responsible sourcing and supply chain transparency.

“The collaboration represents the coming together of like-minded brands to make a genuine positive change to our industries,” stated Jasper Eales, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Sealand. “We have embraced this opportunity to work with a global shoe brand, who has strong heritage roots in our home country, South Africa, while at the same time build product to last. Visually our brands speak to a similar urban outdoor audience, so we have kept this in mind and created a trail sneaker and range of bags that can walk the streets or the mountains with the same ethical style. We are pleased to see how our small business from, Cape Town South African, can lend itself to inspire and influence bigger business to improve and best protect the planet.”

The collaboration will be available to view during Paris Fashion Week from January 16-22, 2020 at Awaykin Showroom and is scheduled to launch Summer 2020 at select retailers worldwide.

About Apex Global Brands
Apex Global Brands is a global brand ownership and marketing organization that manages, creates and elevates a growing portfolio of high-equity lifestyle brands. The brand portfolio spans multiple consumer product categories and retail tiers around the world and includes Hi-Tec®, Magnum®, 50 Peaks®, Interceptor®, Cherokee®, Tony Hawk®, Liz Lange®, Point Cove®, Carole Little®, Everyday California® and Sideout®. The Company currently maintains license agreements with leading retailers and manufacturers that span approximately 140 countries in over 20,000 retail locations and digital commerce. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at apexglobalbrands.com.

Contact:
Apex Global Brands:
Nadine Iacocca, VP Global Marketing

nadine1@apex=gb

Sealand:
Jasper Eales, Creative Director

jasper@sealandgear.com