Pentland Brands has been appointed as the global footwear licensee for London-based international fashion retailer Karen Millen. The new partnership will take Karen Millen’s footwear ranges beyond its standalone stores and online channel into the multi-brand footwear environment and global department stores.

Beth Butterwick, Karen Millen's CEO, commented: “Customers have always loved our footwear and this partnership will enable us to offer more styles, choice and availability. Pentland is the perfect partner, with a truly expert level of knowledge when it comes to footwear licensing and long-standing record of working with brands to build their global presence.”

Founded in 1981, Karen Millen is a British women's clothing retailer, specialising in tailoring, coats and eveningwear, focusing on products for a "modern global woman, known for creating beautifully crafted fashion for confident women who know their own style".

This is the first footwear license added to Pentland's portfolio since the transformation of Pentland Brands Footwear Division in 2017. Richard Newcombe, President of Pentland Brands Footwear Division,  commented: “We’re really excited to partner with the Karen Millen team as we believe there’s great potential for the brand in the footwear category. Our focus will be on creating exceptional footwear designs that capture the brand signature of individuality, attention to detail and quality that makes Karen Millen such an iconic womenswear brand.”

The first Karen Millen footwear collection with Pentland Brands will be launched internationally, both in store and online, in autumn-winter 2019-2020 season.