NEWS RELEASE Contact: Neil Platt

Neilp@bradfordlicensing.com

For Immediate Release:

The Allure of Beverly Hills and Aspen in the Licensing World

April 2010 – As the economy slowly begins to improve, Bradford Licensing is seeing increased activity for two of their luxury brands known for their connection to lifestyles of wealth and aspiration. These brands, world known destination spots, are Beverly Hills and Aspen.

“We are finding that potential licensees are once again becoming more receptive to considering licensing luxury brands as the economic forecast begins to brighten,” Michelle Minieri, President of Bradford commented. “Compared to last year, domestic inquiries have increased by about 10%. Internationally, the two brands have generated slightly more interest with China leading the way,” continued Michelle.  The iconic Beverly Hills Shield and subtle variations thereof will be incorporated into the designs of a soon-to-be-launched Beverly Hills perfume series. The perfume is organically Beverly Hills; Zoltan Pali, the architect who designed the Beverly Hills Cultural Center also designed the perfume bottles and all the ingredients in producing the scents are derived from locally grown flowers.

BASELWORLD, considered the most important watch and jewelry trade event in Switzerland recently ended on positive note. While there were many mixed feelings about the economic recovery, the general consensus of the nearly 2,000 exhibitors and 100,000 buyers from all over the world was cautiously optimistic. That means good news for one of Bradford’s Aspen partners, René Van Ass, the CEO of Aspen Jewelry and Watches. He created the über luxurious, Aspen One timepiece. The Aspen One watch collection in which the limited 3,267 pieces representing the vertical rise of Aspen Mountain began its sales climb several months ago is regaining momentum.

In the tourism industry, the emotional bond created by advertisements is one of the tools used to draw people to a destination. “The brands Beverly Hills and Aspen have that built-in advantage of eliciting the same feeling from the products,” says Brand Specialist Neil Platt.

Bradford has seen a steady flow of interest from outerwear, active wear, lounge wear and footwear companies for Aspen.  Even companies that were not interested in Beverly Hills a year ago are now revisiting the brand. This might be a good indication of economic recovery. Let’s see if this trend will continue.

About Bradford Licensing LLC:

Bradford Licensing LLC is a global licensing firm partnering with some of the world’s best-known logos and trademarks.  Established in 1986, Bradford is a full-service licensing agency with worldwide brand extension capabilities.  Bradford develops licensing programs based on the leading corporate brands, television series and characters, fashion brands, sporting events and non-profit organizations.  Bradford maintains a network of agents in all major foreign countries, including Europe, the Asia Pacific Rim, and South America. Current Bradford clients include Pepsi, 7Up, Mountain Dew, City of Beverly Hills, Aspen Colorado, Marilyn Monroe by Shaw Family Archives, PEZ Candy, Sherlock Holmes, Denise Richards and The Wannabes among others.

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ASPEN — The high-priced Aspen One timepiece, which could be considered the epitome of wealthy exuberance, is benefiting some of the lowest on the socio-economic ladder and those with physical challenges.

Nearly a year after its worldwide launch, one of the watches — which retail for $38,900 — was auctioned off with proceeds going to Challenge Aspen and the Aspen Valley Ski/Snowboard Club (AVSC).

Super model Elle Macpherson, the first person to own the luxury timepiece, donated her watch to the two nonprofits.

Her 18-karat, rose-gold watch set, with 1.52 karat white diamonds and her signature engraved on the back, recently was auctioned off for $37,500. The bidder was a European business man, said René Van Ass, the CEO of Aspen Jewelry and Watches.

Not only did the bidder win the timepiece, he also won round-trip airfare from New York City to Aspen, two lift tickets providing access to all four mountains, two nights of lodging at the St. Regis Resort Aspen, and the chance to join Macpherson skiing on the day of her choice this ski season.

Van Ass presented the funds earlier this month at AVSC’s seventh annual Winter Whiteout Gala fundraiser at the Hotel Jerome. The buyer’s name — or the name of his or her choosing — will be engraved on a monument located on Aspen Mountain. The name of every owner of the watch will be etched on the monument.

The watch is being sold around the world, and Van Ass said there are about 30 names to be engraved on the monument.

AVSC Executive Director Mark Cole said the organization will receive between $11,000 and $12,000, which will go directly to kids in the valley through outreach programs.

Those programs include scholarships, equipment donations and bus service for kids in the valley who would otherwise not be able to afford to get on the mountain.

“We believe with some conviction that every child should be able to ski or snowboard,” Cole said, adding Macpherson selected AVSC and Challenge Aspen as recipients. “She cares about skiing and kids.”

Macpherson was the first person to own an Aspen One watch, of which there are 3,276 available. That number represents the vertical rise of Aspen Mountain.

She presented the watch as a donation to the local nonprofits this past February at the base of Aspen Mountain.

“The proceeds from this watch will scholarship more than 50 families with disabilities to enjoy Challenge Aspen’s winter and summer programs,” said Challenge Aspen CEO Houston Cowan. “Elle and René have truly helped us take the ‘dis out of disability’ for some very special young people.”

A second watch was given to the Quality of Life Foundation, based in the Netherlands, which has raised more than $10 million for children’s cancer research. The watch was auctioned for $75,000.

At the Dec. 5 event in Aspen, local ski-wear pioneer Klaus Obermeyer was announced as the honorary ambassador for Aspen One in the United States, and was given a watch.

The Swiss-made timepiece is meant as a tribute to Aspen’s rich heritage in its design and to its crown jewel, Aspen Mountain. It also signifies the resort’s penchant for opulence.

The timepiece carries features that communicate elements specific to Aspen. A specially designed compass shows where you are once on top of Aspen Mountain, and the watch tells you when it is time to change your ski-strap to your après-ski strap when the ski area closes.

Orange is the color of the number four on the dial, which, in the tradition of the Ute Indians, indicates prosperity, and now represents mountain safety.

For more information regarding Aspen Licensing International, Inc., please contact Michelle Minieri, Bradford Licensing Associates at 973-509-0200 or MichelleM@bradfordlicesning.com.

Bradford Licensing Associates, a global licensing firm partnering with some of the world’s best-known logos and trademarks. Established in 1984, Bradford is a full-service licensing agency with worldwide brand extension capabilities. Bradford develops licensing programs based on the leading corporate brands, television series and characters, fashion brands, sporting events and non-profit organizations. Bradford is based in Northern New Jersey and maintains a network of agents in all major foreign countries, including Europe, the Asia Pacific Rim, and South America.

Leading brand licensing agency introduces Aspen Jewelry & Watches luxury timepiece now available worldwide.

Montclair, NJ (Vocus/PRWEB ) March 2, 2009 — Bradford Licensing LLC, a global brand licensing firm representing some of the world’s best-known logos, trademarks, and entertainment properties is pleased to announce the launch of Aspen One, the first timepiece in a worldwide collection from Aspen Jewelry & Watches.

Aspen, Colorado, the renowned ski resort, is unmatched in natural beauty and rich history. A favorite vacation spot for celebrities and other elite, the former mining town has become synonymous with opulence. Aspen Jewelry & Watches was founded by Netherlands-based brand specialist, René van Ass, known for his professional experience branding and marketing luxury lifestyle goods.

On February 19, 2009, René invited customers to “Meet Me at the Top” for the three-day worldwide launch of Aspen One. With a retail value of US$38,900, the timepiece pays tribute to Aspen in its design and function. In addition to the limited edition timepiece, buyers of the watch will have their names etched into the Aspen One monument, which has been placed on Aspen Mountain’s Black Diamond Lode. There will be 3,276 Aspen Ones sold, representing the 3,276 feet of Aspen Mountain; a buyer can essentially own a foot of Aspen Mountain!

The first Aspen One watch was presented to model and entrepreneur Elle Macpherson, who donated the diamond encrusted timepiece to local non-profit organizations, Challenge Aspen and Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club (AVSC). The timepiece will be presented at the launch of Challenge America in Washington D.C. on June 8th, 2009. The second Aspen One watch will be given to the Quality of Life Foundation, based in the Netherlands, which raises money for children’s cancer research.

In the tradition of countless visitors and residents of the city, the Aspen® brand represents a lifestyle of environmental and social consciousness, refined taste, and a love of the outdoors. Founded in the 1940’s as a complete line of rugged, functional skiwear, Aspen® became a top brand for skiers demanding performance apparel for decades. Today, the Aspen® brand has evolved into an exclusive, high end luxury brand, now available to consumers worldwide via the Aspen One timepiece.

Bradford Licensing plans to extend the brand into product categories such as Parkas, Boots, Sweaters, Shirts, Pants, Ski and Snowboard Equipment. Most importantly, the Aspen® brand will continue to honor the history, community and environment of its namesake, all directed to the high end sector of the retail marketplace.

For more information regarding Aspen Licensing International, Inc., please contact Bradford Licensing LLC at 973-509-0200 or info @ bradfordlicensing.com.

Aspen One-The Timepiece

Founder and CEO René van Ass states, “Aspen is internationally known for its natural beauty, perfect slopes and the glamorous appeal of its famous visitors. Aspen is a brand…a very strong brand. Aspen Jewelry and Watches has been granted the worldwide license to use the Aspen name for the collections we are introducing, the first being Aspen One. By marketing this collection, we are marketing Aspen as it is…and what it was. We will emphasize Aspen’s rich history and we want people all over the world to fall in love with Aspen even more.”

The precious Swiss-made timepiece, offered in four-color combinations of 18 kt white or rose gold, carries unique features that communicate elements specific to Aspen. A specially-designed compass shows you where you are once on top of Aspen Mountain, and the watch tells you when it is time to change your ski-strap to your apres-ski strap (done in a few seconds with a patent-pending technique similar to removing a ski from a boot) at four o’ clock. Orange is the color of the number four on the dial, which in the tradition of the Ute Indians, indicates prosperity, and it would be later known to represent mountain safety. Four is also the time that Aspen Mountain closes its lifts, marking the time for apres ski. On the mountain and around town, Aspen One also presents gloves, specially designed to showcase the face of the watch.

For more information, visit http://www.aspenjewelryandwatches.com

After successfully launching its line of men’s sweaters in 2007, Aspen has expanded its collection to include knits for Spring 2008 and woven shirts for Fall 2008.

“With the positive reaction to our Fall 2007 sweater line, it made sense for us to expand the collection.” said Sherry Renay, the Design Director for Aspen. “In keeping with Aspens brand identity and marketing strategy, the new additions are designed for men, but marketed to the women who ultimately make the purchase of these items”.

“Our goal is to make Aspen a luxury lifestyle brand”. said Abby Hoe, Aspen’s Designer.

Aspen will continue to sell sweaters, knits and woven shirts through traditional department store channels, select specialty retailers, outdoor, and sporting goods stores.

The expanded Spring 2008 and Fall 2008 collections can be seen at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, January 23-26, 2008, Chicago Collective, February 3-5, 2008 and at Magic, February 12-15, 2008. The line will retail between $38 for a Spring knit Tee up to $238 for a Fall 2008 reversible outerwear sweater jacket.

About Aspen
Aspen was developed by Exacta Sweaters, a sweater manufacturer for 26 years. Exacta Sweaters has sold to nearly every major department store in the United States and Canada (at all levels of distribution), select specialty retailers, outdoor and sporting goods stores.

Bradford Licensing Associates, the licensing agent for Aspen, is pleased to announce a new international agent along with a new licensee.

Shortly after the New Year, Bradford Licensing Associates signed a deal with IP4 to represent the Aspen brand in Japan. Immediately after being appointed Aspen’s agent in Japan, IP4 landed a deal with a manufacturing company by the name of Gallet. Both IP4 and Gallet will work together to expand Aspen’s brand awareness throughout the country. Aspen exemplifies the love of nature, and fits perfectly with the growing trend toward the outdoors and rugged clothing. Gallet will manufacture quality socks in various styles with an embroidered Aspen leaf logo. Products are due to be launched towards the end of January and will be distributed throughout all of Japan.

IP4’s marketing manager, Toshimi Yamamuro states that “socks are the first licensed products in Japan.” According to Toshimi Yamamuro, IP4 is planning to expand Aspen’s licensing program to other categories such as caps and bags in the near future.

For more information regarding Aspen Licensing International, Inc., please contact Michelle Minieri, Bradford Licensing Associates at 973-509-0200 or MichelleM@bradfordlicesning.com.

It’s no secret that women do the shopping. Even for men’s clothes. So Aspen asked women what they wanted from a men’s sweater before introducing the new Aspen Sweater line.

The Top 5 Things Women Want from a Men’s Sweater

1. Make my husband or boyfriend look smarter, sophisticated, and more handsome.
2. Use high quality material. Richer yarns that create texture and depth.
3. Cozy to the touch.
4. Stylish with a fashion twist.
5. At a fair price.

“With the Aspen brand, we created a distinctive men’s sweater line to appeal to women shoppers,” said Sherry Renay, the Design Director for Aspen. “Aspen makes the traditional men’s sweater exciting again.”

Aspen will sell sweaters through traditional department store channels, select specialty retailers, outdoor, and sporting goods stores.

Aspen is launching its men’s sweater line at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, January 27-30, 2007, booth #38146 and at Magic, February 13-16, 2007, booth #CA6318. Sweaters in the line will retail between $70-160.

The Aspen line was designed by Exacta Sweaters, a long-time sweater manufacturer. “After being in the market for 25 years, we feel we have the expertise to launch our own branded line,” said Jacob Frankl, Exacta Sweaters President. “Retailers can count on us to deliver a high-quality product, on time.”

“We saw a creative void in the market for men’s sweaters,” said Abby Hoe, Aspen Designer. “Aspen uses luxurious yarns and mixed materials to give classics looks a fashion twist.”

About Aspen
Aspen was developed by Exacta Sweaters, a sweater manufacturer for 25 years. Exacta Sweaters has sold to nearly every major department store in the United States and Canada (both high-end and low-end), select specialty retailers, outdoor and sporting goods stores. Sales for Exacta Sweaters were $58 million in 2006.

Bradford Licensing Associates, the licensing agent for Aspen, is pleased to announce a new international agent along with a new licensee.

Shortly after the New Year, Bradford Licensing Associates signed a deal with IP4 to represent the Aspen brand in Japan. Immediately after being appointed Aspen’s agent in Japan, IP4 landed a deal with a manufacturing company by the name of Gallet. Both IP4 and Gallet will work together to expand Aspen’s brand awareness throughout the country. Aspen exemplifies the love of nature, and fits perfectly with the growing trend toward the outdoors and rugged clothing. Gallet will manufacture quality socks in various styles with an embroidered Aspen leaf logo. Products are due to be launched towards the end of January and will be distributed throughout all of Japan.

IP4’s marketing manager, Toshimi Yamamuro states that “socks are the first licensed products in Japan.” According to Toshimi Yamamuro, IP4 is planning to expand Aspen’s licensing program to other categories such as caps and bags in the near future.

For more information regarding Aspen Licensing International, Inc., please contact Michelle Minieri, Bradford Licensing Associates at 973-509-0200 or MichelleM@bradfordlicesning.com.

Bradford Licensing Associates, a global licensing firm partnering with some of the world’s best-known logos and trademarks. Established in 1984, Bradford is a full-service licensing agency with worldwide brand extension capabilities. Bradford develops licensing programs based on the leading corporate brands, television series and characters, fashion brands, sporting events and non-profit organizations. Bradford is based in Northern New Jersey and maintains a network of agents in all major foreign countries, including Europe, the Asia Pacific Rim, and South America.