Krites expands with Gustto

Krites has again hit the acquisition trail, securing local distribution rights for two international labels.

Acting CEO of the Sydney-based brand house, Michael Shandler, revealed the company has picked up Italian denim brand Naked Ape and New York-headquartered accessories label Gustto. Naked Ape, which Krites plans to have in local stores by summer 2011/12, is an eco-conscious denim brand for men and women that uses organic cotton and wool in its designs.

“The good thing is, based on the costings, this denim will sell for less than $60 at retail because of the volumes they're doing,” Shandler says. “We're able to piggyback onto their volumes rather than make special orders for Australia because it's not a really seasonal type of product – denim is denim.”
The local distribution deal adds to Naked Ape's existing presence in the UK, European and Japanese markets. Also finalised earlier this year was Krites' first accessories label distribution deal. The company is importing luxury handbag brand Gustto along with its more affordable sister label Miss Gustto.

Gustto product retails on average from $600 to $800 and Miss Gustto up to $150. The labels are the brainchild of French-born, New York-based designer Agathe Planchon. Gustto's hero designs are oversized leather structured totes.

The two labels add to Krites' existing stable of international brands including Religion, Lipsy, House of the Gods and Fullcircle. Krites also wholesales Australian labels Aztec Rose, NRG and Lolitta. As reported in Ragtrader's March 11, 2011, edition, Krites is currently looking to acquire additional Australian labels.

Erin O'Loughlin