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Fashion lawyers
The fashion industry is one of the most influential and creative business sectors to be part of. It has created iconic styles that have defined periods of time, individuals and organizations on both a global and local level.
We strive to match the ambition, determination and creativity of our clients in fashion and work with them to grow. They rely on us for our ability to help them meet their long term aspirations, safeguard their success and maintain it for the future.Creating solutions for you
Fashion and design today is about having an idea and then venturing out into the market place with something unique to show the world, whether in a flagship store, through the media or via online trading, reaping the rewards of your creativity. Our role is to guide you through the myriad of challenges along the way.We are proud to be able to say that have been assisting some of the most prestigious names in the worlds of fashion, fragrance and beauty for more than 30 years. While we advise you on how best to deal with your legal needs, you can get on with what you do best.
Protecting your creations now and in the future
We understand that behind every well-tailored suit, dramatically ripped pair of jeans, anatomically designed pair of trainers or elegant new scent are creative individuals with long term aspirations and the desire to pass on their success to families and loved ones.Structuring and succession planning is vital for ensuring you make the most of your success and your future plans are carried out according to your wishes.
Vogue Business Founders' Forum
Innovation, sustainability, embracing technology and AI, focusing on intentional stable growth, and investing in customer oriented retail were all important themes at the Vogue Business Founders' Forum in Los Angeles.
We were thrilled to partner with Vogue Business for this exciting and insightful event, featuring a number of our founder clients and contacts.
Photographed by Carsten Schertzer for David Jon Photography.
How we can help
Properly structured agreements will protect and advance your interests. With knowledge across sectors such as luxury brands, sport and the arts, we draft contracts that work for the long term.
Commercial litigationOur highly skilled commercial litigators assist with complex, multi-jurisdictional cases of all kinds, whether acting for an investor, business or brand.
Commercial real estateOur standout commercial property practice helps well-known businesses to grow around the world. We also work with clients from charities to developers to ensure that their deals go smoothly.
CorporateWe are the go-to law firm for private capital, working hard to help individuals, families, startups, household names and charities to grow their assets and protect their interests around the world.
We help companies secure the finance they need to thrive and are skilled at advising on the requirements of the different jurisdictions in which they operate.
EmploymentFees for bringing and defending claims for unfair and wrongful dismissal in the employment tribunal
Fashion TechArtificial intelligence, 3D printing and virtual reality are transforming fashion. We help our clients stay at the forefront of innovation thanks to our in-depth fashion and tech experience.
FoundersFrom advising on tax or global expansion, helping company founders realise their vision is an important aspect of our work.
Our lawyers have wide industry knowledge and experience, allowing them to advise on how to best protect mission-critical intellectual property and data.
Mergers and acquisitionsOur team has acted in the full range of transactions, getting the deal done quickly, within regulations and with minimal fuss.
PhilanthropyThere is no single approach to philanthropy; what’s key is that your giving has the biggest impact possible. Whichever way you choose to donate, our team can advise on what is most effective.
TaxWith a team of more than 150 specialist tax lawyers, who are qualified in jurisdictions around the world, we are perfectly placed to handle even the most complex, cross-border tax issues.
Recognition
Clients include
Track record
International athletic apparel company
Represented an international athletic apparel company headquartered in Canada and listed on NASDAQ in connection with the commercial lease of its flagship store and other stores and tender document for the airport tenancy in Hong Kong.
Alleged unfair competition
Assisted the retail and wholesale companies of a well-known fashion group in proceedings for alleged unfair competition brought before the Court of Milan by an Italian company which owns numerous multi-brands stores in Italy and acted as a wholesaler in Italy for various products of the fashion group we assist.
Acquisition of a Shenzhen apparel business and joint venture
We advised a PRC-based, Hong Kong-listed fashion group in its acquisition of a Shenzhen apparel business and proposed joint venture with an Italian fashion group.
British perfume house's expansion in Asia-Pacific
We acted for a famous British perfume house in relation to its expansion in Asia-Pacific, including retail lease agreements in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan; commercial matters; and restructuring of the group companies.
Moving a fashion design business to the US
Represented a Canadian native and prominent fashion designer in immigrating to the United States. We helped the designer create her entrepreneurial business structure and supported her brand through multi-jurisdictional intellectual property advice to protect the trademark and key designs. We continue to provide employment and commercial advice as the business grows.
French fashion house
We assisted the Italian subsidiary of a renowned French fashion house in relation to the management of their brand under new Patent Box regulations
Anya Hindmarch (t/a A.S.H.S.)
A.S.H.S. is a well-known English fashion house. We have provided strategic advice to the luxury brand on a number of high level employment issues.
Thor Equities and Invesco
Via della Spiga 26 is a beautiful building in the 'golden triangle' of Milan, housing Dolce & Gabbana's flagship store as well as the offices of Tiffany & Co. We helped Thor Equities and Invesco to acquire the site, negotiating with a family who had held the property for generations and were initially locked in dispute between themselves. Our clients and the vendors were grateful for our help in brokering what had seemed an impossible deal.
Acquisition of a Shenzhen apparel business and joint venture
We advised a PRC-based, Hong Kong-listed fashion group in its acquisition of a Shenzhen apparel business and proposed joint venture with an Italian fashion group.
British perfume house's expansion in Asia-Pacific
We acted for a famous British perfume house in relation to its expansion in Asia-Pacific, including retail lease agreements in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan; commercial matters; and restructuring of the group companies.
Acquisition of a Shenzhen apparel business and joint venture
We advised a PRC-based, Hong Kong-listed fashion group in its acquisition of a Shenzhen apparel business and proposed joint venture with an Italian fashion group.
French fashion house
We assisted the Italian subsidiary of a renowned French fashion house in relation to the management of their brand under new Patent Box regulations
Anya Hindmarch (t/a A.S.H.S.)
A.S.H.S. is a well-known English fashion house. We have provided strategic advice to the luxury brand on a number of high level employment issues.
Thor Equities and Invesco
Via della Spiga 26 is a beautiful building in the 'golden triangle' of Milan, housing Dolce & Gabbana's flagship store as well as the offices of Tiffany & Co. We helped Thor Equities and Invesco to acquire the site, negotiating with a family who had held the property for generations and were initially locked in dispute between themselves. Our clients and the vendors were grateful for our help in brokering what had seemed an impossible deal.
Italian fashion designer Max Mara
Max Mara is a renowned luxury Italian fashion house with stores around the globe, including across the United States. The group approached Withers for help with its employment needs, advising on the implementation of employee policies and risk management strategies. We were also pleased to suggest and develop store manager training sessions, and we successfully assisted in defending the company against wrongful termination claims.
Camera della Moda
Camera della Moda is a non-profit organisation specialising in the promotion and support of the Italian fashion industry and young designers. The organization was challenged about the domain name for their website, and we successfully defended this allowing them to carry on building their online profile. Withers have a long-standing relationship with Camera della Moda, and together we help to support them in brand protection and the IP of the brands they represent.
The founder of an online clothing business
The founder of this highly successful online clothing retail business wanted to sell a large stake to a leading luxury goods conglomerate. As the go-to law firm for fashion entrepreneurs, Withers was brought in to ensure that the value of our client's stake was protected and negotiate a fresh incentive package. We then worked to achieve a tax-efficient strategy for the disposal of part of the founder's interest.
DieselReboot by Diesel
Withers is proud to have represented global Italian retailer Diesel during the launch of their reinventive new brand DieselReboot. During the launch, Withers worked alongside Diesel's newly appointed artistic director Nicola Formichetti and advised on the brand's new aims to 'rediscover and reactive the DNA of Diesel'.
Moving a fashion design business to the US
Represented a Canadian native and prominent fashion designer in immigrating to the United States. We helped the designer create her entrepreneurial business structure and supported her brand through multi-jurisdictional intellectual property advice to protect the trademark and key designs. We continue to provide employment and commercial advice as the business grows.
Italian fashion designer Max Mara
Max Mara is a renowned luxury Italian fashion house with stores around the globe, including across the United States. The group approached Withers for help with its employment needs, advising on the implementation of employee policies and risk management strategies. We were also pleased to suggest and develop store manager training sessions, and we successfully assisted in defending the company against wrongful termination claims.
The CEO of a globally recognized jewelry brand
This well-known, publicly held brand has more than 1,200 retail outlets throughout the US. We negotiated a new package (valued in excess of $2 million annually) on behalf of the incoming chief executive.
Max Mara - Jennifer Garner campaign
Italian fashion house Max Mara has a long history of designing luxury couture clothing and has a strong reputation as one of the world's top fashion brands. When their latest campaign involved offering American screen actress Jennifer Garner the opportunity to be the face of their new sunglasses range, Withers was there to assist and provide advice for the agreement.
Our team
Gina Bibby
Partner | Los Angeles
Carlo Alberto Demichelis
Partner | Milan
Jacopo Liguori
Partner | Milan
Lesley Timms
Partner | London
Graham Webster
Partner | London
Sharon Whitehouse
Partner | London
Ann M. Wicks
Partner | San Francisco
Partnerships
Insight
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Artificial intelligence, 3D printing and virtual reality are transforming fashion. We help our clients stay at the forefront of innovation thanks to our in-depth fashion and tech experience. Find Out MoreGet in touch
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