NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Starter, the groundbreaking sports apparel brand founded in 1971, partners with G-III Apparel Group to revive the classic satin jacket - one of the most iconic team apparel items in the history of sports licensing. Over the years, the "Starter Jacket" evolved to become a wardrobe staple for sports fans, players, entertainers and trendsetters to express their team pride and street style – which continues to resonate in the marketplace to this day.

The partnership brings G-III Sports President/Founder and former NFL pro Carl Banks full circle with his relationship to the brand. When Carl Banks was playing in the NFL (New York Giants, 1984-1992), Starter's CEO at the time, David Beckerman, took Banks under his wing and introduced him to the apparel industry. Today, Banks is helping to breathe life back into the beloved Starter brand and will unveil the new NFL line to retailers and press days before Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, LA at the Starter Parlor (321 Chartres Street). The consumer launch will take place Fall 2013 for back to school season.

"With a history dating back to the 70's, the convergence of sports, fashion and entertainment was created and defined by Starter, which paved the way for many brands to follow suit," says Banks. "The Starter jacket was a beacon of 80's and 90's fashion and we can't wait to bring it back with contemporary styling and a modern athletic fit."

For more information, to speak to company executives or to request Starter samples, please contact Sarah Cirkiel ([email protected]) or Theresa Tran ([email protected]) 212.475.4919.

ABOUT G-III APPAREL GROUP

G-III is a leading manufacturer and distributor of outerwear, dresses, sportswear, swimwear, beachwear and women's suits, as well as handbags and luggage, under licensed brands, our own brands and private label brands. G-III sells swimwear, accessories and resort wear under our own Vilebrequin brand. G-III also sells outerwear and dresses under our own Andrew Marc, Marc New York and Marc Moto brands and has licensed these brands to select third parties in certain product categories. G-III has fashion licenses under the Calvin Klein, Sean John, Kenneth Cole, Cole Haan, Guess?, Jones New York, Jessica Simpson, Vince Camuto, Ivanka Trump, Nine West, Ellen Tracy, Tommy Hilfiger, Kensie, Mac & Jac, Levi's and Dockers brands and sports licenses with the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, National Hockey League, Touch by Alyssa Milano and more than 100 U.S. colleges and universities. Our other owned brands include Jessica Howard, Eliza J, Black Rivet, G-III, G-III Sports by Carl Banks and Winlit. G-III also operates retail stores under the Wilsons Leather, Vilebrequin, Calvin Klein Performance and Andrew Marc names.

ABOUT STARTER

Owned by Iconix Brand Group, Starter stands for heritage, authenticity and sports performance and is committed to producing apparel to the highest standards of design and value. Established in 1971, Starter pioneered the fusion of sports clothing with popular culture by forging partnerships with major professional sports leagues, colleges, Olympics sports and individual athletes.

SOURCE G-III