Hughes Hubbard Inks Groundbreaking Deal Between Led Zeppelin and John Varvatos
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November 14, 2019 — The rm brokered a groundbreaking collaboration between Led Zeppelin and designer John Varvatos to co-create an exclusive collection in honor of the legendary rock band’s 50th anniversary.
The deal came just ahead of the Nov. 8th anniversary of the drop of the band’s best-selling album, Led Zeppelin IV, which received a 23 times multi-platinum certi cation from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and introduced the world to arguably the greatest rock and roll song of all time, “Stairway to Heaven.”
Announced on Oct. 31, the deal has been lauded across the fashion industry, social media and news outlets. The branding will feature “Led Zeppelin x John Varvatos” across a collection of leather jackets, dress shirts, jeans and scarves that evoke the band’s innovative aesthetic, under the guidance of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones themselves. The collection includes subtle nods to die-hard fans and rock a cionados, such as a limited edition tee shirt with the iconic turquoise text from the band’s rst album and a vintage shirt bearing the mythical symbols famously used in lieu of a formal title for Led Zeppelin IV.
HHR’s Media, Technology and Commercial Transactions Group handled the deal from start to nish, successfully navigating complex issues related to design, authorship, production and royalties with the members of the band and their representatives.
Members of Led Zeppelin praised the deal. “The Varvatos style is unique – he’s out on his own,” said singer Robert Plant. “Above and beyond the crowd below.”
Guitarist Jimmy Page said, “Iʼm pleased that there is now a Led Zeppelin collection. I was really impressed with how everything came out.”
Hughes Hubbard Inks Groundbreaking Deal Between Led Zeppelin and John Varvatos 1/2 The deal has been extensively covered across the fashion industry in Women’s Wear Daily, Maxim Italia, Fashion United, Reverb and by numerous boutiques and in uencers, in addition to media outlets such as iHeart Radio and the band’s own social media accounts.
Earlier this year, HHR brokered an unprecedented partnership deal between the brand and “Game of Thrones,” the most popular series in HBO history. HHR has also negotiated product partnerships with Converse sneakers, Elizabeth Arden fragrances and the Jimi Hendrix Estate, as well as fashion endorsement deals with celebrities, including pop star Nick Jonas.
Matthew Syrkin led the team, with assistance from Dena Smith and Donald D’Amico.
Related People
Matthew Syrkin Dena Smith
Donald J. D'Amico
Related Areas of Focus
Media, Technology & Commercial Transactions
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