Velvet, the contemporary clothing collection, announced today that it has received a growth investment from Snow Phipps Group (“Snow Phipps”), a leading private equity firm. As part of the investment, Snow Phipps has acquired a significant interest in the company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Velvet’s Chief Executive Officer, Henry Hirschowitz, and the entire senior management team, including designers Jenny Graham and Toni Spencer, will remain with Velvet. In addition, Andrew Megibow, a Snow Phipps Operating Partner, will join the team and become non-executive Chairman. Mr. Megibow is formerly of Ellen Tracy where he was instrumental in transforming the company from a small wholesaler into a fashion icon.
Velvet is a contemporary collection that offers a fresh approach for women that demand more than just novelty from fashion. Velvet’s designers, Jenny Graham and Toni Spencer, fuse quality with trend-setting basics, and the result is a collection of soft and sensuous pieces that flatter without sacrificing feminine fit and beauty.
“The investment from Snow Phipps is a true testament to our accomplishments over the years and to our future strategy,” said Henry Hirschowitz, Chief Executive Officer at Velvet. “Beginning with our luxurious modern t-shirts, we have naturally expanded into dresses, menswear with Velvetmen and more. As we look ahead, we are pleased to have the Snow Phipps team on board during this exciting time.”
“This transaction represents our firm’s first foray into the apparel industry despite having spent a number of years searching for an ideal investment candidate,” said Ian Snow, Managing Partner at Snow Phipps. “The Snow Phipps team is pleased to be partnering with the great team at Velvet.”
“Henry and his entire management team at Velvet, working alongside their incredibly talented designers, have done a remarkable job of creating a truly unique product, expanding upon it with the luxury Graham and Spencer collection, and partnering with high-end retailers to reach sophisticated consumers around the world,” said Andrew Megibow. “Velvet offers a comfortable, wearable elegance that modern women and men demand, and they have a plan in place that will drive the company forward for many years to come. We are excited to partner with them as they continue to grow,” said Alan Mantel, Investment Partner at Snow Phipps.
The Sage Group served as exclusive financial advisor to Velvet.