With Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger now occupying less space in wholesale, G-III is pushing back—hard
G-III has filed a $250 million breach of contract lawsuit against co-parent company PVH Corp. The two companies have worked together for over a decade through licensing agreements with Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. Tensions began in 2022 when PVH’s CEO, Stefan Larsson, announced plans to scale back both brands’ presence in the wholesale market.
G-III claims this decision directly violated their licensing agreements, which they say extend through 2029, extensions PVH is now refusing to honor. According to G-III, Larsson’s move has significantly impacted their ability to meet minimum sales requirements. As a result, they’re being asked to pay royalties to PVH, despite the fact that PVH’s own actions triggered the drop in sales.
While PVH primarily oversees Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, G-III’s portfolio includes a range of well-established brands such as BCBG, Cole Haan, Levi’s, and Donna Karan. Depending on the outcome of this dispute, G-III could be expected to focus more heavily on expanding other valued names in their portfolio,
PVH and G-III will now bring their licensing dispute to New York State court.