LK Bennett set for category and market expansion as IMG takes on global licensing

Months after falling into administration, LK Bennett is set to be revived through a new strategic partnership between IMG Licensing and its parent company Gordon Brothers. The US brand management firm has tapped IMG to lead a regimaging of the British label that will see it move beyond its fashion-focus to become a broader lifestyle brand.

In what is described to be a next chapter in LK Bennett’s evolution, IMG will serve as the global licensing agency, supporting a category and market extension through a global licensing programme. New opportunities are expected to be introduced immediately, with a broader expansion to roll out in the coming years. Initial product launches, meanwhile, are anticipated to begin in 2027, with homeware, accessories, beauty and other categories being eyed.

Gordon Brothers’ senior managing director and head of brand operations, Carolyn D’Angelo, said the partnership provided an opportunity to reimagine LK Bennett for today’s customer as well as new global audiences. “By combining IMG’s global reach and licensing expertise with Gordon Brothers’ proven approach to brand revitalisation, we are creating a platform for long-term growth across multiple lifestyle categories,” D’Angelo added.

The firm took a similar approach to that of Laura Ashley, which it similarly acquired from administration and subsequently sought to revitalise through investments into operations and licensing partners. Gordon Brothers acquired LK Bennett earlier this year and shuttered the brand’s stores and website as it looked to implement an asset-light model and develop a long-term strategy.