The brand still best-known for its iconic track suits has already made forays into high-fashion with its Bird collection, and has recruited the insider-favored Fetherston to add spark to their business through 2011.
According to WWD, the designer's presence will first be felt in the label's holiday 2010 collection, where Fetherston will offer a few limited-edition pieces. However, the bulk of Fetherston's work will be for next year -- the designer is scheduled to create pieces for the brand through the end of 2011, while also continuing her eponymous line.
Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy, the co-founders and co-designers of the brand, ceased creative work at the brand earlier this year, so it makes sense that Juicy (which now falls under the Liz Claiborne umbrella) would seek a new creative talent to revitalize the line, whose popularity (despite generating $540 million in sales last year) might actually be starting to wane -- WWD reports that Nordstom actually dropped the line for fall. Recruiting a hot, young guest designer for a limited amount of time is actually a pretty clever strategic move for the brand, since it means that Juicy will be able to benefit from being affiliated with a talent like Fetherston, though neither party will have to commit to a long-term partnership.
And, yes, Fetherston is apparently even excited to work on the legendary (if much-maligned) velour track suit, which, as she herself pointed out in her WWD interview, is coming up on its 10th anniversary.
