• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Subscribe
  • Fashion
  • Sneakers
  • Bags
  • Accessories
  • Music
  • Rihanna
  • Follow
    • INSTAGRAM
    • FACEBOOK
    • PINTEREST
    • TWITTER
    • YOUTUBE
Sneakers January 22, 2016
By Lois Sakany
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Share Tweet Pin Linkedln Email Reddit
Sneakers

Pharrell Buys Back Name From Struggling Iconix

January 22, 2016. 1 Comment

Pharrell Williams has purchased back the 50 percent share of his brand, Billionaire Boys Club aka BBC, owned by Iconix Brand Group, a New York-based brand management company whose names include Rocawear, Starter, Joe Boxer and Pony, among others. Iconix stated that the brand accounted for less than 1 percent of total revenue.

Now back in charge of BBC, a label he launched in 2005, Williams will be able to exert more control over design and just as importantly, distribution. One has to assume Williams has been eyeing the vibrancy of the men’s fashion scene and given his established credentials as style leader and influencer, sees an opportunity to build a respected brand, perhaps taking a path not unlike that of Kanye West.

Williams’ decision to take back complete ownership of his company when he did was likely also influenced by troubles that surfaced at Iconix in November when an interim CEO revealed the company may have may issued misleading business information to investors. 

More recently it was announced the company is under investigation by the SEC. The news combined with poor third-quarter earnings has caused the company’s stock priced to fall off of a cliff, leaving the company in a position where it’s more open to negotiate on the selling price of its brands.

Williams’ lost a lot of control of BBC in 2011 when Jay-Z announced through Twitter he was partnering with the brand through his own label Rocawear. And while Jay-Z at the time claimed control of design and marketing of both Williams’ and his label, Iconix’s majority stake in Rocawear brought BBC under its umbrella.

Just one year later, the NY Post reported that half the staff at Rocawear had been laid off. In the article, an insider alleged Jay-Z was no longer interested in promoting the Rocawear brand and was receiving more money in fees than the brand was making.

Williams is not buying back the same brand he created eleven years ago. Generic design and careless distribution during its time under Iconix management have tarnished its reputation, and if Williams’ goal is to improve its status, it will not be an easy undertaking.

As well, given the streetwear category’s current struggles, unless he partners with another company, it probably will mean the company won’t immediately be profitable.

That said, Pharrell has worked with Adidas in the past so again, taking a page out of West’s book, one possible option is partnering with a global brand like Adidas (or Nike or Puma or VF Corp.) on footwear while maintaining control over apparel.

Given his clout and reputation, he definitely will have options and it’s a good bet that since the announcement has been made, Pharrell has been on the receiving end of more than a few parties interested in working with him.

Sneakers Streetwear Billionaire Boys Club Iconix Pharrell Williams

What To Read Next

Read More
Sneakers

Designer Nicole McLaughlin Gives A Green Thumbs Up With Vans Vault Slip-On Collab

Designer Nicole McLaughlin has taken to Instagram to preview a debut collaboration with Vans Vault. Known for her

Read More ...
by Lois Sakany on March 21, 2023
SHARE
Read More
Collaboration

First Look At Ottolinger And Puma’s Collaboration

Berlin-based Ottolinger, by swiss-born Christa Bösch and Cosima Gadient debut their collaboration with Puma during their fall 2023

Read More ...
by Snobette on March 5, 2023
SHARE
Read More
Collaboration

Puma Partners With Laquan Smith On Sexy Selection Of Active Lifestyle Silhouettes

Puma has launched a collaborative collection with Laquan Smith, first shown during the label's New York Fashion Week

Read More ...
by Snobette on February 28, 2023
SHARE
Mitchell & Ness is getting cooked on the styling f Mitchell & Ness is getting cooked on the styling for its newly launched NBA dresses. Someone said they gentrified the jersey dress. Do you see a problem here?
Today Harley-Davidson drops its first foray into f Today Harley-Davidson drops its first foray into fashion with #HDCollections an assortment of unisex lines ranging from rare vintage pieces, to cozy classics like hoodies and sweatpants to luxe leather pants and jackets.

Designed in New York under the creative direction of newly appointed Central Saint Martins alum, Louise Goldin, the collection of lines aims to tap into the ever hot moto trend. 

Available on hdcollections.com.

Thoughts?

#motostyle #harleydavidson
Marc Jacobs pretty much owned a good portion of th Marc Jacobs pretty much owned a good portion of the 2000's when it came to accessories, mostly handbags. 
(See our stories for throwbacks)

This year he relaunches the 'Stam' bag named after  model Jessica Stam. The campaign shot by Harley Weir, styled by Alistair McKimm highlights the dolls of that era: Ashanti, Paris Hilton, Selma Blair and Ashlee Simpson!

Did you own a Marc Jacobs or Marc by Marc bag?
#Snobette#internationalwomensday mood cause here i #Snobette#internationalwomensday mood cause here its women's day 365 days a year!

Cheers to us🥂

Walk by queen Omahyra Mota for Harris Reed debut as Nina Ricci's creative director.
For all the awareness that many have tried to crea For all the awareness that many have tried to create in high fashion about diversity, most large houses like #Prada and #MiuMiu now cast a few Asian and Black models. The commitment to skinny bodies only tho is unwavering!

Shout out to cutie #ZayaWade  who made her runway debut at Miu Miu’s fall '23 runway show!
Jerry Lorenzo unveiled his Essentials by Fear of G Jerry Lorenzo unveiled his Essentials by Fear of God spring '23 collection. Styled by Veneda Carter who took inspiration from dancers in styling, the assortment includes the introduction of corduroy as a new material and as always a beautiful color palette.

Do you have a favorite Essentials piece? 

Now on fearofgod.com
INSTAGRAMFACEBOOKPINTERESTTWITTERYOUTUBE
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop

Copyright © Snobette - Privacy Policy

Asset 1
Asset 1
Asset 1
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Fashion
  • Sneakers
  • Bags
  • Accessories
  • Music
  • Rihanna