Knitting Factory launches lifestyle collection

Knitting Factory Entertainment (KFE), the 360-degree entertainment company best known for its legendary musical heritage, has signed an agreement with IBE (Intelligent Brand Extension) to launch a global entertainment lifestyle collection. This collection will boast unique and original pieces in many categories, such as apparel; footwear; accessories and leather goods; audio and electronic equipment; skate decks and snowboards. The collection is inspired by the brand’s heritage to create a uniquely American collection made in America. It will feature homegrown collaborations and pieces made exclusively in the United States.

Among the first categories to look for in Knitting Factory Entertainment products are apparel—hoodies, tees and accessories—featuring original designs and imagery from iconic shows held at Knitting Factory Entertainment venues. A first selection will be sold at Knitting Factory venues across the US as well as at www.knittingfactory.com. Other categories where deals have closed include iPhone skins, with Ecotekaworld a U.S. manufacturer using only 100% U.S. grown and forested wood from Sustainable Forest regions.

Morgan Margolis, CEO of Knitting Factory Entertainment commented: “We’ve been off the grid for a long time as an independent promoter and operator. Today, we have music venues in five states, a restaurant division, a consultation group, record labels, management companies, and partnerships with theatrical, film and distribution entities. Now we’re making an extensive push to brand our company domestically and worldwide.”

Tatiana J. Whytelord, Founder and President of IBE also commented: “We are delighted to work with Morgan Margolis and his team, and to represent such an iconic and avant-garde brand. Knitting Factory Entertainment is one of few organizations that are truly looking to differentiate themselves on many levels and we are here to help make that happen.

The entertainment lifestyle collection will allow the current fans to connect even further with the brand, whilst offering the wider audience the opportunity to experience the long standing tradition and Handcrafted Legacies of the Knitting Factory Entertainment brand.”

KFE owns the hip Knitting Factory venue in Brooklyn, alongside concert houses in the Pacific Northwest (Boise, Idaho and Spokane, Washington), and Reno, Nevada. It also presents tours and concerts at other venues throughout the nation, ranking number 15 in the Pollstar 2011 Year End National Top 100 Promoters Ticket Sales, and number 28 in the 2011 Year End Worldwide Top 100 Promoters Ticket Sales. KFE also owns a record label which has successfully reissued the entire catalog of Afrobeat godfather Fela Kuti (and co-produced the Tony nominated Broadway musical FELA!), and the recently Grammy-nominated Femi Kuti release, to name but a few. The label has also partnered with Partisan Records, a Brooklyn-based indie label with renowned artists such as Deer Tick, Mountain Man, Middle Brother and the new Heartless Bastards release. Recently, KFE added artist management to their enterprises by opening KFM - Knitting Factory Management.

Over the last 12 months, the company has partnered with Van Johnson (of VJC) to start a film and TV division and opened its first gastro pub, The Federal Bar in North Hollywood, in 2011.

The synergy of these endeavors, from the recording studio to the stage to Broadway to Brooklyn, to the burgeoning North Hollywood bar and restaurant scene, and now to an entertainment lifestyle collection points to a company with the creative leadership to continue to grow and provide endless high-quality entertainment options.