WHP Global, the brand management firm based in New York and owner of the Vera Wang brand, has signed a new license with the Batra Group to launch an advanced contemporary ready-to-wear collection for women — followed by a men’s line — under the Vera Wang brand across the U.K. and Europe.
This marks the first major licensing deal since WHP Global acquired Vera Wang earlier this year.
“This is an entirely new experience for Vera Wang as we have never before offered product at this price point, for this segment of the market, and at this level of geographical penetration,” said Vera Wang, founder and chief creative officer of her eponymous brand. “I look forward to partnering with Batra Group in creating a collection of specific pieces that reflect my love for wardrobing with a sophisticated, nonchalant and versatile attitude, one that resonates across all age groups, cultures and borders.”
Rajiv Batra, director of Batra Group, said, “With the introduction of our new luxury division at The Batra Group, we are thrilled to launch the Vera Wang ready-to-wear collection in the U.K. and Europe. Vera Wang is an iconic name in global luxury, and we are honored to collaborate directly with Vera herself, and with the support of WHP Global, we look forward to bringing her signature creativity and innovation to new markets.”
“We see our partnership with the Batra Group as an integral step in the global expansion of Vera Wang — one of three core pillars in our long-term growth strategy for the brand,” added Yehuda Shmidman, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of WHP Global. “This strategy includes geographic expansion, media initiatives, and the introduction of hospitality projects — all centered around the powerful brand that Vera Wang built.”
The Luxury Division of the Batra Group is based in London and will oversee the development, production and distribution of the rtw collection, with plans to launch across premium retail partners, specialty boutiques, and dedicated Vera Wang flagship locations throughout the region.
The first collection will launch for fall 2026 and will be available to retailers in Vera Wang showrooms in London and Paris.
Shmidman told WWD that he’s been a friend of Rajiv Batra for many years and called him “super successful.” Shmidman noted that he closed the Vera Wang deal in the first quarter, “and this is the first significant new partnership that we have signed.
“It’s not just any partnership, it’s a partnership that will anchor the Vera Wang empire in Europe. And eventually we see this opening up not just Europe, but we see this as a gateway to Vera Wang expanding in the Middle East and continuing throughout Asia,” said Shmidman.
Shmidman sees the Vera Wang brand as having three pillars — geographical expansion, media and hospitality. As far as hospitality, he could see the Vera Wang brand going into the world of hotels, residences and restaurants. “I mean don’t you just love the Polo Bar, don’t you love the Bulgari Hotel? We see Vera Wang in hospitality. It could be a wedding hall,” he said. He anticipates to sign his first deal in hospitality this year.
He noted that there are Vera Wang flagships in China and Japan and with this new partnership with Batra, he hopes to open Vera Wang stores in the U.K., Europe and then eventually in the Middle East. “I could sees stores in Dubai, and I could see Vera Wang stores in Riyadh, or Abu Dhabi, and of course throughout the Gulf,” he said.
He noted that Wang will be intimately involved in the design of the rtw advanced contemporary collection. He also said he could see expansion into such categories as footwear, handbags, jewelry and accessories throughout Europe and the Middle East. “That’s all on the table,” said Shmidman.
In the U.S., Wang already has deals for such categories as fine jewelry, fragrance, home and tabletop, among others.
In 1990, Wang created her own brand by bringing her distinct fashion edge to the traditional world of bridal. In 1991, she created a collection of made-to-order couture clothing for VIP and celebrity clients, which continues to this day. In 2000, she launched her ready-to-wear collection. She was named Womenswear Designer of the Year in 2005 by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Her collections are known for their minimalism, signature layers and attention to detail.
Vera Wang continues to operate the Vera Wang Haute bridal collection and the Vera Wang Haute ready-to-wear businesses. Vera Wang also continues to create custom haute looks for celebrity red carpet appearances.
As reported earlier this month, she introduced Vera Wang Haute’s latest bridal collection globally, offering gowns that retail between $12,000 and $30,000, which is under Wang’s auspices.
WHP’s portfolio, which includes over 12 brands in fashion, sports and hardgoods, generates over $7.5 billion in annual retail sales across more than 80 countries.
Batra Group, founded in 1949, is a 100 percent family-owned business that serves the Europe, Middle East and Africa region for licensed brands while providing sourcing and supply solutions worldwide. The global organization manages a diverse portfolio of more than 25 brands, and collaborates with over 400 partners, reaching more than 5,000 retail doors. Its brand portfolio includes Reebok, Fila, Juicy Couture, Russell Athletic, Hunter Boots, Hi-Tec, Hoodrich, Pony, Sergio Tacchin and Dirty London.
