NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sequential Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:SQBG) ("Sequential" or the "Company") announced today the signing of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tori Kelly as the new face and brand ambassador of William Rast, the fashion brand co-founded by Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c7ad5111-a012-4681-9e32-01f862ce5c48
Tori Kelly’s role as brand ambassador kicked off last night during a special live performance at Fashion Group International’s Night of Stars gala where Justin Timberlake received the Lord & Taylor Fashion Oracle Award, which was presented by fashion designer Neil Barrett. Kelly paid tribute to the brand co-founder by delivering a surprise performance of his song “Suit & Tie.”
Jameel Spencer, Division President of Fashion at Sequential Brands Group, stated “We were really attracted to Tori’s youthful vibe, impeccable style and undeniable talent. We are thrilled to have her on board.”
Tori Kelly’s rise to success has been ten plus years in the making, from posting covers on YouTube in her bedroom, to writing, producing and releasing her own EP’s; she is the definition of DIY. To date, Kelly’s YouTube channel boasts over 1 million subscribers and over 110 million views. Her album, “Unbreakable Smile” debuted at No. 2 and her latest single Hollow was released yesterday. She’s delivered knockout performances at this year’s VMA’s, Billboard Music Awards, and BET Awards and will perform at MTV’s EMAs on Sunday.
“William Rast is an incredible brand and I am a huge fan of their edgy designs,” said Kelly. “The brand is rooted at the center of music, so this partnership felt seamless for me and I am honored to be a part of it.”
William Rast’s Fall 2015/Spring 2016 ad campaigns will feature Tori Kelly and launch in select traditional and digital media outlets, on billboards and in retailers such as Lord and Taylor.
To see the brand video for the Fall 2015 campaign, visit: bit.ly/WRFALL15
To view images from last night’s event, visit BFA at http://bit.ly/FGI_BFA or Getty Images at http://bit.ly/FGI_Getty.
ABOUT WILLIAM RAST
The WILLIAM RAST brand was born in 2005 in Los Angeles, California, co-founded by Justin Timberlake and his life-long friend and business partner, Trace Ayala. William Rast is valued for delivering quality, fashion forward design and premium fit, and has become a staple for denim fans worldwide. Grounded in the iconography of American denim heritage and biker culture, yet re-packaged and presented in a contemporary context, WILLIAM RAST channels the renewed confidence and vision of people all over the world today. WILLIAM RAST combines the authentic qualities of American heritage with modern and sophisticated fits, fabrics, washes and techniques. www.williamrast.com
ABOUT SEQUENTIAL BRANDS GROUP, INC.
Sequential Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:SQBG) owns, promotes, markets, and licenses a portfolio of consumer brands in the fashion, active, and lifestyle categories. Sequential seeks to ensure that its brands continue to thrive and grow by employing strong brand management, design and marketing teams. Sequential has licensed and intends to license its brands in a variety of consumer categories to retailers, wholesalers and distributors in the United States and around the world. For more information, please visit Sequential's website at: www.sequentialbrandsgroup.com. To inquire about licensing opportunities, please email: newbusiness@sbg-ny.com.
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.