• MAGASCHONI HIRES CFO: Magaschoni has hired its first chief financial officer. The bridge-priced, cashmere-based line tapped Brian Sloam, former cfo of French Connection USA, as executive vice president and cfo. Based in New York, Sloam reports to Magaschoni president Monica Forman. “We’re on a diet, and our business model is going to change,” Forman said. Magaschoni, which wholesales from $45 to $300 for spring and is sold in 640 doors, projects sales to be down by an unspecified percentage in the first quarter and anticipates a bounce back in the second and third quarters, Forman said.
• NAUTICA OUTERWEAR LICENSE: Nautica Apparel Inc. has signed a licensing agreement with The Levy Group Inc. for women’s outerwear in the U.S. and Canada launching for fall. The new collection, featuring wool and down coats, rainwear, performance and active jackets, will be sold in major department stores. The collection retails from $149 to $349. Levy already holds Nautica’s license for men’s tailored topcoats and rainwear through its acquisition of J. Seigel Inc. in late 2007.