Knitting Factory Entertainment Launches Lifestyle Products Division

January 14th, 2012 by Trenton

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NYC-based Knitting Factory Entertainment (KFE) has just expanded its scope yet again, signing an agreement with the cultural branding firm IBE (Intelligent Brand Extension) to launch a global entertainment lifestyle collection.

Prepare to enscone your iPhone in a Knitting Factory-branded Ecotekaworld skin.

The diverse collection will be built around many categories, including apparel; footwear; accessories and leather goods; audio and electronic equipment; skate decks and snowboards. The collection is inspired by the brand’s heritage, which stems from its world-renowned NYC-originating live venues, to create a uniquely American collection, which is made in America. The line will feature homegrown collaborations and pieces made exclusively in the United States.

One of the first KFE product lines will be apparel — hoodies, tees and accessories — which feature original designs and imagery from iconic shows held at KFE venues. The first selection will be sold at Knitting Factory venues across the US as well as at http://www.knittingfactory.com.  Soon to come are an offering of iPhone skins made with Ecotekaworld a U.S. manufacturer using only 100% U.S. grown and forested wood from Sustainable Forest regions.

NYC concertgoers who associate Knitting Factory solely with live music discovery in Williamsburg  might be surprised to learn the current extent of KFE’s diverse media empire: Today, the company comprises music venues in five states, a restaurant division, a consultation group, record labels, management companies, and partnerships with theatrical, film and distribution entities.

Currently, KFE owns its flagship Knitting Factory venue in Brooklyn, along with concert houses in Boise, Idaho, Spokane, Washington, and Reno, Nevada. The company’s presentation of tours and concerts at other venues throughout the nation has earned it the ranking of #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.

In addition, KFE 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.  The label has also partnered with Brooklyn-based indie label Partisan Records, whose roster includes Deer Tick, Mountain Man, Middle Brother and the new Heartless Bastards release. And recently, KFE added artist management to their enterprises by opening KFM – Knitting Factory Management.

Last but not least, the company also partnered last year 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 new lifestyle product division is expected to bolster a push to further promote the company domestically  and internationally.