Lewis back with new clothing label

By DITA DI BONI

Three months after having the Esprit licence taken from him, David Lewis is back.

Mr Lewis who, with the Lewis Group, held the local Esprit clothing retail licence for over 20 years until it was suddenly withdrawn late last year - then extended a further six months - will launch a new clothing brand in 23 nationwide stores in the next three weeks.

The label - called Amie - will target the higher-end womenswear, casual, children's and accessories market with clothes that have taken their inspiration from a mixture of local and international labels, Mr Lewis says.

He says there is no reason why the company will not eventually match the Esprit turnover of around $20 million annually.

All 150 staff from the old Esprit stores have been retained in the new venture.