Urban clothing moguls
Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons recently premiered the latest collection of Baby
Phat watches, which expands upon the
popular and best-selling "kitty" logo using a variety of Austrian crystal
and leather.
One of the more
popular international collections features the "Hello Kitty" logo
in diamond-encrusted watches.
"We are gonna
sell a lot," Russell Simmons told AllHipHop.com. "You know the ‘Hello
Kitty’ is a huge sales item. It’s number one in Neiman Marcus and it’s been
successful for a while now."
Many of the watch
designs are Asian-inspired, as seen in pieces titled "Puff the Magic Dragon,"
featuring Chinese dragons (or "Chinois") with Japanese flowers on
the face and band.
The timepieces
range from $95 to $185 and are available in department stores such as Macy’s, Dillard’s and D.E.M.O. A lower-priced collection starting at $65 will
be introduced in time for Mother’s Day.
The Baby Phat Watch
Collection debuted in spring 2005 and has grown steadily, introducing new styles
and designs each season.
The Simmons Jewelry
Company launched in January 2004 when Russell Simmons teamed up with M. Fabrikant
and Sons, one of the world’s best-known jewelry companies.
Since the initial
launch, Simmons Jewelry has expanded from high-end jewelry and diamonds to more
affordable watches, necklaces and rings using different types of stones and
fabrics.