Embattled US department store Barneys New York has been reborn as a beauty brand, after falling into bankruptcy and being acquired by Authentic Brands Group (ABG) in 2019.
Skin care, fragrance, hair care and body care products feature in the business’ new range, which were developed in partnership with Korean-based lifestyle company Gloent Group.
The Barneys New York Beauty collection will be available at barneys-beauty.com in October 2022, as well as premium global retailers such as saks.com later this year.
“We are excited to partner with Authentic Brands Group for the launch of Barneys New York Beauty,” said Justin Song, CEO of Gloent Group.
“We look forward to continuing Barneys’ rich history of delivering luxury by launching premium beauty, wellness and water products for the next generation’s inner and external health.”
Barney’s skin care products are formulated with Glocela, an antioxidant care ingredient complex created exclusively by Gloent Group.
Cloudberry features as a key ingredient in Glocela, which helps to hydrate and firm skin while protecting it from visible signs of ageing.
Other products include Barneys New York Double Action Hydrogel Mask, a two-step facial
mask kit that includes an exfoliating cotton pad that clarifies skin.
“We are pleased to be partnering with Gloent Group to introduce Barneys New York Beauty,” added Jarrod Weber, Group President Lifestyle, Chief Brand Officer, at ABG.
“Gloent Group brings expertise in beauty, and these products will expand Barneys New York’s unique luxury offerings through elevated, high-quality skin care products.”
Barneys filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August 2019, during a difficult time for US retailers on the high street.
It secured US$75m from affiliates of Hilco Global and the Gordon Brothers Group to support a sale process.
The company continued to operate five flagship locations in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Boston, as well as Barneys.com and BarneysWarehouse.com.
Its stores in Chicago, Las Vegas and Seattle, along with five smaller concept stores and seven Barneys Warehouse locations, were shuttered.
Reports at the time claimed that the bankruptcy protection would help alleviate the pressure of expensive leases.
"Like many in our industry, Barneys New York's financial position has been dramatically impacted by the challenging retail environment and rent structures that are excessively high relative to market demand," Barneys CEO Daniella Vitale said in a statement at the time.
Barneys was founded in 1923, when Barney Pressman opened a men’s discount clothing store.
His son Fred helped evolve the retailer into a luxury store and it became synonymous with luxury fashion and cutting edge brands.
