Dive Brief:

• Xcel Brands —​ which manages the acquisition, design, licensing, and marketing of consumer brands —​ on Wednesday announced the March opening of a second Isaac Mizrahi New York store in Atlanta.

• The Isaac Mizrahi New York brand owned by Xcel sells clothing and accessories in department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, but has yet to open a physical store in New York City.

• Mizrahi has been a notable designer for some 30 years, selling clothing, accessories, and fragrances through Target, QVC, and other retailers at various times, and has had a prominent media presence, especially on television.

Dive Insight:

Isaac Mizrahi was seen as a promising design talent when he burst on the scene in the late 1980s and helped Target usher in its era of top designers working with discount retailers. He demonstrated his talent, his strong opinions, and his process during the documentary Unzipped and on his many television shows. But he fell on hard times and has been battling back bravely ever since. This second opening in Atlanta is a good sign for the brand, though some people would like to see Isaac Mizrahi New York actually arrive in New York.