New York-based Centric Brands LLC has entered a JV with the lifestyle collective founded by DJ Kygo and Myles Shear, Palm Tree Crew to transform the brand into a comprehensive global apparel and accessories powerhouse. The move leverages Centric’s $3 billion operational platform to scale Palm Tree Crew’s cultural influence across diverse consumer categories.
Scaling experience-led apparel through operational excellence
As the global fashion industry faces a projected low single-digit growth period in 2026, market leaders are shifting focus toward ‘experience-driven’ sectors that command higher consumer loyalty. This venture focuses on high-margin Men’s and Women’s apparel, utilizing Centric’s sophisticated design and sourcing infrastructure. By integrating Palm Tree Crew’s ‘tropical luxury’ aesthetic with Centric’s distribution network - which spans major department stores and digital platforms - the partnership seeks to capture the rising demand for lifestyle-centric self-expression.
Strategic portfolio diversification amidst economic volatility
The collaboration follows Centric’s recent aggressive expansion, including the acquisition of Fownes Brothers and the Vingino Group to expand its international kids and accessories divisions. Culturally relevant brands are central to our growth strategy, states Jason Rabin, CEO, Centric Brands. While macroeconomic headwinds and shifting tariffs challenge undifferentiated retailers, Centric is mitigating risk by investing in brands with built-in communities. Palm Tree Crew’s existing ecosystem of festivals and hospitality provides a unique, low-cost marketing funnel, positioning the new apparel lines for sustained, profitable global growth.
Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle collective managing a portfolio of over 100 iconic licenses, including Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. With an estimated annual revenue exceeding $3.1 billion, the company is currently expanding its physical and digital footprint globally, targeting high-growth lifestyle and ‘experience-first’ apparel categories through 2028.
