Candie's

Candie's
Product typeClothing, Footwear, Beauty Products
OwnerIconix Brand Group
Introduced1978 (1978)
Previous owners
List
    • El Greco, Inc. (1978โ€“86)
    • Pentland Group (1986โ€“91)
    • Charles Cole's (1991โ€“93)
Websitecandies.com

Candie's is an American women's clothing brand launched in 1978.[1] Originally a shoe brand, it has increased its range of products, currently commercializing T-shirts, blouses, dresses, jackets, pants, lingerie, sweaters, etc.[2]

History

Candie's was originally a Charles Cole line of high-heeled wood-bottom shoes from El Greco Inc. The brand shot to fame partly due to Olivia Newton John wearing a pair of Candie's in the final scene of Grease[3], following which, one of every four women in the United States owned a pair of Candie's by the mid-1980s[4].

In 1986, Pentland Group acquired El Greco.[5] Pentland sold Candie's to Charles Cole's son Neil in 1991.[5] Candie's Inc. (later renamed Iconix Brand Group) acquired the Candie's brand in 1993.[5] Candie's has also sold juniors' jewelry and apparel. The brand also commercialized two fragrances: Candie's Heartbreaker Perfume Collection and Candie's Luxe Eau de Toilette Perfume Spray. The brand has also added curtains and girls' clothing and apparel.

In June 2001, Candie's launched a non-profit foundation called The Candie's Foundation. The foundation's mission is to fight teenage pregnancy.[6][7]

Since 2005, Kohl's Department Stores has had exclusive rights to the Candie's brand in all departments except shoes.[8] As of 2020, Kohl's Department Stores stopped carrying the Candie's brand. [9]

Endorsements

Several artists have signed endorsements with Candie's. Some of them are Sarah Hyland,[10] Fifth Harmony, Bella Thorne (the previous spokesperson in 2015 and 2014)[11] while Carly Rae Jepsen, Lea Michele,[12] Vanessa Hudgens, Britney Spears, Dixie Chicks, Hayden Panettiere,[13] Alyssa Milano, Fergie, Lil' Kim, Ashlee Simpson, Hilary Duff,[8] Kelly Clarkson, Jenny McCarthy, Brandy, Vanessa Carlton, Ashanti, and Destiny's Child have also represented the brand.

References

  1. ^ "Candies Inc. Company History". Company-Histories.com. Retrieved 2017-05-08.
  2. ^ Candie's line on Kohl's store, 17 Aug 2020
  3. ^ Marie, Williams. "Candie's High Heels were all the rage back in the 70's". Quora. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
  4. ^ "Candies". Iconix International. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
  5. ^ a b c "Candie's, Inc". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2024-05-23.
  6. ^ "The Candie's Foundation". Candiesfoundation.org. Archived from the original on 2009-03-26. Retrieved 2010-01-05.
  7. ^ "Celebs Join Hilary Duff to Promote Kohl's Candie's Line". AdRants. Retrieved 2010-01-05.
  8. ^ a b "Candie's, Kohl's Launch Duff Campaign, Sweeps". Chief Marketer. 14 July 2005. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
  9. ^ "Kohl's is removing Jennifer Lopez and 7 other brands from its stores". today.com. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
  10. ^ Sarah Hyland debuts new Candie's campaign, 19 June 2017
  11. ^ Tanenbaum, Sharon (18 July 2014). "Bella Thorne Stars in Candie's Commercial: Behind the Scenes Video". Us Weekly. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
  12. ^ "Glee's Lea Michele Is a Candie's Girl! Stylish Star Named New Spokeswoman". E! Online. 2012-01-12. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  13. ^ "Candie's Unveils 'Heroes' Star Hayden Panettiere as its New Spokesperson". ABC7 Chicago. February 20, 2008. Archived from the original on July 7, 2011. Retrieved June 13, 2008.