Left to right: Thomas Wesch and Barry Fitzpatrick set up SKYlink in 2012.

John Hardy, FAO Schwarz toys and Swarovski licensed brand division’s DKNY and Karl Lagerfeld have joined the SKYlink GmbH portfolio.

The global travel retail distributor has added the labels as it focuses on extending its reach in the airport and cruise ship business.

They bolster a merchandise assortment that includes the likes of Linda Farrow, which is listed with key retailers in Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Moscow, Macau and Heathrow. SKYlink says it now wishes to broaden its portfolio further.

“We are very keen to explore the beauty channel, particularly cosmetics where we see masses of potential,” says Co-Founder and Managing Director Barry Fitzpatrick.

Linda Farrow eyewear collections range from €400 to €1,500.

LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS

He continued: “It’s a highly competitive business, we’re very aware of that, but we’re confident that there’s room for the right brands – particularly those that combine beauty with ‘tech’.”

Established in 2012 by Fitzpatrick and Barry Wesch, SKYlink has a 15-strong team – including the recent recruitment of former Furla executive Erica Genova – and a wide portfolio of brands including its in-house demi-jewellery line Haus of Deitrich.

SKYlink is perhaps better known for its experience and success in inflight, where it works with more than 80 carriers globally with brands like Furla.

“Every new brand that we work with is seen as a long-term partnership,” added Fitzpatrick. “It’s not just about making a margin, but working together with trusting and individually based relationships.

“For us brand values are paramount; each name that we deal with – whether a global such as Mulberry or niche company like Ucon Acrobatics with their sustainable bags – demands a different approach that takes into account elements such as marketing methodology, adjacencies etc.”