Manchester-based clothing brand Il Sarto has expanded its deal with JD sports.
The expansion will see womenswear items from Il Sarto sold in up to 25 JD sports stores from Spring Summer 2020.
The company’s self-described ‘cool-casual’ womenswear products are currently available in five JD stores.
Its clothing is also sold in branches of Manchester-based retailers Footasylum and Couture Club, the latter of which bought shares in the company in May.
Il Sarto was founded in May 2018 by Brad Howard, who appeared on ITV’s The X Factor the year before.
Mr Howard said: “The progress we’ve made in such a short amount of time is amazing and we’re currently working on the ranges that will be sold in the stores next year.
“As a brand we know we must now step up in every way possible, including with our designs, some of which will be exclusive to JD.
“It’s one of the biggest brands we could be working with.”
Mr Howard said “the pressure is on” with the expanded partnership with JD Sports.
“It’s all about delivery now. I know our products are good enough,” he said.
Il Sarto said it takes its influence from Italian tailoring and sells branded, fitted clothing for men as well as women.
Mr Howard said: “Our style is clean cut and subtle, just like much of the fashion in Italy - Il Sarto means ‘the tailor’ in Italian.
“We have six in-house designers who have done a fantastic job with our collections so far.”
