A high-end men's clothing line, the Don Bas Collection, is taking to the high seas, after signing a contract with a key cruise line operator.
Since launching the Miami-based line 10 months ago, Island Luck CEO Sebas Bastian revealed to Guardian Business that he is happy with the direction the company is going so far.
"It's definitely gaining momentum. It's a growing process. You can't expect to make millions of dollars overnight. We are constantly building out new accounts and sending out samples," according to Bastian. "Currently, we are moving approximately 3,000 units monthly. However, we would like that to increase to 5,000 units. We are confident that can happen soon."
The Don Bas Collection signed with UK-based operator Harding Brothers for the brand to be sold onboard Seabourn's Quest Atlantis and Crystal Serenity cruise ships three weeks ago. Harding Brothers operates retail outlets onboard 52 ships.
According to Rita Mendez, the brand's vice president of global sales and business, she is excited about the opportunity.
"The Don Bas Collection of men's dress shirts, polos and V-necks has been launched, and besides all major stores globally I have now finally entered the duty free world," she explained.
The Miami-based collection is being sold across the United States and Europe in places like the Dolphin and Aventura Malls in Miami and the MGM Grand and Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. It is also sold exclusively at Pat Paul's Atlantis location.
Bastian confirmed to Guardian Business that close to $3 million has been invested in getting the clothing line up and running. The company has four full-time employees and several sales representatives located throughout various markets.
The company opened its doors last September and released its first collection in December, after renting an office space and warehouse in Miami.
"I never saw myself getting into the clothing business. After browsing in the mall one day, I saw a shirt that I really liked, so I bought two of them. I got so many compliments on them, I went back to buy more and realized there were only four or five of them," he shared.
"So I Google searched the shirt's brand and found out who the designer and manufacturer was. Then I visited the showroom, where I learned that the company could do private labeling. This is where they would design a custom made line that you could sell. It sounded like a good idea and from there, I was inspired to do it."
The Don Bas collection's e-commerce site is expected to be completed within a week's time.
The brand will be introduced onboard Seabourn's Quest Atlantis cruise ship beginning August 17. Then it will be carried on the Crystal Serenity, sailing from Cabo San Lucas, from September 6 to 18.

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