Damon Dash Talks $4 Bil Fashion Deal, “She’s Gonna Be As Big As Ralph Lauren”

By Cyrus Langhorne

About a week since announcing a new clothing business venture with his wife Rachel Roy, Roc-A-Fella Records founder Damon Dash has clarified what the deal's value is and how his wife is capable of becoming the female Calvin Klein.

In a recent interview with Peace Magazine, Dame opened up and cleared the confusion of whether the deal with Jones Apparel Group was worth $4 billion and explained his impressions of working with a large company.

"The company is a $4 billion dollar company--I guess we have the potential to make that kind of money. I just never been with a company that big," he said. "Being that it's so outside the scope of what you think an urban individual would do, I'm real proud of that. I didn't just do a deal with a company that's exploiting my culture, I did something that took some respect and some very risky hustling--doing something that doesn't usually happen."

Comparing his wife's deal to when he sold Rocawear clothing to his previous partners including rapper Jay-Z, Norton Cher, and Alex Bize, Dash laughingly confirmed there was no comparison.

"Come on, man. I said $4 billion. Norton was $4 dollars," he joking said. "This is high fashion and volume. This is like elven and minch, you know what I'm saying. It's a class level--they make high-end luxury goods at an affordable price point and they do a lot of it consistency for a long period of time. I don't think they sell their company, they buy'em."

Dash also commented on the limitless possibilities Roy will encounter as she begins to compete against popular lifestyle brand names and name a few high-profile entrepreneurs she will be compared to.

"She has a line it's just gonna be a lot of different lines. It's limitless to what can be done, you don't even know. It means she's gonna be as big as Donna Karen, and big as Ralph Lauren, and big as Calvin Klein. It's that kind of situation."

Speaking briefly on his deal with Pro-Keds, Dame said he has considered selling back his original agreement with the brand.

"I think I'm gonna try to sell stride ride the license back. I don't own it, you know. I would license the brand. It makes no sense to license a brand you don't own."

News: Dame Dash and Wife Rachel Roy Launch New Clothing Line

By Brandi Hopper

Damon Dash is
adding to his empire and helping expand his wife's as well, with the launch of a new $4 billion venture with the brand Rachel Roy.

Jay-Z's former partner and founder of Roc-A-Fella Records already has a vast portfolio consisting of apparel, entertainment, publishing, film, spirits, automotive and a non-profit organization.

Now Roy, who is married to Dame and the mother of his daughter, is following Dash's lead with the mega clothing venture just announced today between her, Dame, Jones Apparel Group and TSM Capital LLC. The venture is half owned by Jones, and the other half is split between Roy, Dash and TSM.

Originally founded in 2004, the Rachel Roy collection "embodies effortless glamour, and is sophisticated with a modern edge," a press release announcing the venture read.

"Both Rachel and her clothing appeal to many audiences around the world, making her a widely renowned design talent," Dame said. "Through this partnership, we will be able to explore new opportunities for Rachel Roy, the brand."

The line is currently available in luxury department stores and select specialty stores including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks, as well as internationally.