Fashion, Beauty and Branding

Bespoke Representation

From business transactions to IP protection and enforcement to investment strategies and portfolio management, we understand the unique challenges of the fashion, apparel and consumer product market.

The attorneys on Holland & Knight's Fashion, Beauty and Wellness Team take a holistic approach to providing practical legal advice to the sector. We function as brand consultants, providing valuable insight into every facet of your business, as well as at each stage of the business life cycle.

Our deep experience, vast connections, industry knowledge and proprietary platform enable us to deliver full-service representation tailored to the specific goals, life stage and category of your business. This experience was recognized by The Fashion Law in its 2025 list of Top U.S. Law Firms for Retail Companies.

Core Areas of Focus

Chemical Compliance, Sustainability and Regulatory

In today's regulatory climate, fashion, beauty and consumer product companies are under increasing pressure to align their operations with evolving environmental standards. We help clients implement product stewardship strategies that address environmental, safety and compliance risks across the full product life cycle and implement sustainable business practices that align with consumer expectations and global standards. Our team advises on:

• per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) restrictions and chemical disclosure mandates (e.g., Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), European Union's Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and California's Prop 65)
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging and product take-back
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) product labeling, as well as Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advertising compliance and claim substantiation
• environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures, sustainability claims and green marketing compliance
• ingredient transparency and labeling for beauty, personal care and textile products
• supplier contract terms that embed audit rights, substitution planning and traceability
• supply chain transparency and due diligence
• labor and environmental impact regulations
• cross-border regulatory frameworks

IP and Brand Protection

Your brand is your most valuable asset. We provide strategic guidance to protect and enforce IP rights across all channels and markets, including:

• trademark clearance, registration and enforcement
• copyright and design rights
• licensing, collaborations and influencer agreements such as

• licensing of brands, images, music, art and photographs
• collaboration agreements between brand owners, including sports team sponsorships
• social media placement strategies
• agreements with influencers, entertainers and celebrity spokespeople

• monitoring and enforcement of IP rights on third-party retail platforms
• anti-counterfeiting strategies
• IP portfolio management and audits
• advise supplement and cosmeceutical brands on strategic partnerships and white-label product development
• help build out compliant influencer programs and testimonial campaigns that align with truth-in-advertising concepts

Corporate, Financing and Strategic Transactions

We support clients through every stage of growth, from startup formation to complex transactions, regarding:

• entity formation and governance
• venture capital and private equity financing
• mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures
• strategic partnerships and brand collaborations
• e-commerce and digital business structuring
• negotiate co-manufacturing agreements

Product Liability and Risk Management

We help fashion, beauty, apparel and consumer product brands proactively manage product-related risks and respond effectively when issues arise. Our goal is to help clients protect brand reputation and maintain consumer trust while navigating the complex regulatory and litigation landscape. Our team advises on:

• product safety regulations and compliance
• risk mitigation strategies during product development, distribution and supply chain sourcing
• labeling, packaging, environmental marketing claims and warning requirements
• crisis management, recall planning and enforcement response
• defense against product liability claims and class actions
• coordination with insurers and regulatory authorities
• integration of environmental permitting, hazardous waste and waste/air discharge obligations for manufacturing operations
• end-to-end product stewardship, helping clients manage environmental and safety risks from product design and ingredient selection through distribution, use and end-of-life

Real Estate

Holland & Knight's retail real estate team offers comprehensive legal guidance to fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands, helping them navigate the complexities of leasing, development and expansion in a competitive marketplace. We represent national and international retailers, landlords, developers and investors in structuring and negotiating retail leases, build-to-suit agreements and mixed-use development projects across malls, street retail, lifestyle centers, shopping centers and outlet locations.

With deep experience in both urban and suburban retail environments, we advise clients on site selection, lease negotiation, portfolio management and strategic rollouts. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges facing retail brands, from evolving consumer behavior to omnichannel integration, and deliver practical, business-minded solutions that align with brand identity and growth objectives. Whether launching a flagship store or managing a multi-location footprint, we help clients secure the real estate foundation for long-term success.

Top Brands, Top Counsel

Our clients span the full spectrum of the fashion, beauty and wellness industries – from innovative startups and digitally native brands to established multinational companies. We represent businesses at every stage of growth, including:

• apparel and accessories brands (casual, activewear, streetwear and ready-to-wear)
• beauty and personal care companies, including skincare, cosmetics, fragrance and wellness brands
• consumer product companies in high-impact categories such as personal care, home care and textiles
• retailers and e-commerce platforms, from direct-to-consumer pioneers to omnichannel enterprises
• influencers, content creators and talent agencies shaping brand identity and consumer engagement
• product developers, manufacturers and supply chain partners across the globe
• marketing, branding and creative agencies supporting brand development and expansion
• investors and private equity firms focused on consumer and lifestyle sectors

We understand the particular challenges and opportunities facing each of these stakeholders and tailor our legal strategies to support their business goals, regulatory obligations and brand values. We have considerable experience and connections in every segment of the industry. Our approach is always forward-looking, leveraging the latest innovations to create opportunities for our clients and prepare them for potential, unseen risks.

The Holland & Knight Advantage

Holland & Knight's global and collaborative approach gives you access to a full range of legal services. We work seamlessly across jurisdictions and in tandem with teams across the globe to ensure every aspect of your business is covered. By extension, Holland & Knight's Fashion, Beauty and Wellness Team includes extensive experience in handling cross-border issues, regulatory and compliance matters, and supply chain, labor and environmental impact issues, among others.