Designer Danielle DiFerdinando Partners With Collection 18

Collection 18, a supplier of fashion accessories for over 40 years, and designer Danielle DiFerdinando have formed a long-term licensing partnership to launch DiFerdinando, a contemporary lifestyle brand.

The debut line is scheduled to launch in April.

“The collection will feature handbags, jewelry and hair accessories reflecting the brand’s signature romantic, whimsical DNA with an elevated flair,” DiFerdinando, founder and senior vice president of DiFerdinando, told WWD. “DiFerdinando will be defined by imaginative design, artisanal detail, and the spirit of everyday elegance.”

For the spring 2026 collection, “The star of the show is a custom lace embroidery that feels bespoke and intimate, something whispered rather than shown,” DiFerdinando said. “Sculptural 3D roses bloom along clean, functional forms.”

She said the summer 2026 collection “channels the feeling of a seaside escape, where each design is meant to transport your outfit to tropical paradise…Picture woven cording to mimic bikini strings, custom bag jewelry, watercolor and ombré prints.”

DiFerdinando has a track record of ties to pop culture, designing and developing kitschy co-branded bags depicting characters and representations from such commercial hits as “Game of Thrones,” “Harry Potter” and Bugs Bunny through licenses with HBO, Disney, Warner Bros. and Nickelodeon. Her designs typically feature custom detailing, mixed textured materials and signature hardware and have been carried by Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Macy’s and other retailers.

“Since I was 18, my career has been dedicated to connecting with people who view fashion as both art and emotion,” DiFerdinando said. “I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some of the world’s most iconic brands and entertainment partners — each experience shaping the vision and craftsmanship behind DiFerdinando. Partnering with Collection 18 is a natural next step.”

DiFerdinando said she has an Instagram community of over 150,000 followers, which she calls her “Di-Dreamers.” The DiFerdinando brand will expand its community through direct-to-consumer experiences and initiatives, interactive social experiences, in-person pop-ups and collaborations.

“Combining Collection 18’s production force with DiFerdinando’s attention to design detail was undeniably right,” said Drew Pizzo, president of Collection 18, in a statement. “Danielle and her team have been working very hard to craft thoughtful pieces of wearable art that evoke joy and confidence.”

Founded in 1982, Collection 18is a New York City-based fashion company specializing in handbags, scarves, hats, belts and accessories distributed in department and specialty stores across the U.S. Collection 18’s licensing programs include accessories for Vince Camuto, Nine West and BCBG.