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		Page
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY			1
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			9
RISK FACTORS			10
USE OF PROCEEDS			26
MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND DIVIDENDS			27
CAPITALIZATION			28
DILUTION			29
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS			30
BUSINESS			48
MANAGEMENT			62
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION			67
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS			74
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS			77
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES			80
UNDERWRITING			82
LEGAL MATTERS			84
EXPERTS			84
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION			84
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS			F-1

No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the shares of common stock offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. No action is being taken in any jurisdiction outside the United States to permit a public offering of our securities or the possession or distribution of this prospectus in any such jurisdiction. Persons who come into possession of this prospectus in jurisdictions outside of the United States are required to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions as to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus applicable in that jurisdiction.

The information in this prospectus may only be accurate as of the date appearing on the cover page of this prospectus, regardless of the time this prospectus is delivered or shares of our common stock are sold.

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. It does not contain all of the information you should consider before purchasing shares of our common stock. Therefore, before investing in our securities, you should read this prospectus in its entirety, including the risk factors and the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated or the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Xcel” or the “Company” generally refer to Xcel Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Our Company

We are a brand development and media company engaged in the design, licensing, marketing and direct to consumer sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, jewelry and home goods, and the acquisition of additional high profile consumer lifestyle brands. Presently, our brand portfolio consists of the Isaac Mizrahi, Judith Ripka and H Halston brands. We also manage and design the Liz Claiborne New York brand, which is sold exclusively through QVC, a leading direct-response television and ecommerce retailer. Our in-house designers and marketing executives who work with our licensees to help design, promote and elevate each brand within their respective distribution channels. We market and promote our brands by employing a highly-differentiated omni-channel sales strategy, which includes promotion through direct-response television, internet, and traditional brick-and-mortar retail distribution channels, delivering a unique brand experience that is designed to maximize consumer engagement.

Our vision is to re-imagine shopping, entertainment and social as one. By leveraging the reach and media presence of our direct-response television partners, such as QVC, and by developing rich online video and social media content under our brands, we drive increased customer engagement and generate sales across our channels of distribution. Our strong relationships with leading retailers and direct-response television companies, such as QVC and The Shopping Channel, enable us to reach consumers in approximately 317 million homes worldwide.

We believe our business model provides significant competitive advantages as compared to traditional wholesale apparel companies that design, manufacture and distribute products. We remain focused on our core competencies of licensing, design, marketing, brand development and oversight, while outsourcing manufacturing and distribution to best-in-class licensing partners. We believe our platform is highly scalable due to our business model’s low overhead and working capital requirements, coupled with minimum guaranteed income levels through our multi-year licensing contracts. Additionally, we believe we can quickly integrate additional brands into our platform in order to leverage our design and marketing capabilities and retail and licensee relationships.

Our Brand Portfolio

Currently, our brand portfolio includes the Isaac Mizrahi brands, the Judith Ripka brands, the H Halston and H by Halston brands and certain rights to the Liz Claiborne New York brand, or LCNY.

Isaac Mizrahi.  Isaac Mizrahi is an iconic American brand that stands for timeless, cosmopolitan style. Isaac Mizrahi, the designer, launched his eponymous label in 1987 to critical acclaim, including four Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awards. Since then, this brand has become known around the world for its colorful and stylish designs. As a true lifestyle brand, under Xcel’s ownership it has expanded into over 150 different product categories including sportswear, footwear, handbags, watches, eyewear, fragrance, tech accessories, intimates, bridal gowns and accessories, pet products, home and other merchandise. Under our omni-channel retail sales strategy, the brand is available across various distribution channels to reach customers wherever they shop: better department stores, direct-response television, including QVC and The Shopping Channel, our e-commerce site at www.isaacmizrahi.com, and national specialty retailers such as Michaels and Best Buy. The brand is also sold in various global locations including Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the Philippines and the Middle East. When we refer to the Mizrahi brands, we include Isaac Mizrahi New York, IsaacMizrahiLIVE, Isaac Mizrahi Jeans, Isaac Mizrahi CRAFT and Isaac Mizrahi. We acquired the Mizrahi brands in September 2011.

Judith Ripka.  Judith Ripka is a luxury jewelry brand founded by Judith Ripka in 1977. This brand has become known worldwide for its distinctive designs featuring intricate metalwork, vibrant colors and

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distinctive feel. The Judith Ripka LTD fine jewelry collection consists of pieces in 18 karat gold and sterling silver with precious colored jewels and diamonds, and is currently available in fine jewelry stores and luxury retailers. The collection is expected to be available through our e-commerce site at www.judithripka.com commencing in the fall of 2015. A line of luxury watches is expected to be introduced in 2015. Ms. Ripka also launched an innovative collection of fine jewelry on QVC under the Judith Ripka brand in 1996, where she offers customers fine jewelry, watches and accessories at more accessible price points, including precious and semi-precious stones and multi-faceted diamonique stones made exclusively for the brand. We expanded the Ripka brand to The Shopping Channel in Canada in 2014, with additional global expansion planned. The Ripka brands are distributed in various countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia, the Ukraine and elsewhere in Europe and the Middle East. When we refer to the Ripka brands, we include Judith Ripka LTD, Judith Ripka, and all related brands and collections. We acquired the Ripka brands in April 2014.

H Halston.  The H Halston brands are sub-brands of the Halston fashion brands, which include Halston and Halston Heritage. The Halston brand was founded by Roy Halston Frowick in the 1960s, and quickly became one of the most important American fashion brands in the world, becoming synonymous with glamour, sophistication and femininity. Halston’s groundbreaking designs and visionary style still influence designers around the world today. When we refer to the H Halston brands, we include H Halston and H by Halston. We intend to launch the H by Halston brand on QVC in September 2015, which will be available exclusively through direct-response television channels. We plan to launch the H Halston brand as a lifestyle collection in 2016. We acquired the H Halston brands in December 2014.

Liz Claiborne New York.  Liz Claiborne New York is the accessible luxury brand for Liz Claiborne. Liz Claiborne was founded by Anne Elisabeth “Liz” Claiborne in 1976 to address the void she saw in the market to provide stylish clothes for working women. Sold exclusively on QVC, the Liz Claiborne New York line includes women’s apparel, footwear, outerwear and accessories, and is currently distributed in the United States and the United Kingdom. The Liz Claiborne New York brand, or the LCNY brand, reflects the heritage, style and versatile fashion for which the Liz Claiborne brand has become known. We acquired the business and certain rights to the LCNY brand in September 2011.

QVC Strategic Partnership

QVC is an important strategic partner in our design, marketing and licensing business, and is our largest licensee for each of our Mizrahi, Ripka, H Halston and LCNY brands. QVC’s business model is to promote and sell products through its direct-response television programs and related internet and mobile platforms. We leverage both our brand celebrity hosts as well as alternate brand hosts to promote products under our brands on QVC. According to QVC, QVC increased its global revenues to over $8.8 billion in 2014 through a combination of domestic growth and international expansion into five countries outside of the United States, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy and China, with France as a sixth international country planned for 2015. Additionally, according to QVC, QVC’s customer engagement and reach increased to approximately 317 million homes worldwide in 2014, which helped QVC grow into the number two mobile multi-category retailer in Internet Retailer Mobile 500. Also according to QVC, QVC was tied for second in the ForeSee Experience Index and QVC/Liberty Interactive was ranked sixth in the 2014 Internet Retailer eCommerce Top 500. Additionally, our agreements with QVC allow our brand celebrity hosts and spokespersons to promote our non-QVC product lines and strategic partnerships under the Mizrahi, Ripka, and H Halston brands through QVC’s programs, subject to certain parameters including the payment of a portion of our non-QVC revenues to QVC. We believe that this provides us with a unique advantage to continue to leverage QVC’s media platform, reach and attractive customer base to cross-promote products in and drive traffic to our other channels of distribution.

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Growth Strategy

Our vision is to re-imagine shopping, entertainment and social as one. To fulfill this vision, we plan to continue to grow the reach of our brand portfolio by leveraging our own internal design and marketing expertise and our relationships with key licensees and retailers, and to market our brands through our innovative omni-channel retail sales strategy. Our omni-channel strategy includes distribution through direct-response television, the internet and traditional brick-and-mortar retail channels. By leveraging the reach and media presence of our direct-response television partners, such as QVC, and by developing rich online video and social media content under our brands, we drive increased customer engagement and generate sales across our channels of distribution. Key elements of our strategy include:

From time to time we enter into letters of intent or offer letters with respect to the acquisitions of additional brands. We recently entered into a definitive agreement relating to the acquistion of the C Wonder brand, which we expect to close immediately after the consummation of this offering, and are a party to one other non-binding letter of intent. There can be no assurance that we will complete any additional brand acquisition on favorable terms or at all. See “ — Recent Developments.”

Industry Overview

Licensors are typically brand owners who invest and manage their intellectual property, but leave much of the expense and operational heavy lifting, such as sourcing and distribution, to third party licensees. Licensors maintain control over their brand image while extracting a percentage royalty from licensees in

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exchange for the use of the trademark in strategically segmented categories and channels. This strategy minimizes operational risk while generating healthy margins and free cash flow relative to traditional wholesale apparel companies.

Brand management and licensing is a large and fast-growing global industry that in 2013 generated over $115 billion in retail sales and $5.6 billion in royalty revenue in the U.S. and Canada alone, according to the 2014 Annual Licensing Industry Survey by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association, or LIMA. The industry’s growth was largely the result of both an increased overall consumer economy along with the efforts of a licensing community that continues to find new ways to strategically leverage the equity of brands, characters, imagery and other intellectual property. While character licensing is the oldest and largest segment of the industry, LIMA indicated that some of the highest growth has come from fashion, celebrity and corporate branding, with notable increases in the apparel, footwear, accessories and health and beauty markets.

Recent Developments

On July 16, 2015, we, together with our wholly-owned subsidiary, C Wonder Licensing, LLC, which we refer to as C Wonder Licensing, entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement, which we refer to as the C Wonder Purchase Agreement, with Burch Acquisition, LLC, or Burch LLC, and, solely with respect to certain non-compete and confidentiality provisions of the C Wonder Purchase Agreement, J. Christopher Burch, pursuant to which we agreed to acquire certain assets of Burch LLC, including the “C Wonder” trademark and other intellectual property rights relating thereto, which we refer to as the C Wonder Acquisition.

The C Wonder brand was founded in 2010 by J. Christopher Burch and quickly became well-known for its chic, preppy looks and products extending across home, accessories, costume jewelry, gifts and apparel. In January 2015, retail operations in the United States under the C Wonder brand were discontinued and the brand was acquired by Burch LLC in order to explore strategic growth alternatives for the brand. Following its acquisition of the C Wonder brand, Xcel plans to launch the brand on QVC in 2016 with initial categories focused on apparel, accessories and home products, and is developing a strategy to license the brand (or a derivative thereof) for distribution outside of QVC.

Pursuant to the C Wonder Purchase Agreement, at the closing of the transaction, we will deliver (i) $2,500,000 in cash and 500,000 shares of our common stock to Burch LLC and (ii) $500,000 in cash and 500,000 shares of our common stock into escrow for purposes of future indemnification obligations of Burch LLC. In addition to the foregoing consideration, Burch LLC will be eligible to earn additional cash (or, at our discretion, shares of our common stock), payable, if at all, after June 30, 2019, based on the royalties related directly to the C Wonder brand. The value of this additional consideration, or earn-out, will be calculated as the positive amount, if any, of (i) two times (A) the maximum net royalties from license agreements as calculated for any single 12 month period commencing on July 1 and ending on June 30 between the C Wonder closing and June 30, 2019, less (B) $4,000,000, plus (ii) two times the maximum royalty determined based on a percentage of retail and wholesale sales of C Wonder branded products by Xcel as calculated for any single 12 month period commencing on July 1 and ending on June 30 between the C Wonder closing and June 30, 2019.

Pursuant to a voting agreement contemplated by the C Wonder Purchase Agreement and to be entered into upon the closing of the transaction, Burch LLC shall appoint Robert J. D’Loren, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board of Xcel, as its irrevocable proxy and attorney-in-fact with respect to the shares of the common stock received by Burch LLC in connection with the transaction. As proxy holder, Mr. D’Loren, shall vote in favor of matters recommended or approved by the board of directors.

Pursuant to a lock-up agreement contemplated by the C Wonder Purchase Agreement and to be entered into upon the closing of the transaction, Burch LLC will agree that during the 12 months from the C Wonder closing, Burch LLC may not, subject to certain exceptions, offer, sell, pledge, hypothecate, grant an option for sale or otherwise dispose of, or transfer or grant any rights with respect to, any of the stock consideration issued to Burch LLC. We have agreed to file a registration statement covering such stock consideration and to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the registration statement to become effective within 60 days after the expiration of the initial 12 month lock-up period and to remain effective for specified time periods.

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On July 15, 2015, we, together with C Wonder Licensing, entered into a license agreement with QVC, dated July 31, 2015, which will become effective only upon the closing of the C Wonder acquisition, in order to market, promote, distribute and sell consumer products under the C Wonder trademark and brand name. Pursuant to the license agreement, C Wonder Licensing will design and QVC will market, promote, distribute and sell various products under the C Wonder brand name in exchange for a royalty based on net retail sales of the products. The initial license period will expire on December 31, 2020. After the initial term, the license agreement will automatically renew for additional three-year terms in perpetuity unless either party notifies the other of its intention not to renew at least 60 days prior to the end of the then-current term.

On July 13, 2015, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Brad Goreski to employ Mr. Goreski as the Creative Director of the C Wonder brand beginning on the earlier of (i) January 1, 2016 and (ii) the date on which the Company launches programming on QVC pursuant to a license agreement to be entered into between the Company and QVC for licensing and distribution of the C Wonder brand through direct response television programs.

We intend to use $3,000,000 of the net proceeds of this offering to pay the cash portion of the purchase price to acquire the C Wonder brand. The closing of the acquisition of the C Wonder brand is expected to occur immediately after the consummation of this offering.

Company History and Corporate Information

The Company was incorporated on August 31, 1989 in the State of Delaware under the name Houston Operating Company. On April 19, 2005, we changed our name to NetFabric Holdings, Inc. On September 29, 2011, Xcel Brands, Inc., a privately-held Delaware corporation (which we refer to as Old Xcel), Netfabric Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and certain stockholders of the Company entered into an agreement of merger and plan of reorganization pursuant to which Netfabric Acquisition Corp. was merged with and into Old Xcel, with Old Xcel surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. On September 29, 2011, we changed our name to Xcel Brands, Inc.

Our principal office is located at 475 Tenth Avenue, 4^th floor, New York, NY 10018. Our telephone number is (347) 727-2474. Our corporate website is www.xcelbrands.com. Additionally, we maintain websites for our respective brands at www.isaacmizrahi.com and www.judithripka.com. The information contained on or accessible through our websites is not part of this prospectus. The “Isaac Mizrahi New York®,” “Isaac Mizrahi®,” “IsaacMizrahiLIVE®,” “Isaac Mizrahi Jeans^TM,” “Isaac Mizrahi CRAFT^TM,” “Judith Ripka LTD^TM,” “Judith Ripka Collection^TM,” “Judith Ripka Legacy^TM,” “Judith Ripka®,” and “Judith Ripka Sterling^TM,” brands and all related logos and other trademarks or service marks of the Company appearing in this prospectus are the property of the Company. The “H by Halston®,” and “H Halston^TM” brands were acquired by the Company December 22, 2014, however certain U.S. applications for registration that are based upon intent-to-use currently remain in the name of The H Company IP, LLC, from whom we purchased the marks, until such time as the marks are put into use and assigned to us. All other brand names or trademarks appearing in this prospectus, including “Liz Claiborne New York®,” “Halston®,” “Halston Heritage®” and “C Wonder®,” are the property of their respective owners.

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The Offering

The number of shares of common stock outstanding after this offering is based on (a) 15,191,689 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2015 and (b) the issuance of 1,000,000 shares of common stock in connection with the acquisition of the C Wonder brand, which we expect will occur immediately after the consummation of this offering. The number of shares of common stock outstanding after this offering assumes no exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option to purchase up to 225,000 shares of common stock and does not include: (i) an aggregate of 402,750 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options; (ii) 3,189,216 additional shares of common stock that are reserved for future grants under our 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, or the Plan; and (iii) 2,219,543 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants.

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Summary Financial Data

The following tables set forth a summary of our historical financial data as of, and for the periods ended on the dates indicated. We have derived the statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The statement of operations data for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 and the balance sheet data as of March 31, 2015 have been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited interim financial information has been prepared on the same basis as our audited consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position as of March 31, 2015 and operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. You should read this data together with our financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and the sections in this prospectus entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” The historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future periods and the results from the three months ended March 31, 2015 should not be considered indicative of results expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2015 or any future period. The historical financial data for periods ended prior to April 3, 2014, including the summary financial data for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013, do not include any operating results or data related to the Ripka brands or H Halston brands.

Statement of Operations Data:
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

		Three Months Ended March 31,								Year Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2014				2013
Total revenue		$	6,591			$	3,540			$	20,707			$	13,165
Cost of goods sold			45				—				73				—
Gross profit			6,546				3,540				20,634				13,165
Income (loss) from continuing operations			(118	)			(824	)			44				1,688
Net income (loss)			(331	)			(955	)			(1,032	)			1,532
Basic income (loss) per share:
Continuing operations		$	(0.01	)		$	(0.08	)		$	(0.00	)		$	0.18
Net income (loss)		$	(0.02	)		$	(0.09	)		$	(0.09	)		$	0.16
Diluted income (loss) per share:
Continuing operations		$	(0.01	)		$	(0.08	)		$	0.00			$	0.18
Net income (loss)		$	(0.02	)		$	(0.09	)		$	(0.08	)		$	0.16
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic			14,069,419				10,830,312				11,698,880				9,193,101
Diluted			14,069,419				10,830,312				12,816,674				9,791,493
Other financial data(1):
Non-GAAP net income		$	1,666			$	825			$	5,184			$	3,447
Non-GAAP diluted EPS		$	0.11			$	0.07			$	0.40			$	0.35
Non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding			15,180,888				11,427,349				12,816,674				9,791,493
Adjusted EBITDA		$	2,203			$	739			$	7,012			$	4,154

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Balance Sheet Data:
(in thousands)

		As of March 31, 2015
		Actual				Pro Forma(2)				Pro Forma As Adjusted(3)
		(unaudited)
Cash and cash equivalents		$	6,208			$	6,208			$	13,708
Total assets			124,458				124,458				145,958
Long-term debt, less current portion(1)			36,044				33,805				30,805
Deferred tax liabilities			7,714				7,714				7,714
Other long-term liabilities			208				208				208
Total liabilities			61,124				58,885				55,885
Total stockholders’ equity			63,334				65,573				90,073

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain information contained in this prospectus includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Legislation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this prospectus, including statements regarding future events, our future financial performance, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “appears,” “suggests,” “future,” “likely,” “goal,” “plans,” “potential,” “projects,” “predicts,” “seeks,” “should,” “would,” “guidance,” “confident” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our anticipated revenue, expenses, profitability, strategic plans and capital needs, as well as our ability to complete the C Wonder Acquisition or any other acquisition. These statements are based on information available to us on the date hereof and our current expectations, estimates and projections and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, including, without limitation, the risks outlined under “Risk Factors” or elsewhere in this prospectus, which may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all risk factors, nor can we address the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason.

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RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below together with all of the other information included in this prospectus before making an investment decision with regard to our securities. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our Company and the price of our common stock. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be harmed, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business

We have a limited amount of cash to grow our operations. If we cannot obtain additional sources of cash, our growth prospects and future profitability may be materially adversely affected, and we may not be able to implement our business plan. Such additional financing may not be available on satisfactory terms or it may not be available when needed, or at all.

As of March 31, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $6.2 million. Although we believe that our existing cash and our anticipated cash flow from operations will be sufficient to sustain our operations at our current expense levels for at least 12 months following the consummation of this offering, we may require significant additional cash to expand our operations or acquire additional brands. Our inability to finance our growth, either internally through our operations or externally, may limit our growth potential and our ability to execute our business strategy successfully. If we issue securities to raise capital to finance operations and/or pay down or restructure our debt, our existing stockholders may experience dilution. In addition, the new securities may have rights senior to those of our common stock.

We have a limited operating history as we have only recently acquired the Ripka brands and the H Halston brands and have only been operating the Mizrahi brands since September 2011.

We acquired the Ripka assets and began licensing the Ripka brands in April 2014, and acquired the H Halston brands in December 2014, and do not expect sales under any license agreements under the H Halston brands until the Fall of 2015. Since we only recently acquired the Ripka brands and H Halston brands, we have limited experience operating and managing the Ripka brands and H Halston brands. Integrating the Ripka brands and H Halston brands and/or any future brands that we may acquire into our existing operations and operating and managing the Ripka brands and H Halston brands and/or any future brands that we may acquire will require the expenditure of a significant amount of our time and resources and could negatively impact our results of operations. Acquisitions of additional brands may also involve challenges related to merging diverse cultures and retaining key employees. Any failure to integrate additional brands successfully in the future may adversely impact our reputation and business.

Although the Mizrahi brand name has been an established brand for over 20 years, (i) the license agreement related to the Isaac Mizrahi trademarks with QVC, which we refer to as the IM QVC Agreement, and (ii) the agreement with Kate Spade and Company, or KSC (formerly Fifth & Pacific Companies, Inc. and formerly Liz Claiborne, Inc.), to design the LCNY brand relate to businesses at QVC that have been operating only since December 2009. Prior to our acquisition of the Mizrahi business in September 2011, it was run by Isaac Mizrahi, who became our Chief Designer, and Marisa Gardini, who became a director of the Company (and served in such capacity until June 2, 2015). Certain other members of our management performed consulting services for IM Ready-Made, LLC, or IM Ready, but were not responsible for its operations. Since we acquired the Mizrahi business, we have substantially expanded our business through operations in areas in which we had not previously engaged. We have entered into additional licenses for the Mizrahi brands, many such licensees have not yet sold licensed products under the Mizrahi brands or have only started selling licensed products under the Mizrahi brands in 2012. Accordingly, we have a limited history of operating our business as it is currently conducted.

Our significant debt obligations could impair our liquidity and financial condition, and in the event we are unable to meet our debt obligations, we could lose ownership of our trademarks and/or other assets.

As of March 31, 2015, we had senior secured term debt of $31.5 million outstanding under senior secured credit facilities with Bank Hapoalim B.M. In addition, we issued to IM Ready a $7.4 million

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promissory note in connection with our acquisition of the Mizrahi business, which we refer to as the IM Seller Note, which we paid down by $2.5 million, resulting in an outstanding balance of $4.9 million (carrying value of $4.7 million, discounted for imputed interest) as of March 31, 2015. $0.75 million of the remaining principal amount of the IM Seller Note is payable in cash, which is subject to Bank Hapoalim B.M.’s consent. The balance of the principal and interest is payable in cash or our common stock, at our sole discretion. We have contingent obligations of $5.8 million that may be payable to IM Ready in September 2015, of which $2.8 million is payable in cash or shares of our common stock, at our sole discretion and $3.0 million is payable with shares of our common stock. In addition, we issued to Ripka non-interest bearing promissory notes in connection with our acquisition of the Ripka brands, which we refer to as the Ripka Seller Notes, of which $3.6 million of the principal amount remained outstanding as of March 31, 2015. $3.0 million in principal amount of the Ripka Seller Notes was exchanged for shares of common stock in April 2015 and the balance thereof is payable on April 1, 2019 in either cash or stock at our option, subject to the consent of our senior lender for payments in cash. We also have contingent obligations of up to $5.0 million that may be payable to Ripka as earn-out payments that are also payable in cash or common stock at our sole discretion, subject to the consent of our senior lender to pay in cash. With respect to this earn-out, we had recorded $3.8 million as contingent obligations in our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015. We may also assume or incur additional debt, including secured debt, in the future in connection with, or to fund, future acquisitions or for other operating needs.

Our debt obligations:

In the event that we fail in the future to make any required payment under the agreements governing our indebtedness or if we fail to comply with the financial and operating covenants contained in those agreements, we would be in default with respect to that indebtedness and the lenders could declare such indebtedness to be immediately due and payable. Termination of the IM QVC Agreement, the license agreement with QVC related to products under the Ripka brands (which we refer to as the Ripka QVC Agreement) or the license agreement with QVC related to products under the H by Halston brand (which we refer to as the H QVC Agreement) would also result in a default under our credit facilities with Bank Hapoalim B.M. A debt default could significantly diminish the market value and marketability of our common stock and could result in the acceleration of the payment obligations under all or a portion of our indebtedness, or a renegotiation of our credit facilities with Bank Hapoalim B.M. with more onerous terms and/or additional equity dilution. Since substantially all of our debt obligations are secured by our assets, upon a default, our lenders may be able to foreclose on our assets.

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A substantial portion of our licensing revenue and accounts receivable are concentrated with a limited number of licensees such that the loss of any of such licensees could decrease our revenue and impair our cash flows.

A substantial portion of our revenues has been paid by QVC, either through our existing license agreements with QVC for the IsaacMizrahiLIVE and LCNY brands or through the Design Agreement with QVC related to the design and promotion of the LCNY brand exclusively for QVC, which we refer to as the Design Agreement. Based on the Ripka QVC Agreement, which was effective as of April 3, 2014, and the H QVC Agreement, which was effective on December 22, 2014, an additional portion of our revenues are derived from QVC. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, QVC accounted for 79%, 72% and 62%, respectively, of our revenues. Moreover, QVC accounted for 73%, 65% and 58% of our receivables as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Because we are dependent on these agreements with QVC for a significant portion of our revenues, if QVC were to have financial difficulties, or if QVC decides not to renew or extend its existing agreements with us, our revenue and cash flows could be reduced substantially. Our cash flow would also be significantly impacted if there were significant delays in our collection of receivables from QVC. Additionally, we have limited control over the programming that QVC devotes to our brands or its promotional sales with our brands (such as Today’s Special Value sales). If QVC reduces or modifies its programming or promotional sales related to our brands, our revenues and cash flows could be reduced substantially.

The current term of the IM QVC Agreement, which was renewed on July 2, 2013, expires on September 30, 2020, with automatic one-year renewal periods thereafter unless terminated by either party. The current term of the Design Agreement, which automatically renewed on August 1, 2013, provides for five one-year automatic renewal periods. The current term of the Ripka QVC Agreement expires on March 31, 2019, with automatic one-year renewal periods hereinafter unless terminated by either party. The current term of the H QVC Agreement expires on December 31, 2019, with automatic three-year renewal periods thereafter unless terminated by either party. There can be no assurance that the agreements will be renewed upon expiration of the current terms or that QVC will not terminate our licensing agreement or its agreement with KSC for non-performance.

While our business with QVC has grown since the IsaacMizrahiLIVE and LCNY brands were launched in 2009 and 2010, respectively, there is no guarantee that they will continue to grow in the future. We also have a limited operating history with our Ripka brands and no operating history with our H Halston brands. Additionally, there can be no assurance that our other licensees will be able to generate sales of products under our brands or grow their existing sales of products under our brands, and if they do generate sales, there is no guarantee that they will not cause a decline in sales of products being sold through QVC.

Our agreements with QVC restrict us from selling products under our brands with certain retailers, or IsaacMizrahiLIVE, Judith Ripka and H by Halston branded products to any other retailer except certain direct-response television channels in other territories approved by QVC, and provides QVC with a right to terminate the respective agreement if we breach these provisions.

Although most of our wholesale licenses and our H Halston License Agreement prohibit the sale of products under the Mizrahi brands, the Ripka brands and H Halston brands to retailers who are restricted by QVC, and our license agreements with other direct response television companies prohibit such licensees from selling products to retailers restricted by QVC under the IsaacMizrahiLIVE, Judith Ripka and H by Halston brands outside of certain approved territories, one or more of our licensees could sell to a restricted retailer or territory, putting us in breach of our IM QVC Agreement, Ripka QVC Agreement and/or H QVC Agreement and exposing us to potential termination by QVC. A breach of any of these agreements could also result in QVC seeking monetary damages, seeking an injunction against us and our other licensees and/or terminating the respective agreement, which could have a material adverse effect on our net income and cash flows. Termination of any one of our agreements with QVC would result in a default under our credit facilities with Bank Hapoalim B.M. and would also enable Bank Hapoalim B.M. to foreclose on our assets, including our membership interests in IM Brands, JR Licensing and H Licensing, which combined currently hold all of our trademarks and other intangible assets.

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We are dependent upon the promotional services of Isaac Mizrahi as they relate to the Mizrahi brands.

If we lose the services of Isaac Mizrahi, we may not be able to fully comply with the terms of our license agreements with QVC and The Shopping Channel or our design agreements with KSC and QVC, and it may result in significant reductions in the value of the Mizrahi brands and our prospects, revenues and cash flows. Isaac Mizrahi is a key individual in our continued promotion of the Mizrahi brands and the principal salesperson of the Mizrahi brands on QVC and The Shopping Channel. Failure of Isaac Mizrahi to provide services to QVC could result in a termination of the IM QVC Agreement, which could trigger an event of default under our credit facilities with Bank Hapoalim B.M. Although we have entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Mizrahi and he is a significant stockholder of Xcel, there is no guarantee that we will not lose his services. To the extent that any of Mr. Mizrahi’s services become unavailable to us, we will likely need to find a replacement for Mr. Mizrahi to promote the Mizrahi brands. Competition for skilled designers and high-profile brand promoters is intense, and compensation levels may be high, and there is no guarantee that we would be able to identify and attract a qualified replacement, or if Mr. Mizrahi’s services are not available to us, that we would be able to promote the Mizrahi brands as well as we are able to with Mr. Mizrahi. This could significantly affect the value of the Mizrahi brands and our ability to market the brands, and could impede our ability to fully implement our business plan and future growth strategy, which would harm our business and prospects. Additionally, while we acquired all trademarks, image, and likeness of Isaac Mizrahi, pursuant to the acquisition of the Mizrahi business and his employment agreement, Mr. Mizrahi has retained certain rights to participate in outside business activities, including hosting and appearing in television shows, movies and theater productions, and writing and publishing books and other publications. Mr. Mizrahi’s participation in these personal business ventures could limit his availability to us and affect his ability to perform under this employment agreement. Finally, there is no guarantee that Mr. Mizrahi will not take an action that consumers view as negative, which may harm the Mizrahi brands as well as our business and prospects.

We are dependent upon the promotional services of Judith Ripka and Cameron Silver as spokespersons for the Ripka brands and the H Halston brands, respectively.

If we lose the services of Judith Ripka or Cameron Silver as a spokesperson, we may not be able to fully comply with the terms of our license agreements with QVC and The Shopping Channel and it may result in significant reductions in the value of the brands and our prospects, revenues and cash flows. Judith Ripka is the principal spokesperson of the Ripka brands on QVC and The Shopping Channel. Cameron Silver will be the principal salesperson of the H Halston brands on QVC. The failure of Judith Ripka or Cameron Silver to provide spokesperson services to QVC or a breach of any representation, warranty or covenant by Ms. Ripka under the Ripka QVC Agreement or by Mr. Silver under his spokesperson agreement with QVC, combined with our failure to find an alternate host acceptable to QVC, could result in a termination of the respective QVC Agreement which could trigger an event of default under our credit facilities with Bank Hapoalim B.M. Although we have entered into employment agreements with each of these individuals and Ms. Ripka is a stockholder of Xcel, there is no guarantee that we will not lose their services. To the extent that any of their services as a spokesperson become unavailable to us, we will likely need to find a replacement to promote our brands. Competition for skilled brand promoters is intense, and required compensation levels may be high, and there is no guarantee that we would be able to identify and attract a qualified replacement, or that we would be able to promote our brands as well as we are able to with our current spokespersons. This could significantly affect the value of our brands and our ability to market the brands, and could impede our ability to fully implement our business plan and future growth strategy, which would harm our business and prospects. Additionally, while we acquired all trademarks, image, and likeness of Judith Ripka pursuant to the acquisition of the Ripka business and her employment agreement, Ms. Ripka has retained certain rights to participate in outside business activities, including hosting and appearing in television shows, movies and theater productions, and writing and publishing books and other publications. Mr. Silver has also retained certain rights to participate in outside business activities, including business opportunities relating to the brand “Cameron Silver.” Each of these individuals’ participation in these personal business ventures could limit their availability to us and affect their ability to perform as a spokesperson in accordance with their respective employment agreements. Finally, there is no guarantee that one of these individuals will not take an action that the consumer views as negative, which may harm our brands as well as our business and prospects.

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We are subject to certain restrictions under our agreement with The H Company IP, LLC, and do not have ownership over the H by Halston and H Halston trademarks for certain categories and territories.

The asset purchase agreement with The H Company IP, LLC, or HIP, pursuant to which we acquired our rights to the H by Halston and H Halston trademarks, contains certain limitations and restrictions, including restrictions on our ability to take the H Halston brands to a mass retailer (including Wal-Mart Stores, K-Mart, Sears, JC Penney’s, and Kohl’s), excludes the rights to fragrance categories under the H Halston brands, and restricts our ability to sign licenses or sell products in China. Although our business strategy for the H Halston brands does not include such prohibited actions, in the event that the H QVC License Agreement were terminated or other factors affected our ability to execute on our existing strategy, these limitations may restrict us from certain alternate strategies that we may otherwise pursue.

Our H Halston brands may be affected by the related Halston brands and businesses.

We acquired the H Halston brands from HIP, who retained rights to the Halston Heritage, Halston, and certain other related brands. In addition, Elizabeth Arden owns certain rights in the H Halston brands related to fragrance categories. We believe that the businesses under these related brands currently add value to the H Halston brands, including creating customer awareness for the “Halston” name through marketing and premium product lines. Additionally, the asset purchase agreement and license agreement with HIP contain restrictions intended to prevent HIP or its successors from making changes to the business strategy under such related brands that could adversely affect our H Halston brands. However, a failure of the owners of the related Halston brands to properly operate their business, a re-positioning of the related Halston brands, or an action that breaches our agreements with HIP may have an adverse impact on our businesses under the H Halston brands.

The LCNY Agreement could be terminated by KSC and/or QVC in the event that QVC or KSC decides not to renew the licensing agreement between QVC and KSC with respect to the LCNY brand, or if we were to lose the services of Isaac Mizrahi as the designer with respect to LCNY branded products, thereby decreasing our expected revenues and cash flows.

Pursuant to the agreement relating to the LCNY brands currently in place with KSC (the “LCNY Agreement”), we design the LCNY brand products to be sold on QVC in exchange for our receiving a percentage of the royalties that KSC receives from QVC under a separate license agreement between KSC and QVC. Under the LCNY Agreement, Isaac Mizrahi is also required to promote the LCNY brand on QVC as requested by QVC. Mr. Mizrahi does not currently promote the brand on QVC, but QVC may request that Mr. Mizrahi promote the brand in the future. The LCNY Agreement is co-terminus with the license agreement between KSC and QVC, which has a current term through July 31, 2016, with four additional one-year renewals thereafter through July 31, 2020. There is no guarantee that KSC or QVC will renew the agreement past the current term, which would impair our revenues and cash flows. Additionally, KSC has the right at its option to terminate the LCNY Agreement with us if the services of Isaac Mizrahi as designer for LCNY brand products are no longer available to KSC, and we do not agree upon a replacement designer. Although we have entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Mizrahi, there can be no assurance that if his services are required by KSC he will provide such services or that in the event we, and thus QVC, were to lose the ability to draw on such services, KSC would continue its design agreement with us. The loss of the LCNY Agreement would significantly decrease our expected revenues and cash flows.

The failure of our licensees to adequately produce, market and sell quality products bearing our brand names in their license categories or to pay their obligations under their license agreements could result in a decline in our results of operations and impact our ability to service our debt obligations.

Our revenues are dependent on payments made to us under our licensing agreements. Although the licensing agreements for our brands typically require the advance payment to us of a portion of the licensing fees and in many cases provide for guaranteed minimum royalty payments to us, the failure of our licensees to satisfy their obligations under these agreements or their inability to operate successfully or at all, could result in their breach and/or the early termination of such agreements, the non-renewal of such agreements or our decision to amend such agreements to reduce the guaranteed minimums or sales royalties due thereunder, thereby eliminating some or all of that stream of revenue. Moreover, during the terms of the license

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agreements, we are substantially dependent upon the efforts and abilities of our licensees to maintain the quality and marketability of the products bearing our trademarks, as their failure to do so could materially tarnish our brands, thereby harming our future growth and prospects. In addition, the failure of our licensees to meet their production, manufacturing and distribution requirements or actively market the branded licensed products could cause a decline in their sales and potentially decrease the amount of royalty payments (over and above the guaranteed minimums) due to us. A weak economy or softness in the apparel and retail sectors could exacerbate this risk. This, in turn, could decrease our potential revenues. These risks are further increased with respect to our exclusive sublicense of the H Halston trademark to HIP, as we will be dependent upon the efforts and abilities of a sole licensor. The concurrent failure by several of our material licensees to meet their financial obligations to us could jeopardize our ability to meet the debt service coverage ratios required in connection with our debt facility or facilities. Further, such failure may impact our ability to make required payments with respect to such indebtedness. The failure to meet such debt service coverage ratios or to make such required payments would give our lenders the right to accelerate all obligations under our debt facility or facilities and foreclose on our trademarks, license agreements and other related assets securing such notes.

Our business is dependent on continued market acceptance of our brands and any future brands we acquire and the products of our licensees.

Although many of our licensees guarantee minimum net sales and minimum royalties to us, many of our licensees are not yet selling licensed products or currently have limited distribution of licensed products, and a failure of our brands or of products bearing our brands to achieve or maintain broad market acceptance could cause a reduction of our licensing revenues and could further cause existing licensees not to renew their agreements. Such failure could also cause the devaluation of our trademarks, which are our primary assets, making it more difficult for us to renew our current licenses upon their expiration or enter into new or additional licenses for our trademarks. In addition, if such devaluation of our trademarks were to occur, a material impairment in the carrying value of one or more of our trademarks could also occur and be charged as an expense to our operating results. Continued market acceptance of the Mizrahi brands, the Ripka brands and the LCNY brand and our licensees’ products, as well as market acceptance of the H Halston brands upon introduction and any future products bearing any future brands we may acquire, is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and constantly changing consumer tastes and preferences. Creating and maintaining market acceptance of our licensees’ products and creating market acceptance of new products and categories of products bearing our marks may require substantial marketing efforts, which may, from time to time, also include our expenditure of significant additional funds to keep pace with changing consumer demands, which funds may or may not be available on a timely basis, on acceptable terms or at all. Additional marketing efforts and expenditures may not, however, result in either increased market acceptance of, or additional licenses for, our trademarks or increased market acceptance, or sales, of our licensees’ products. Furthermore, we do not actually design or manufacture all of the products bearing our marks, and therefore, have less control over such products’ quality and design than a traditional product manufacturer might have. The failure of our licensees to maintain the quality of their products could harm the reputation and marketability of our brands, which would adversely impact our business.

We expect to achieve growth based upon our plans to expand our business under the Mizrahi brands, integrate and expand our business under the Ripka brands, and develop a licensing business under the H Halston brands. If we fail to manage our expected future growth, our business and operating results could be materially harmed.

We expect to achieve growth in our existing brands and intend to seek new opportunities and international expansion through direct-response television and licensing arrangements. The success of our company, however, will still remain largely dependent on our ability to build and maintain broad market acceptance of our brands and to contract with and retain key licensees and on our licensees’ ability to accurately predict upcoming fashion and design trends within their respective customer bases and fulfill the product requirements of their particular retail channels within the global marketplace.

Our recent growth has placed, and our anticipated future growth will continue to place, considerable demands on our management and other resources. Our ability to compete effectively and to manage future

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growth, if any, will depend on the sufficiency and adequacy of our current resources and infrastructure and our ability to continue to identify, attract and retain personnel to manage our brands and integrate any brands we may acquire, including the recently acquired Ripka and H Halston brands, as well as the C Wonder brand which we expect to acquire immediately after the consummation of this offering, into our operations. There can be no assurance that our personnel, systems, procedures and controls will be adequate to support our operations and properly oversee our brands. The failure to support our operations effectively and properly oversee our brands could cause harm to our brands and have a material adverse effect on the value of such brands and on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may be unable to leverage our core competencies in managing apparel and jewelry brands to managing brands in new product categories.

Also, there can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve and sustain meaningful growth. Our growth may be limited by a number of factors including increased competition among branded products at brick-and-mortar, internet and direct-response retailers, decreased airtime on QVC and/or The Shopping Channel, competition for retail license and brand acquisitions and insufficient capitalization for future transactions.

If we are unable to identify and successfully acquire additional trademarks, our growth may be limited and, even if additional trademarks are acquired, we may not realize anticipated benefits due to integration or licensing difficulties.

While we are focused on growing our existing brands, we intend to selectively seek to acquire additional intellectual property. However, as our competitors continue to pursue a brand management model, acquisitions may become more expensive and suitable acquisition candidates could become more difficult to find. In addition, even if we successfully acquire additional intellectual property or the rights to use additional intellectual property, we may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability levels that justify our investment in, or realize planned benefits with respect to, those additional brands.

Although we will seek to temper our acquisition risks by following acquisition guidelines relating to purchase price and valuation, projected returns, existing strength of the brand, its diversification benefits to us, its potential licensing scale and creditworthiness of licensee base, acquisitions, whether they be of additional intellectual property assets or of the companies that own them, entail numerous risks, any of which could detrimentally affect our reputation, our results of operations and/or the value of our common stock. These risks include, among others:

The foregoing risks also apply to our acquisition of the C Wonder brand.

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When we acquire intellectual property assets, including the C Wonder brand, or the companies that own them, our due diligence reviews are subject to inherent uncertainties and may not reveal all potential risks. We may therefore fail to discover or inaccurately assess undisclosed or contingent liabilities, including liabilities for which we may have responsibility as a successor to the seller or the target company. As a successor, we may be responsible for any past or continuing violations of law by the seller or the target company. Although we will generally attempt to seek contractual protections through representations, warranties and indemnities, we cannot be sure that we will obtain such provisions in our acquisitions or that such provisions will fully protect us from all unknown, contingent or other liabilities or costs. Finally, claims against us relating to any acquisition may necessitate our seeking claims against the seller for which the seller may not, or may not be able to, indemnify us or that may exceed the scope, duration or amount of the seller’s indemnification obligations.

Acquiring additional intellectual property, including the C Wonder brand, could also have a significant effect on our financial position and could cause substantial fluctuations in our quarterly and yearly operating results. Acquisitions could result in the recording of significant goodwill and intangible assets on our financial statements, the amortization or impairment of which would reduce our reported earnings in subsequent years. No assurance can be given with respect to the timing, likelihood or financial or business effect of any possible transaction. Moreover, our ability to grow through the acquisition of additional intellectual property will also depend on the availability of capital to complete the necessary acquisition arrangements. In the event that we are unable to obtain debt financing on acceptable terms for a particular acquisition, we may elect to pursue the acquisition through the issuance by us of shares of our common stock (and, in certain cases, convertible securities) as equity consideration, which could dilute our common stock and reduce our earnings per share, and any such dilution could reduce the market price of our common stock unless and until we were able to achieve revenue growth or cost savings and other business economies sufficient to offset the effect of such an issuance. As a result, there is no guarantee that our stockholders will achieve greater returns as a result of any future acquisitions we complete.

Because of the intense competition within our existing and potential wholesale licensees’ markets and the strength of some of their competitors, we and our licensees may not be able to continue to compete successfully.

We expect our existing and future licenses to relate to products in the apparel, fashion accessories, jewelry, footwear, beauty and fragrance, home products and décor, pet products, fabrics and yarns and other consumer industries, in which our licensees face intense competition, including from our other brands and licensees. In general, competitive factors include quality, price, style, name recognition and service. In addition, various fads and the limited availability of shelf space could affect competition for our licensees’ products. Many of our licensees’ competitors have greater financial, distribution, marketing and other resources than our licensees and have achieved significant name recognition for their brand names. Our licensees may be unable to successfully compete in the markets for their products, and we may not be able to continue to compete successfully with respect to our licensing arrangements.

If our competition for licenses increases, or any of our current licensees elect not to renew their licenses or renew on terms less favorable than today, our growth plans could be slowed and our business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.

To the extent the Company seeks to acquire additional brands, we will face competition to retain licenses and to complete such acquisitions. The ownership, licensing, and management of brands is becoming a more widely utilized method of managing consumer brands as production continues to become commoditized and manufacturing capacity increases worldwide. The Company faces competition from numerous direct competitors, both publicly and privately-held, including traditional apparel and consumer brand companies, other brand management companies and private equity groups. Companies that traditionally focused on wholesale manufacturing and sourcing models are now exploring licensing as a way of growing their businesses through strategic licensing partners and direct-to-retail licensing arrangements. Furthermore, our current or potential licensees may decide to develop or purchase brands rather than renew or enter into license agreements with us. In addition, this increased competition could result in lower sales of products offered by our licensees under our brands. If our competition for licenses increases, it may take us longer to procure additional licenses which could slow our growth rate.

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Our licensees are subject to risks and uncertainties of foreign manufacturing and the price, availability and quality of raw materials that could interrupt their operations or increase their operating costs, thereby affecting their ability to deliver goods to the market, reducing or delaying their sales and decreasing our potential royalty revenues.

Substantially all of the products sold by our licensees are manufactured overseas. There are substantial risks associated with foreign manufacturing, including changes in laws relating to quotas, and the payment of tariffs and duties, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, shipping delays and international political, regulatory and economic developments. Further, our licensees may experience fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of raw materials, including as it relates to jewelry the price, availability and quality of gold, silver, and other precious and semi-precious metals and gemstones, used by them in their manufactured products or purchased finished goods. Any of these risks could increase our licensees’ operating costs. Our licensees also import finished products and assume all risk of loss and damage with respect to these goods once they are shipped by their suppliers. If these goods are destroyed or damaged during shipment, the revenues of our licensees, and thus our royalty revenues over and above the guaranteed minimums, could be reduced as a result of our licensees’ inability to deliver or their delay in delivering their products.

Our failure to protect our proprietary rights could compromise our competitive position and decrease the value of our brands.

We own, through our wholly-owned subsidiaries, various U.S. federal trademark registrations and foreign trademark registrations for our brands, together with pending applications for registration, which are vital to the success and further growth of our business and which we believe have significant value. With respect to the H by Halston and H Halston brands, certain U.S. applications for registration that are based upon intent-to-use currently are held in the name of HIP, from whom we purchased the marks, until such time as the marks are put into use and assigned to us. We rely primarily upon a combination of trademarks, copyrights and contractual restrictions to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights domestically and internationally. We believe that such measures afford only limited protection and, accordingly, there can be no assurance that the actions taken by us to establish, protect and enforce our trademarks and other proprietary rights will prevent infringement of our intellectual property rights by others, or prevent the loss of licensing revenue or other damages caused therefrom.

For instance, despite our efforts to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of our intellectual property, which could harm the reputation of our brands, decrease their value and/or cause a decline in our licensees’ sales and thus our revenues. Further, we and our licensees may not be able to detect infringement of our intellectual property rights quickly or at all, and at times, we or our licensees may not be successful in combating counterfeit, infringing or knockoff products, thereby damaging our competitive position. In addition, we depend upon the laws of the countries where our licensees’ products are sold to protect our intellectual property. Intellectual property rights may be unavailable or limited in some countries because standards of registrability and ownership vary internationally. Consequently, in certain foreign jurisdictions, we have elected or may elect not to apply for trademark registrations. Also, in certain jurisdictions, as described above, certain H by Halston and H Halston trademark registrations or applications that we purchased (including but not limited to those based upon “intent to use”) may not yet be recorded in our name, due to laws governing the timing and nature of certain trademark assignments. Where laws limit our ability to record in our name trademarks that we have purchased, we have obtained by way of license all necessary rights to operate our business.

While we generally apply for trademarks in most countries where we license or intend to license our trademarks, we may not accurately predict all of the countries where trademark protection will ultimately be desirable. If we fail to timely file a trademark application in any such country, we may be precluded from obtaining a trademark registration in such country at a later date. Failure to adequately pursue and enforce our trademark rights could damage our brands, enable others to compete with our brands and impair our ability to compete effectively.

In addition, in the future, we may be required to assert infringement claims against third parties or more third parties may assert infringement claims against us. Any resulting litigation or proceeding could result in significant expense to us and divert the efforts of our management personnel, whether or not such litigation or

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proceeding is determined in our favor. To the extent that any of our trademarks were ever deemed to violate the proprietary rights of others in any litigation or proceeding or as a result of any claim, we may be prevented from using them, which could cause a termination of our licensing arrangements, and thus our revenue stream, with respect to those trademarks. Litigation could also result in a judgment or monetary damages being levied against us.

We are dependent upon our Chief Executive Officer and other key executives. If we lose the services of these individuals we may not be able to fully implement our business plan and future growth strategy, which would harm our business and prospects.

Our success as a marketer and licensor of intellectual property is largely dependent upon the efforts of Robert D’Loren, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our board of directors. Our continued success is largely dependent upon his continued efforts and those of our other key executives. Although we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. D’Loren, as well as employment agreements with other key executives and employees, including Isaac Mizrahi and Judith Ripka, such persons can terminate their employment with us at their option, and there is no guarantee that we will not lose the services of our executive officers or key employees. To the extent that any of their services become unavailable to us, we will be required to hire other qualified executives, and we may not be successful in finding or hiring adequate replacements. This could impede our ability to fully implement our business plan and future growth strategy, which would harm our business and prospects. In addition, Bank Hapoalim B.M. requires that Robert D’Loren is the Chairman of the board of directors of the Company. The failure of Mr. D’Loren to continue in his duties as Chairman of our board of directors would result in a default under the credit facilities with Bank Hapoalim B.M.

We have limited history operating e-commerce sites and the e-commerce business may not become profitable.

In May 2014, we launched our e-commerce platform under the Mizrahi brands. In April 2014, we acquired the e-commerce rights to the Ripka brands and we plan to re-launch an e-commerce platform under the Ripka brands in 2015. In December 2014, we acquired the e-commerce rights to the H Halston brands, and in December 2014, we decided to discontinue our retail stores to focus primarily on growing our licensed businesses under our brands. While we believe that e-commerce is an important component to an omni-channel retail sales strategy and the growth of our brands, there can be no assurance that our e-commerce stores will operate profitably or will not have a negative effect on our earnings or cash flow.

We may not be able to successfully sell products through our internet websites.

We recently commenced merchandise sales under our Mizrahi brands over the internet and we intend to re-launch merchandise sales under the Ripka brands over the internet in the fall of 2015 and the H Halston brands in 2016. Such internet sales generally require us to invest in marketing the internet websites for our brands in order to drive customer traffic to our internet websites, for which we face intense competition from the internet websites of other brands and private label goods, as well as wholesale customers of our licensees including department stores many of which are investing heavily in growing their internet businesses and internet retailers such as amazon.com. In addition, our internet operations are subject to numerous other risks, including:

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Our failure to successfully address and respond to these risks could reduce internet sales, increase costs and damage the reputation of our brands.

Our trademarks and other intangible assets are subject to impairment charges under accounting guidelines.

Intangible assets, including our trademarks and goodwill represent a substantial portion of our assets. Under GAAP, indefinite lived intangible assets, including our trademarks and goodwill, are not amortized, but must be tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate the asset may be impaired. The estimated useful life of an intangible asset must be evaluated each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. Any write-down of intangible assets resulting from future periodic evaluations would, as applicable, either decrease our net income or increase our net loss and those decreases or increases could be material.

Changes in effective tax rates or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our income or other tax returns could adversely affect our results.

Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, or by changes in tax laws or by a change in allocation of state and local jurisdictions, or interpretations thereof. In addition, we are subject to the continuous examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of recovering the amount of deferred tax assets recorded on the balance sheet and the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from examinations by various taxing authorities in order to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. We cannot guarantee that the outcomes of these evaluations and continuous examinations will not harm our reported operating results and financial conditions.

We must successfully maintain and/or upgrade our information technology systems.

We rely on various information technology systems to manage our operations, which subject us to inherent costs and risks associated with maintaining, upgrading, replacing and changing these systems, including impairment of our information technology, potential disruption of our internal control systems, substantial capital expenditures, demands on management time and other risks of delays or difficulties in upgrading, transitioning to new systems or of integrating new systems into our current systems.

We have an ever-growing reliance on technology, including web-based information, proprietary data storage and normal business operations, which creates increased risk for us to ensure these systems remain uncompromised.

Although we have never been subject of a cyber attack, threats of cyber-attacks have expanded significantly across industries. Given the potential material impact on operations, any failure to protect the security of these digital technologies from internal and external threat could disrupt services and lead to misusage and “leakage” that could lead to significant capital outlays.

A decline in general economic conditions resulting in a decrease in consumer spending levels and an inability to access capital may adversely affect our business.

Many economic factors beyond our control may impact our forecasts and actual performance. These factors include consumer confidence, consumer spending levels, employment levels, or availability of consumer credit, recession, deflation, inflation, a general slowdown of the U.S. economy or an uncertain economic outlook. Furthermore, changes in the credit and capital markets, including market disruptions, limited liquidity and interest rate fluctuations, may increase the cost of financing or restrict our access to potential sources of capital for future acquisitions.

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The risks associated with our business are more acute during periods of economic slowdown or recession. In addition to other consequences, these periods may be accompanied by decreased consumer spending generally, as well as decreased demand for, or additional downward pricing pressure on, the products carrying our brands. Accordingly, any prolonged economic slowdown or a lengthy or severe recession with respect to either the U.S. or the global economy is likely to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and business prospects.

Risks Related to an Investment in Our Securities

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately or in a timely fashion, and we may not be able to prevent fraud. In such case, our stockholders could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which would harm our business and could negatively impact the price of our stock.

Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to include in our Annual Report on Form 10-K our assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We have dedicated a significant amount of time and resources to ensure compliance with this legislation for the year ended December 31, 2014 and will continue to do so for future fiscal periods. We cannot be certain that future material changes to our internal control over financial reporting will be effective. If we cannot adequately maintain the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, we may be subject to sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities, such as the SEC. Any such action could adversely affect our financial results and the market price of our common stock. Moreover, if we discover a material weakness, the disclosure of that fact, even if quickly remedied, could reduce the market’s confidence in our financial statements and harm our stock price.

Our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” At such time that an attestation is required, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse or qualified in the event that they are not satisfied with the level at which our controls are documented, designed or operating. Our remediation efforts may not enable us to avoid a material weakness or significant deficiency in the future.

The JOBS Act allows us to postpone the date by which we must comply with certain laws and regulations and to reduce the amount of information provided in reports filed with the SEC. We cannot be certain whether the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors.

We are and we will remain an “emerging growth company” until the earliest to occur of (i) the last day of the fiscal year during which our total annual revenues equal or exceed $1 billion (subject to adjustment for inflation), (ii) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the first date of sales of securities pursuant to this registration statement, (iii) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt, or (iv) the date on which we are deemed a “large accelerated filer” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. For so long as we remain an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act, we may continue to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We cannot predict whether investors will find our common stock less attractive because we will rely on some or all of these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile. If we avail ourselves of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements, our reduced disclosure may make it more difficult for investors and securities analysts to evaluate us and may result in less investor confidence.

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Management exercises significant control over matters requiring shareholder approval which may result in the delay or prevention of a change in our control.

Pursuant to a voting agreement, IM Ready-Made, LLC, Isaac Mizrahi and Marisa Gardini agreed to appoint a person designated by our board of directors as their collective irrevocable proxy and attorney-in-fact with respect to the shares of the common stock received by them. The proxy holder will vote in favor of matters recommended or approved by the board of directors. The board of directors has designated Robert D’Loren as proxy. Also, pursuant to separate voting agreements, each of Ripka and HIP agreed to appoint Mr. D’Loren as their respective irrevocable proxy and attorney-in-fact with respect to the shares of the common stock issued to them by us. The proxy holder shall vote in favor of matters recommended or approved by the board of directors.

The combined voting power of the common stock ownership of our officers, directors and key employees was approximately 69% of our voting securities as of June 30, 2015. As a result, our management and key employees through such stock ownership will exercise significant influence over all matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of our directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership in management and key employees may also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of us that may be otherwise viewed as beneficial by stockholders other than management. There is also a risk that our existing management and a limited number of stockholders may have interests which are different from certain stockholders and that they will pursue an agenda which is beneficial to themselves at the expense of other stockholders.

There are limitations on the liabilities of our directors and executive officers. Under certain circumstances, we are obligated to indemnify our directors and executive officers against liability and expenses incurred by them in their service to us.

Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and under Delaware law, our directors are not liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty, except for liability for breach of a director’s duty of loyalty, acts or omissions by a director not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, dividend payments or stock repurchases that are unlawful under Delaware law or any transaction in which a director has derived an improper personal benefit. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. These agreements, among other things, require us to indemnify each director and executive officer for certain expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts, incurred by any such person in any action or proceeding, including any action by us or in our right, arising out of the person’s services as one of our directors or executive officers. The costs associated with providing indemnification under these agreements could be harmful to our business and have an adverse effect on results of operations.

Our common stock is currently thinly traded, and you may be unable to sell at or near ask prices or at all if you need to sell or liquidate a substantial number of shares at one time.

Although we expect that our common stock will be listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, our common stock is currently traded at very low, if any, volume, based on quotations on the OTCQX tier of the OTC Markets. As a result, the number of persons interested in purchasing our common stock at or near bid prices at any given time may be relatively small or non-existent. This situation is attributable to a number of factors, including the fact that we are a small company which is still relatively unknown to securities analysts, stock brokers, institutional investors and others in the investment community that generate or influence sales volume, and that even if we came to the attention of such persons, they tend to be risk-averse and reluctant to follow an unproven company such as ours or purchase or recommend the purchase of our shares until such time as we become more seasoned and viable. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in our shares is minimal or non-existent, as compared to a seasoned issuer which has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales without an adverse effect on share price. We cannot provide any assurance that a broader or more active public trading market for our common stock will develop or be sustained, or that trading levels will be sustained.

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The market price of our common stock may be volatile, which could reduce the market price of our common stock.

Currently the publicly traded shares of our common stock are not widely held, and do not have significant trading volume, and therefore may experience significant price and volume fluctuations. Although our listing application has been approved by NASDAQ, the quotation of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market will not assure that a meaningful, consistent trading market will develop or that the volatility will decline. This market volatility could reduce the market price of the common stock, regardless of our operating performance. In addition, the trading price of the common stock could change significantly over short periods of time in response to actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results, announcements by us, our licensees or our respective competitors, factors affecting our licensees’ markets generally and/or changes in national or regional economic conditions, making it more difficult for shares of the common stock to be sold at a favorable price or at all. The market price of the common stock could also be reduced by general market price declines or market volatility in the future or future declines or volatility in the prices of stocks for companies in the trademark licensing business or companies in the industries in which our licensees compete.

Our common stock may be subject to the penny stock rules adopted by the SEC that require brokers to provide extensive disclosure to their customers prior to executing trades in penny stocks. These disclosure requirements may cause a reduction in the trading activity of our common stock, which could make it more difficult for our stockholders to sell their securities.

Rule 3a51-1 of the Exchange Act establishes the definition of a “penny stock,” for purposes relevant to us, as any equity security that has a minimum bid price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to a limited number of exceptions which are not available to us. This classification could severely and adversely affect any market liquidity for our common stock.

For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the penny stock rules require that a broker or dealer approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks and the broker or dealer receive from the investor a written agreement to the transaction setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased. In order to approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must obtain financial information and investment experience and objectives of the person and make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable for that person and that that person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating the risks of transactions in penny stocks.

The broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prepared by the SEC relating to the penny stock market, which, in highlight form, sets forth:

Disclosure also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading and commission payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.

Because of these regulations, broker-dealers may not wish to engage in the above-referenced necessary paperwork and disclosures and/or may encounter difficulties in their attempt to sell shares of our common stock, which may affect the ability of selling stockholders or other holders to sell their shares in any secondary market and have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in any secondary market. These additional sales practice and disclosure requirements could impede the sale of our common stock even if and when our common stock becomes listed on the NASDAQ Global Market. In addition, the liquidity for our common stock may decrease, with a corresponding decrease in the price of our common stock.

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Although our common stock closed at $7.80 per share on July 10, 2015, no assurance can be given that the per share price of our common stock will maintain such levels or that our stock will not be subject to these “penny stock” rules in the future.

Investors should be aware that, according to Commission Release No. 34-29093, the market for “penny stocks” has suffered in recent years from patterns of fraud and abuse. Such patterns include: (1) control of the market for the security by one or a few broker-dealers that are often related to the promoter or issuer; (2) manipulation of prices through prearranged matching of purchases and sales and false and misleading press releases; (3) boiler room practices involving high-pressure sales tactics and unrealistic price projections by inexperienced sales persons; (4) excessive and undisclosed bid-ask differential and markups by selling broker-dealers; and (5) the wholesale dumping of the same securities by promoters and broker-dealers after prices have been manipulated to a desired level, along with the resulting inevitable collapse of those prices and with consequent investor losses. The occurrence of these patterns or practices could increase the future volatility of our share price.

We may issue a substantial number of shares of common stock upon exercise of outstanding warrants and options, as payment of our obligations under the IM Seller Note, the Ripka Seller Notes and to satisfy obligations to IM Ready, Ripka and HIP if certain conditions, including royalty revenue targets, are met.

As of March 31, 2015, we had outstanding warrants and options to purchase 2,622,293 shares of our common stock, of which warrants to purchase 582,428 shares are exercisable at a price of $0.01 per share. The holders of warrants and options will likely exercise such securities at a time when the market price of our common stock exceeds the exercise price. Therefore, exercises of warrants and options will result in a decrease in the net tangible book value per share of our common stock and such decrease could be material. In addition, we may issue shares of common stock to satisfy up to $10,266,000 of earn-out payments to IM Ready if royalty revenue targets are met by the Mizrahi business, and we may issue shares of common stock to satisfy up to $5,000,000 of earn-out payments to Ripka if royalty revenue targets are met by the Ripka brands. As of March 31, 2015, we estimate the combined fair value of the earn-out payments to be $9,550,000.

We may satisfy the remaining $5,127,000 principal amount of the IM Seller Note payable to IM Ready by issuing shares of common stock. The number of shares which we issue to satisfy our earn-out payment obligations or obligations under the note will be based on the future market price of our common stock and is currently not determinable, provided that there is a floor to the share price to satisfy the IM Seller Note of $4.50 per share. The maximum number of shares that could be issued in exchange for the IM Seller Note and the IM Ready earn-out payments is 1,139,333 shares and 2,281,333 shares, respectively.

We may satisfy our obligations under the remaining $600,000 principal amount Ripka Seller Notes payable to Ripka by issuing shares of common stock. The number of shares which we issue to satisfy our earn-out payment obligations or obligations under the Ripka Seller Notes will be based on the future market price of our common stock and are currently not determinable, provided that there is a floor to the share price to satisfy the Ripka Seller Notes of $7.00 per share. The maximum number of shares that could be issued in exchange for the remaining Ripka Seller Notes and the Ripka earn-out payments is 85,714 shares and 714,286 shares, respectively.

The issuance of shares to satisfy such obligations and upon exercise of outstanding warrants and options will dilute our then-existing stockholders’ percentage ownership of our company, and such dilution could be substantial. In addition, our growth strategy includes the acquisition of additional brands, and we may issue shares of our common stock as consideration for acquisitions. Sales or the potential for sales of a substantial number of shares issued for any of these purposes could adversely affect the market price of our common stock, particularly if our common stock remains thinly traded at such time.

As of March 31, 2015, we also had an aggregate of 3,656,716 shares of common stock available for grants under our Plan to our directors, executive officers, employees and consultants. Issuances of common stock pursuant to the exercise of stock options or other stock grants or awards which may be granted under our Plan will dilute your interest in us.

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Purchasers in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution in net tangible book value.

The public offering price per share of our common stock is expected to be substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of our outstanding common stock. Purchasers of shares in this offering will experience immediate dilution in the net tangible book value of their shares. Based on an assumed public offering price of $10.50 per share (the midpoint of the estimated public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) the dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share in this offering will be $12.44 per share (or approximately 118% of the assumed per share price of shares to be sold in the offering). Further, if we issue additional equity securities to raise additional capital, your ownership interest in our company may be diluted and the value of your investment may be reduced.

We do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock.

You should not rely on an investment in our common stock to provide dividend income, as we have not paid dividends on our common stock, and we do not plan to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. Instead, we plan to retain any earnings to maintain and expand our existing licensing operations, further develop our trademarks and finance the acquisition of additional trademarks. Accordingly, investors must rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any return on their investment. In addition, the IM Loan, the Ripka Loan and the H Loan limit us from paying any cash dividends or make other distributions, and limit our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us, while they are outstanding.

Provisions of our corporate charter documents could delay or prevent change of control.

Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock without stockholder approval, in one or more series, and to fix the dividend rights, terms, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights and terms, liquidation preferences, and any other rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions applicable to each new series of preferred stock. The designation of preferred stock in the future could make it difficult for third parties to gain control of our company, prevent or substantially delay a change in control, discourage bids for the common stock at a premium, or otherwise adversely affect the market price of the common stock.

Holders of our common stock may be subject to restrictions on the use of Rule 144 by shell companies or former shell companies.

Historically, the SEC has taken the position that Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, is not available for the resale of securities initially issued by companies that are, or previously were, shell companies like us, to their promoters or affiliates despite technical compliance with the requirements of Rule 144. The SEC prohibits the use of Rule 144 for resale of securities issued by shell companies (other than business transaction related shell companies) or issuers that have been at any time previously a shell company. The SEC has provided an important exception to this prohibition, however, if the following conditions are met: the issuer of the securities that was formerly a shell company has ceased to be a shell company; the issuer of the securities is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act; the issuer of the securities has filed all Exchange Act reports and material required to be filed, as applicable, during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports and materials), other than Form 8-K reports; and at least one year has elapsed from the time that the issuer filed current Form 10 type information with the SEC reflecting its status as an entity that is not a shell company. As such, due to the fact that we had been a shell company prior to September 2011, holders of “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144, when reselling their shares pursuant to Rule 144, shall be subject to the conditions set forth herein.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of the 1,500,000 shares of common stock that we are selling in this offering will be approximately $14,000,000, or approximately $16,200,000 if the underwriter exercises its over-allotment option in full, based on an assumed public offering price of $10.50 per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discount of $1,102,500 and estimated offering expenses of approximately $647,500 payable by us, together totaling approximately $1,750,000.

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering (i) to expand marketing capabilities, (ii) to pay the $3.0 million cash portion of the purchase price for the acquisition of the C Wonder brand, (iii) to repay approximately $3.0 million principal amount of indebtedness under our April 1, 2014 $9.0 million five year term loan with Bank Hapoalim B.M. and (iv) for working capital and general corporate purposes. The loan from Bank Hapoalim B.M. bears interest at an annual variable rate of either (at our option) LIBOR plus 3.5% or prime plus 0.50%.

We may also use a portion of the net proceeds of this offering to make the $750,000 principal payment under the IM Seller Note which is due January 31, 2016. We have the option to make this payment in cash or in stock, at our sole discretion, subject to Bank Hapoalim B.M. approval for payment in cash. We have not decided whether or not we will make such payment in cash or in stock.

Pending the uses described above, we intend to invest the net proceeds of this offering in short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing securities.

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MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND DIVIDENDS

Market Information

We expect that our common stock will be listed on the NASDAQ Global Market upon consummation of this offering.

Our common stock has been quoted on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board, or OTCBB, under the trading symbol “XELB,” and since February 6, 2013, our common stock has also been quoted for trading on the OTCQX tier of the OTC Markets. Our common stock was previously quoted on the OTC Markets under the ticker symbol “NFBH” during the period from May 7, 2008 through September 29, 2011. The table below sets forth the range of quarterly high and low closing sales prices for our common stock for 2014, 2013 and 2012. The quotations below reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not represent actual transactions:

		High				Low
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2015
First Quarter		$	8.00			$	6.00
Second Quarter		$	8.25			$	7.50
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
First Quarter		$	7.00			$	2.80
Second Quarter		$	20.00			$	3.75
Third Quarter		$	8.00			$	4.60
Fourth Quarter		$	7.50			$	3.60
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
First Quarter		$	5.50			$	1.50
Second Quarter		$	5.50			$	4.90
Third Quarter		$	10.00			$	4.80
Fourth Quarter		$	10.00			$	2.80
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
First Quarter		$	2.56			$	1.21
Second Quarter		$	3.25			$	3.25
Third Quarter		$	3.25			$	3.25
Fourth Quarter		$	3.25			$	1.50

Holders

As of June 30, 2015, the number of our stockholders of record was approximately 561 (excluding beneficial owners and any shares held in street name or by nominees).

Dividends

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock nor do we anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. In addition, our credit facilities with Bank Hapoalim B.M. limit us and our subsidiaries from paying any cash dividends while they are outstanding. Furthermore, we expect to retain any future earnings to finance our operations and expansion. The payment of cash dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our earnings levels, capital requirements, any restrictive loan covenants and other factors the board of directors considers relevant.

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth the actual capitalization of Xcel Brands, Inc. at March 31, 2015. The column captioned “As Adjusted” gives effect on an adjusted basis to:

A $0.50 increase (decrease) in the assumed public offering price of $10.50 per share would increase (decrease) additional paid-in capital and total stockholders’ equity by $1,197,500, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions.

You should read this capitalization table together with the sections of this prospectus entitled “Summary Financial Data,” “Use of Proceeds” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

		March 31, 2015 (unaudited)
($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)		Actual				Pro Forma(1)				Pro Forma As Adjusted(2)
Cash and cash equivalents		$	6,208			$	6,208			$	13,708
Long-term debt, less current portion(2)		$	36,044			$	33,805			$	30,805
Total debt(3)			48,425				46,186				43,186
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding			—				—
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 35,000,000 shares authorized; 14,316,355 shares issued and outstanding, actual; 14,649,689 shares issued and outstanding, pro forma; 17,149,689 shares issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted			14				14				17
Paid-in capital			60,159				62,398				86,895
Retained earnings			3,161				3,161				3,161
Total stockholders’ equity			63,334				65,573				90,073
Total capitalization		$	111,759			$	111,759			$	133,259

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DILUTION

Our historical net tangible book value at March 31, 2015 was $(46.6) million or $(3.25) per share. Historical net tangible book value per share has been determined by dividing the net tangible book value (total book value of tangible assets less total liabilities) by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at March 31, 2015.

Our pro forma net tangible value at March 31, 2015 was $(44.3) million or $(3.03) per share after giving effect to the issuance of 333,334 shares of common stock in satisfaction of $3.0 million principal amount ($2.2 million fair value) of the Ripka Seller Notes.

For purposes of the dilution calculation and the following tables, after giving effect to the pro forma adjustment, the acquisition of the C Wonder brand and the sale of our common stock in this offering at an assumed public offering price of $10.50 per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses of $647,500, our adjusted pro forma net tangible book value at March 31, 2015 would have been $(33.8) million or $(1.97) per share. This represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share of $0.22 to the existing stockholders and dilution in net tangible book value per share of $(1.06) to new investors who purchase shares of common stock in the offering.

The following table illustrates this per share dilution:

Assumed public offering price per share						$	10.50
Historical net tangible book value per share at March 31, 2015		$	(3.25	)
Increase per share attributable to the pro forma adjustment			0.22
Pro forma net tangible book value per share at March 31, 2015			(3.03	)
Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors		$	(1.06	)
As adjusted pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering							(1.97	)
Dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share to new investors						$	12.47

If the underwriter’s over-allotment option is exercised in full, dilution per share to new investors would be $12.32 per share of common stock. The as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only and will adjust based on the actual public offering price per share and other terms of this offering.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. The statements that are not historical facts contained in this prospectus are forward-looking statements that involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict and many of which are beyond our control, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These risks are detailed in the “Risk Factors” section elsewhere in this prospectus. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “appears,” “suggests,” “future,” “likely,” “goal,” “plans,” “potential,” “projects,” “predicts,” “seeks,” “should,” “would,” “guidance,” “confident” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology identify forward-looking statements.

Overview

We are a brand development and media company engaged in the design, licensing, marketing and direct to consumer sale of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, jewelry and home goods, and the acquisition of additional high profile consumer lifestyle brands. Presently, our brand portfolio consists of the Isaac Mizrahi and Judith Ripka brands, as well as two recently acquired brands, H by Halston and H Halston. We also manage and design the Liz Claiborne New York brand which is sold exclusively through QVC, a leading direct-response television and ecommerce retailer. Our in-house designers and marketing executives work with our licensees to help design, promote and elevate each brand within their respective distribution channels. We market and promote our brands by employing a highly-differentiated omni-channel sales strategy, which includes promotion through direct-response television, internet and traditional brick-and-mortar retail distribution channels, delivering a unique brand experience that fosters increased consumer engagement.

Our proprietary platform is strategically positioned to monetize the convergence of shopping, entertainment and social media. By leveraging the reach and media presence of our direct-response television partners, such as QVC, and by developing rich online video and social media content under our brands, we drive increased customer engagement and generate sales across our channels of distribution. Our strong relationships with leading retailers and direct-response television companies, such as QVC and The Shopping Channel, enable us to reach consumers in over 300 million homes worldwide.

Recent Developments

On December 22, 2014, Xcel Brands, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, H Licensing, referred to collectively as the Buyers, entered into an asset purchase agreement dated December 22, 2014, with The H Company IP, LLC, or HIP, and its parent House of Halston LLC, or HOH, pursuant to which the Buyers acquired certain assets of HIP, including the “H by Halston” and “H Halston” trademarks and other intellectual property rights relating thereto. Benjamin Malka, a director of the Company, is a 24% equity holder of HOH, and Chief Executive Officer of HOH and of HIP.

Pursuant to the asset purchase agreement, the Buyers delivered (i) $18,023,090 in cash and 1,000,000 shares of common stock of Xcel to HIP and (ii) warrants to purchase 750,000 shares of common stock of Xcel to HIP’s designee. The warrants are exercisable for a period of five years following the closing date at an exercise price of $12.00 per share.

In connection with such asset purchase, we entered into a trademark license agreement, or the H Halston License Agreement, on December 22, 2014 pursuant to which we granted to HIP, a non-assignable exclusive license to use the H Halston trademark for up to 20 years, in association with the sub-licensing, manufacture, distribution, promotion, advertising and sale of products bearing the H Halston trademark and any related services thereto in all channels of distribution, excluding direct-response television and its related e-commerce and digital distribution, and excluding certain mass retailers. The initial term of the H Halston License Agreement expires on December 31, 2019 unless sooner terminated or renewed. After the initial term, HIP shall be entitled to renew the H Halston License Agreement on three occasions, each for five year terms, as long as HIP is in compliance with all terms and conditions of the agreement. HIP may terminate the agreement prior to the expiration of the initial term without penalties, fees or payment of future royalties upon

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90 days’ notice prior to December 22, 2016. HIP shall pay royalties to H Licensing during the term, with a minimum guaranteed royalty of $600,000 per year during the initial term for 2016 through 2024 and $1,200,000 for any year thereafter. In the event HIP exercises its early termination right, H Licensing shall pay to HIP a participation fee for each of the three following years in an amount not to exceed $4,000,000 ($5,000,000 if H Licensing distributes, or otherwise enters into any agreements for the distribution of, products being the H Halston trademark in China). The participation fee, if any, may be paid at our option in cash or shares of our common stock based on the greater of $8.00 and the volume weighted average price of the common stock for the five business days preceding payment.

Effective as of December 22, 2014, H Licensing entered into a license agreement, or the H QVC Agreement, with QVC in order to market, promote, distribute and sell consumer products under the H by Halston trademark and brand name. Pursuant to the license agreement, H Licensing designs and QVC intends to market, promote, distribute and sell various products under the H by Halston brand name in exchange for a royalty based on net retail sales of the products. The initial license period expires on December 31, 2019. After the initial term, the license agreement automatically renews for additional three-year terms in perpetuity unless either party notifies the other of its intention not to renew at least 60 days prior to the end of the then-current term.

On December 22, 2014, the Company issued to six accredited investors an aggregate of 1,086,667 shares of the common stock of Xcel at a purchase price of $9.00 per share, for gross proceeds of $9.8 million, in a private offering.

Discontinued Operations

We opened a full-price store and an outlet store under the Mizrahi brands in 2013 and 2014, respectively. In December 2014, we decided to close our retail stores. Accordingly, our retail operations have been reclassified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. We will continue our e-commerce operations, which were previously reported as a component of retail operations, as a component of our licensing business.

Summary of Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Critical accounting policies are those that are the most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations, and that require our most difficult, subjective and complex judgments as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in the notes to our financial statements, our most critical accounting policies, discussed below, pertain to revenue recognition, trademarks, goodwill and other intangible assets, stock-based compensation, fair value of contingent obligations and income taxes. In applying such policies, we must use some amounts that are based upon our informed judgments and best estimates. Estimates, by their nature, are based upon judgments and information currently available to us. The estimates that we make are based upon historical factors, current circumstances and the experience and judgment of management. We evaluate our assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis.

Revenue Recognition

In connection with our licensing model, revenue is generated from licenses and is based on reported sales of licensed products bearing our trademarks, at royalty rates specified in the license agreements. These agreements are also subject to contractual minimum levels. Design and service fees are recorded and recognized in accordance with the terms and conditions of each service contract, including meeting our obligations and providing the relevant services under each contract. Guaranteed minimum royalty payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of each contract year, as defined, in each license agreement. Royalties exceeding the guaranteed minimum royalty payments are recognized as income during the period corresponding to the licensee’s sales. Advanced royalty payments are recorded as deferred revenue at the time payment is received and recognized as revenue as earned. Prior to the closing of our retail stores, we recognized revenue from our retail store upon sale of our products to retail consumers, net of estimated returns.

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Trademarks, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We follow Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standard Codification, or ASC, ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other.” Under this standard, goodwill and indefinite lived assets are not amortized. Our definite lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Under this standard, we annually have the option to first assess qualitatively whether it is more likely than not that there is an impairment. We completed our annual quantitative analysis of our indefinite-lived trademarks, other intangibles and goodwill at December 31, 2014 and determined that no further analysis or impairment charges were required.

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718 “Compensation — Stock Compensation,” by recognizing the fair value of stock-based compensation as an operating expense in our consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of our stock option awards are estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and restricted stock awards are valued at the fair value of our stock at the time of grant. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions and elections including expected stock price volatility and the estimated life of each award. Compensation cost for restricted stock is measured using the fair value of our common stock at the date the common stock is granted. The fair value of stock-based awards is amortized over the service period of the awards. Stock-based compensation that relates to contract performance is amortized over the term of the corresponding contract. For stock-based awards that vest based on performance conditions (e.g., achievement of certain milestones), expense is recognized when it is probable that the condition will be met. In addition, the calculation of compensation costs requires that we estimate the number of awards that will be forfeited during the vesting period.

Fair Value of Contingent Obligations

Management continues to analyze and quantify contingent obligations (expected earn-out payments) over the applicable pay-out periods. Management will assess no less frequently than each reporting period the fair value of contingent obligations. Any change in the expected obligation will result in an expense or income recognized in the period in which it is determined that the fair market value of the obligation has changed.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense is the tax payable for the period and the change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted rates in effect during the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. ASC Topic 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements. Tax positions shall initially be recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions shall initially and subsequently be measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a probability of fifty percent or greater of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority, assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASU 2014-09). ASU 2014-09 provides guidance for revenue recognition and affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is the recognition of revenue when a company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include

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in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods therein, using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the method and impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In April 2015, the FASB proposed deferring the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for one year, and proposed some modifications to the original provisions.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Interest — Imputation of Interest” (ASU 2015-03). ASU 2015-03 simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts or premiums. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs would not be affected by the amendments of ASU 2015-03. For public business entities, ASU 2015-03 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued.

Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Operating Results

The Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014

Total Revenues

Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased approximately $3.05 million to $6.59 million from $3.54 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. This increase was primarily related to increases in net licensing revenues of $2.98 million and net sales revenues (which included e-commerce revenues) of $0.07 million, partially offset by a decrease in design and service fees of $0.15 million.

Net licensing revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased by $2.98 million, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014 primarily due to the acquisition of the Ripka brands, which was purchased in April 2014, the acquisition of the H Halston brands, which were purchased in December 2014, and the continuing growth of the Mizrahi brands. We continue to focus on our international expansion by marketing our Mizrahi brands direct-response television in Canada on The Shopping Channel. In addition, in May 2014, we brought the IsaacMizahriLIVE brand to the United Kingdom through QVC. The increase in net e-commerce sales of $0.07 million was attributable to the launch of the e-commerce platform in May 2014.

Gross Profit

Gross Profit for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $6.55 million, compared to $3.54 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase in gross profit was primarily attributable to the increase in revenues. Gross profit for the three months ended March 21, 2015 included $0.05 million of cost of goods sold related to our e-commerce business, which did not have operations in the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses totaled $5.65 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to $4.62 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase of approximately $1.03 million was primarily related to an increase in compensation expense of $1.13 million and an increase in other design and marketing costs and general and administrative expenses of $0.42 million, partially offset by a decrease in stock-based compensation of $0.55 million. The increase in compensation expense was primarily due to the staffing for the Ripka brands acquired in April 2014 and the H Halston brands acquired in December 2014. Increases in other design and marketing costs and general and administrative expenses were primarily attributable to the operations of the Ripka brand, the H Halston brands and the growth of our existing business.

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Other Expenses

Other expenses of $0.61 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 represents a loss on extinguishment of debt as a result of the Company satisfying $2.40 million principal amount of the Ripka Seller Notes by issuing 266,667 shares of our common stock in March 2015. The maturity date of the Ripka Seller Notes was originally March 31, 2019. The fair value of the $2.40 million principal amount of Ripka Seller Notes at the redemption date was $1.79 million, resulting in a loss of $0.61 million.

Interest and Finance Expense

Interest and finance expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased by $0.27 million to $0.51 million, compared to $0.24 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. This was primarily due to higher term debt principal balance from financing a portion of the Ripka brand acquisition and the H Halston brands acquisition.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was approximately (47)% resulting in a $0.11 million income tax benefit. The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was (37)% which resulted in a $0.49 million income tax benefit.

Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations

Our operating income from continuing operations was $0.29 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to an operating loss from continuing operations of $1.08 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net

The loss from discontinued operations, net was attributable to the net loss related to our retail operations, as a result of our decision in December 2014 to discontinue our retail stores. The three months ended March 31, 2015 loss from discontinued operations, net, of $0.21 million mainly represents compensation expense, other general and administrative expenses and wind-down costs associated with the closing of our retail stores, offset by an income tax benefit of $0.14 million. The three months ended March 31, 2014 loss from discontinued operations, net of $0.13 million mainly represents compensation expense and other general and administrative expenses, offset by an income tax benefit of $0.08 million.

Net Loss

We had a net loss of $0.33 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to a net loss of $0.96 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Non-GAAP Net Income, Non-GAAP Diluted EPS and Adjusted EBITDA

We had non-GAAP net income of $1.65 million, or non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.11, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to non-GAAP net income of $0.83 million, or non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.07, for the three months ended March 31, 2014. We had Adjusted EBITDA of $2.20 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $0.74 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding and Adjusted EBITDA are supplemental financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. See “— Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for our definitions of these non-GAAP financial measures, important information regarding such measures and for reconciliations of (i) net income (loss) to non-GAAP net income and net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA and (ii) diluted loss per share to non-GAAP diluted EPS.

Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013

Total Revenues

Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased approximately $7.55 million to $20.71 million from $13.16 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This was primarily related to increases in net licensing revenues of $7.58 million and net sales revenues (which is comprised of our e-commerce revenues) of $0.13 million in 2014, partially offset by a decrease in design and service fees of $0.16 million.

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Net licensing revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased by $7.58 million, compared with the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily due to an increase in direct-response television revenues of $7.10 million. Licensing revenues attributable to the Ripka brands, which commenced in April 2014, and the continuing growth of Mizrahi brands were the main contributing factors. We are also focusing on our international expansion. In September 2013, we commenced marketing our Mizrahi brands through direct-response television in Canada on TSC. In April 2014, upon our acquisition of the Ripka brands, we launched the Ripka brands on TSC in Canada. In May 2014, we brought the IsaacMizrahiLIVE brand to the United Kingdom through QVC. Net e-commerce sales were $0.13 million as a result of the launch of the e-commerce platform in May 2014. Wholesale licensing revenues increased by $0.48 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, compared with the year ended December 31, 2013. Design and service fee revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased by $0.16 million, compared with the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily due to a non-recurring service fees recognized in the year ended December 31, 2013.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $20.63 million, compared to $13.17 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in gross profit is primarily attributable to the increase in revenues. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2014 included $0.07 million of cost of goods sold related to our e-commerce business, which did not have operations in 2013.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses totaled $19.80 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $14.84 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase of approximately $4.96 million was primarily related to an increase in compensation expense of $3.15 million, an increase in other design and marketing costs and general and administrative expenses of $1.41 million and an increase in stock-based compensation of $0.34 million. The increase in compensation expense was primarily due to the staffing needs and performance based compensation attributable to our growth, and staffing for the Ripka brand acquired in April 2014. Increases in other design and marketing costs and general and administrative expenses are attributable to the operations of the Ripka brand and the growth of our existing Mizrahi brands business.

Other Expenses (Income)

Other income for the year ended December 31, 2014 consists of a $0.60 million gain on the reduction of contingent obligations, as a result of reducing the fair value of its contingent obligation on our earn-out obligation to IM Ready. The reduction in the earn-out obligation to IM Ready for the year ended December 31, 2014 was based on a revision of the timing of projected future net royalty income related to the Mizrahi business, therefore diminishing the probability of achieving the remaining royalty targets. This adjustment results from our having better visibility in its 2015 royalties given current Mizrahi brands product sales information.

Other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2013 consisted of a $1.35 million loss on extinguishment of debt offset by a $5.12 million gain on reduction of contingent obligations. The loss on extinguishment of debt was the result of our refinancing our prior term debt with a new loan facility, with more favorable terms. The extinguishment of the prior term debt included a prepayment fee of $0.19 million and an acceleration of deferred finance costs and loan discount of $1.16 million resulting in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.35 million. We reduced the fair value of our contingent obligations by $5.10 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, resulting in a gain on reduction of contingent obligations.

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Interest and Finance Expense

Interest and finance expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased by approximately $0.24 million to $1.49 million, compared to $1.73 million in the year ended December 31, 2013. This was primarily due to the net $0.05 million decrease attributable to lower interest rates in our term debt, partially offset by higher term debt principal balances from financing a portion of the Ripka brands acquisition, and a decrease of $0.19 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 of interest expense and finance charges from the amortization of debt discounts and deferred finance costs compared with the year ended December 31, 2013.

Provision for Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 was approximately (183.52)%, resulting in a $0.10 million income tax benefit. The effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2013 was (361.20)%, which resulted in a $1.32 million income tax benefit. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded a $0.6 million gain on the reduction of contingent obligations related to the acquisition of the Mizrahi business. This gain is not subject to tax and was treated as a discrete item. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded a $0.60 million gain on the reduction of contingent obligations related to the acquisition of the Mizrahi business. This gain is not subject to tax and was treated as a discrete item. Additionally, there was an increase in the state income tax rate which was booked to deferred income tax expense and treated as a discrete item during the year ended December 31, 2013.

Operating Income from Continuing Operations

We had income from continuing operations of $0.04 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to income from continuing operations of $1.69 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Net income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013 include certain non-cash components as described later in this section.

Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net

The loss from discontinued operations, net, was primarily attributable to the net loss related to our retail operations, as a result of our decision to discontinue our retail stores and focus on e-commerce, which will be a component of our licensing business. The year ended December 31, 2014’s loss from discontinued operations, net of $1.08 million mainly represents compensation expense, other general and administrative expenses and wind down costs associated with the closing of our retail stores, inclusive of inventory write-downs and impairment of property and equipment, offset by an income tax benefit of $0.70 million. The year ended December 31, 2013’s loss from discontinued operations, net of $0.16 million mainly represents compensation expense and other general and administrative expenses, offset by the gross margin recognized by the retail stores and an income tax benefit of $0.08 million.

Net Income (Loss)

We had a net loss of $1.03 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to a net income of $1.53 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Non-GAAP Net Income, Non-GAAP Diluted EPS and Adjusted EBITDA

Non-GAAP net income for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased approximately $1.73 million to $5.18 million, or non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.40 per diluted share from $3.45 million, or non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.35, for the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily due to increased revenues partially offset by an increase in operating expenses, as described above. We had Adjusted EBITDA of $7.01 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $4.15 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding and Adjusted EBITDA are supplemental financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. See “— Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for our definitions of these non-GAAP financial measures, important information regarding such measures and for reconciliations of (i) net income (loss) to non-GAAP net income and net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA, (ii) diluted loss per share to non-GAAP diluted EPS and (iii) diluted weighted average shares outstanding to non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

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Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding and Adjusted EBITDA are supplemental measures not calculated in accordance with GAAP. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income before stock-based compensation, interest expense and other financing costs (including (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt), gain on reduction of contingent obligations, income taxes, other state and local franchise taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash compensation expenses, other non-cash income (expenses) and loss from discontinued operations, net. We define non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding as diluted weighted average shares outstanding adjusted for the effect of dilutive outstanding warrants and stock options. We define non-GAAP diluted EPS as non-GAAP net income divided by non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

Management uses non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding and Adjusted EBITDA as measures of operating performance to assist in comparing performance from period to period on a consistent basis and to identify business trends relating to our results of operations. Non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding and Adjusted EBITDA are also useful because they provide supplemental information to assist investors in evaluating our financial results.

Non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to net income, earnings per share or any other measure of financial performance calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Given that non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding and Adjusted EBITDA are financial measures not deemed to be in accordance with GAAP and are susceptible to varying calculations, our non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding and Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including companies in our industry, because other companies may calculate non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding and Adjusted EBITDA in a different manner than we calculate these measures.

In evaluating non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS and Adjusted EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future we may or may not incur expenses similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding and Adjusted EBITDA does not imply that our future results will be unaffected by these expenses or any unusual or non-recurring items. When evaluating our performance, you should consider non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding and Adjusted EBITDA alongside other financial performance measures, including our net income (loss) and other GAAP results, and not rely on any single financial measure.

The following table is a reconciliation of net income (loss), our most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP, to non-GAAP net income:

		Three Months Ended March 31,								Year Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2014				2013
Net income (loss)		$	(331,000	)		$	(955,000	)		$	(1,032,000	)		$	1,532,000
Non-cash interest expense from discounted debt related to asset acquisitions			160,000				83,000				575,000				714,000
Stock-based compensation			1,013,000				1,565,000				5,151,000				4,810,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt			611,000				—				—				1,351,000
Gain on reduction of contingent obligations			—				—				(600,000	)			(5,122,000	)
Loss from discontinued operations, net			213,000				131,000				1,076,000				156,000
Other non-cash adjustments			—				1,000				14,000				6,000
Non-GAAP net income		$	1,666,000			$	825,000			$	5,184,000			$	3,447,000

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The following table is a reconciliation of diluted net income (loss) per share, our most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP, to non-GAAP diluted EPS:

		Three Months Ended March 31,								Year Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2014				2013
Diluted net income (loss) per share(1)		$	(0.02	)		$	(0.09	)		$	(0.08	)		$	0.16
Non-cash interest expense from discounted debt related to asset acquisitions			0.01				0.01				0.05				0.07
Stock-based compensation			0.07				0.14				0.40				0.49
Loss on extinguishment of debt			0.04				—				—				0.14
Gain on reduction of contingent obligations			—				—				(0.05	)			(0.52	)
Loss from discontinued operations, net			0.01				.01				0.08				0.01
Other non-cash adjustments			—				—				—				—
Non-GAAP diluted EPS		$	0.11			$	0.07			$	0.40			$	0.35
Non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding			15,180,888				11,427,349				12,816,674				9,791,493

The following table is a reconciliation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding, our most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP, to non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding:

		Three Months Ended March 31,								Year Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2014				2013
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding			14,069,419				10,830,312				12,816,674				9,791,493
Effect of exercising warrants			971,874				581,898				(i)				(i)
Effect of exercising stock options			139,595				15,139				(i)				(i)
Non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding			15,180,888				11,427,349				12,816,674				9,791,493

The following table is a reconciliation of net income (loss), our most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP, to Adjusted EBITDA:

		Three Months Ended March 31,								Year Ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2014				2013
Net income (loss)		$	(331,000	)		$	(955,000	)		$	(1,032,000	)		$	1,532,000
Depreciation and amortization			262,000				224,000				935,000				873,000
Interest and finance expense			351,000				155,000				913,000				1,012,000
Non-cash interest expense from discounted debt related to asset acquisitions			160,000				83,000				575,000				714,000
Income tax benefit			(106,000	)			(494,000	)			(97,000	)			(1,322,000	)
State and local franchise taxes			29,000				27,000				77,000				144,000
Stock-based compensation			1,013,000				1,565,000				5,151,000				4,810,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt			611,000				—				—				1,351,000
Gain on reduction of contingent obligations			—				—				(600,000	)			(5,122,000	)
Loss from discontinued operations, net			213,000				131,000				1,076,000				156,000
Other non-cash adjustments			1,000				3,000				14,000				6,000
Adjusted EBITDA		$	2,203,000			$	739,000			$	7,012,000			$	4,154,000

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal capital requirements have been to fund working capital needs, and to a lesser extent, capital expenditures. At March 31, 2015 and 2014, our unrestricted cash and cash equivalents were $6.21 million and $8.53 million, respectively.

We expect that existing cash and operating cash flows will be adequate to meet our operating needs, debt service obligations and capital expenditure needs, including the debt service under our term loan facilities for at least the next twelve months. We are dependent on our licensees for most of our revenues, and there is no assurance that the licensees will perform as projected.

We do not require significant capital expenditures. Our capital expenditures for continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $0.03 million, $0.25 million and $0.22 million, respectively.

Our contingent obligations are payable in stock and/or cash, at our discretion subject, in some cases, to approval by Bank Hapoalim B.M. for cash payments. Payment of these obligations in stock would not affect our liquidity.

A $750,000 cash payment under the IM Seller Note is due on January 31, 2016 subject to Bank Hapoalim B.M.’s approval of the cash payment. If Bank Hapoalim B.M. does not approve the cash payment, then the amount shall be payable in shares of common stock.

The Ripka Seller Notes have a term of five years and are payable in cash at our discretion. In February and April 2015, we issued 266,667 and 333,334 shares of common stock, respectively, to satisfy and extinguish $2.4 million and $3.0 million principal amount of the Ripka Seller Notes, respectively.

On June 24, 2015, we obtained an irrevocable standby letter of credit from Bank Hapoalim B.M. in an amount not to exceed $1.11 million and deposited such amount with Bank Hapoalim B.M. to secure our obligation to reimburse Bank Hapoalim in the event the letter of credit is drawn upon.

Changes in Working Capital

At March 31, 2015, the adjusted working capital ratio (current assets to current liabilities, excluding current contingent obligations and $2.24 million of fair value of the Ripka Seller Notes payable in stock) was 1.40 to 1.00, 1.47 to 1.00 and 4.84 to 1.00, respectively. Contingent obligations are not considered part of working capital because we have the right to pay the obligation in stock. A discussion of the components of our cash flows used in continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013 is set forth below.

Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations was approximately $0.35 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations of approximately $4,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2014. Cash used in operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily due to a net loss of $(0.33) million, offset by a net loss from discontinued operations, net of $0.21 million, the net change in operating assets and liabilities of $(1.97) million and offset by non-cash expenses of $1.76 million. Non-cash expenses mainly consist of $1.01 million of stock-based compensation, a $0.61 million loss on the extinguishment of debt, $0.26 million of depreciation and amortization, $0.19 million of amortization of debt discount and deferred finance costs and $(0.34) million of deferred income tax benefit. Cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily due to net loss of $(0.96) million, offset by a net loss from discontinued operations, net of $0.13 million, the net change in operating assets and liabilities of $(0.56) million and offset by non-cash expenses of $1.38 million. Non-cash expenses mainly consist of $1.56 million of stock-based compensation, $0.22 million of depreciation and amortization, $0.09 million of amortization of debt discount and deferred finance costs and $(0.49) million of deferred income tax benefit.

Our net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was approximately $6.61 million and $2.64 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 and year ended December 31, 2013, respectively. Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily due

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to a net loss of $1.03 million, offset by a net loss from discontinued operations of $1.08 million, the net change in operating assets and liabilities of $1.95 million and non-cash expenses of $4.61 million. Non-cash expenses mainly consist of $5.15 million of stock-based compensation, $0.94 million of depreciation and amortization, non-cash interest and other finance costs of $0.66 million, $(1.54) million of deferred income tax benefit and $(0.60) million of gain on the reduction of contingent obligations.

Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 was primarily due to net income of $1.53 million, net loss from discontinued operations of $0.16 million and non-cash expenses of $1.54 million, offset by a net change in operating assets and liabilities of $(0.59) million. Non-cash expenses primarily consist of stock-based compensation of $4.81 million, depreciation and amortization of $0.87 million, non-cash interest and other finance costs of $0.80 million, deferred income tax benefit of $(1.19) million, a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $1.35 million and a gain on the reduction of contingent obligations of $(5.12) million.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was approximately $0.04 million, compared to $0.28 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. Net cash used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 was attributable to cash consideration paid for the acquisition of the H Halston brands of $0.01 million and capital expenditures of $0.03 million. In the three months ended March 31, 2014, $0.11 million of capital expenditures was attributable to property and equipment purchases and $0.17 million was attributable to an advance deposit for the acquisition of the Ripka brands.

Our net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 was approximately $31.12 million, compared to $0.31 million in the year ended December 31, 2013. The year ended December 31, 2014 net cash used in investing activities was attributable to cash consideration paid for the acquisition of the Ripka brands of $12.36 million, cash consideration paid for the acquisition of the H Halston brands of $18.51 million and capital expenditures of $0.25 million. In the year ended December 31, 2013, $0.22 million of capital expenditures was attributable to property and equipment and $0.09 million was attributable to payment of a security deposit.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was approximately $1.88 million, primarily attributable to the repayments on our long-term debt of $1.00 million and payment on our installment obligation related to the Ripka brands of $0.90 million. Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was approximately $0.41 million, primarily attributable to the repurchase of $0.06 million of shares of vested restricted stock, $0.03 million of deferred financing costs and $0.32 million of contingent obligation payments.

Our net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 was approximately $26.76 million, which was primarily attributable to $10.00 million of proceeds from the term debt related to the H Halston brands acquisition, $9.00 million of proceeds from the term debt related to the Ripka brands, $0.51 million income tax benefit from vested stock grants and exercise of stock options and $9.29 million of net proceeds (after expenses) from the issuance of 1,086,667 shares of our common stock in the December 22, 2014 private placement. The increase was offset by (i) $0.98 million of repurchased shares of restricted stock that had vested, (ii) $0.51 million of deferred financing costs related to the H Halston brands and Ripka brands debt financings, (iii) $0.31 million of contingent obligation payments and (iv) $0.25 million of repayments on the IM Loan. Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 was approximately $1.66 million, primarily attributable $4.69 million of net proceeds (after expenses) from the issuance of common stock and $0.10 million of net proceeds from refinancing the previous term debt with the IM Loan, partly offset by (a) a $1.50 million payment on the IM Seller Note, (b) $1.01 million in scheduled principal payments of previous term debt and (c) the repurchases of 0.62 million shares of vested restricted stock. The gross proceeds of $13.0 million received in August 2013 were used to satisfy the previous term debt principal balance of $12.49 million, the prepayment fee and costs of $0.19 million and $0.22 million in deferred financing costs related to the new IM Loan.

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Obligations and Commitments

Net carrying amount of our debt is comprised of the following:

		March 31, 2015
IM Loan		$	12,500,000
Ripka Loan			9,000,000
H Loan			10,000,000
IM Seller Note			4,692,000
Ripka Seller Notes			2,683,000
Contingent obligation – IM Ready(*)			5,766,000
Contingent obligation – Ripka			3,784,000
Total			48,425,000
Current portion(*)			12,381,000
Total long-term debt		$	36,044,000

The IM Loan

On August 1, 2013, we extinguished a five-year senior secured facility with MidMarket Capital Partners, LLC and certain noteholders in the aggregate principal amount of $13,500,000 entered into by IM brands on September 29, 2011 with proceeds from a new $13.0 million, 5-year term loan with Bank Hapoalim B.M. which we refer to as the IM Loan. The IM Loan requires us to pay current interest quarterly at the rate of 4.44% per annum. Principal payments began on October 1, 2014 of $250,000 each quarter for the next four fiscal quarters, and increasing thereafter. The following table presents the principal payments due under the IM Loan:

Year Ending December 31,		Amount of Principal Payment
2015 (April through December 31)		$	1,125,000
2016			2,625,000
2017			3,125,000
2018			5,625,000
Total		$	12,500,000

We are required to prepay the outstanding amount of the IM Loan in arrears from excess cash flow for each fiscal year commencing in the year ending December 31, 2015 in an amount equal to 50% of the excess cash flow for such fiscal year until such time as principal payments to Bank Hapoalim B.M. under the IM Loan and the Ripka Loan equals at least $1.0 million in the aggregate and then 20% of the excess cash flow for such fiscal year. Excess cash flow means, for any fiscal period, cash provided by operating activities for such period less (a) capital expenditures not made through the incurrence of indebtedness less (b) all interest and principal (including indebtedness owed for the IM Loan) paid or payable during such period less (c) all income tax payments made during such period. See “— Financial Covenants” for a summary of the financial covenants contained in the IM Term Loan.

The IM Seller Note

We issued the IM Seller Note in the principal amount of $7.38 million to IM Ready as partial consideration for the acquisition of the Mizrahi business. The IM Seller Note was amended on December 24, 2013, at which time we made a partial repayment of $1.50 million of principal. The stated interest rate of the IM Seller Note is 0.25%, which was prepaid on September 29, 2011. The following table presents the principal payments due under the IM Seller Note.

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Payment Date		Payment Amount
January 31, 2016(1)		$	750,000
September 30, 2016(2)		$	4,377,432

IM Earn-out Obligation

IM Ready is eligible to earn additional shares of common stock with a value of up to $7.50 million for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2015, with the number of shares to be issued based upon the greater of (i) $4.50 per share and (ii) the average stock price for the last twenty days in such period, and with such earn-out payment contingent upon the Mizrahi business achieving net royalty income targets (which we refer to as the IM Earn-Out Obligation). IM Ready was eligible to earn additional shares of common stock for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, but did not meet the minimum net royalty income targets. In addition, as of December 24, 2013, Xcel and IM Ready amended the terms of the Isaac Mizrahi earn-out obligation and eliminated additional consideration for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014 and we agreed to make a one-time cash payment of $315,000 to IM Ready. The IM Earn-Out Obligation of $3.00 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is recorded as current portion of long-term debt (current liabilities) on our consolidated balance sheet and the IM Earn-Out Obligation of $3.60 million at December 31, 2013 is recorded as long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. The IM Earn-Out Obligation is payable solely in stock.

QVC Earn-out

We are required to pay IM Ready approximately $2.80 million, payable in cash or common stock, at our option, subject to the approval of Bank Hapoalim B.M., contingent upon the Mizrahi business receiving aggregate net royalty income of at least $2.50 million from QVC in the 12-month period ending September 30, 2015 with such stock based upon the greater of (x) $4.50 per share, and (y) the average stock price for the last twenty days prior to the time of such issuance. The current term of the IM QVC Agreement runs through September 30, 2015. Management has determined that it is probable that the $2.5 million in net royalty income from QVC will be met. Any change in the expected obligation will result in an expense or income in the period in which it is determined fair market value has changed.

The Ripka Loan

As of April 1, 2014, we entered into a $9.00 million five year term loan with Bank Hapoalim B.M., which we refer to as the Ripka Loan. The Ripka Loan is secured by substantially all of the assets of JR Licensing and IM Brands, guaranteed by Xcel and IM Brands and secured by a pledge of Xcel’s membership interest in JR Licensing. The Ripka Loan bears interest at an annual variable rate of either LIBOR plus 3.5% or prime plus 0.50%, at JR Licensing’s option, payable, if the Ripka Loan is bearing interest based on LIBOR, on the last business day of the applicable interest period and, if the Ripka Loan is bearing interest based on prime, quarterly in arrears on the first day of each calendar quarter. Principal payments began on April 1, 2015 in the amount of $375,000 each quarter for the next four fiscal quarters and increasing thereafter. The following table presents the principal payments due under the Ripka Loan.

Year Ending December 31,		Amount of Principal Payment
2015 (April through December 31)		$	1,125,000	(1)
2016			2,250,000
2017			2,875,000
2018			2,250,000
2019			500,000
Total		$	9,000,000

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In conjunction with the H Loan, Xcel and JR Licensing amended the Ripka Loan. See “ — Financial Covenants” for a summary of the financial covenants contained in the Ripka Loan.

Ripka Seller Notes

On April 3, 2014, as part of the consideration for the purchase of the Ripka brands, JR Licensing issued to Ripka and certain companies owned by Ms. Ripka including Judith Ripka Creations (which we refer to collectively as Ripka) $6.0 million principal amount notes, or the Ripka Seller Notes. The Ripka Seller Notes have a term of five years from the date of issuance, are payable in cash or shares of our common stock valued at the time of payment, at our option, with a floor price of $7.00 per share if paid in stock, and with Ripka having certain rights to extend the maturity of the Ripka Seller Notes in the event our stock is trading at a price of less than $7.00 per share.

Management determined that its expected borrowing rate is estimated to be 7.33% and has, therefore, discounted the Ripka Seller Notes by $1.84 million using a 7.33% imputed annual interest rate, resulting in an initial value of $4.2 million. The imputed interest amount is being amortized over the term of the Ripka Seller Notes and recorded as other interest and finance expense.

On February 20, 2015, we agreed to cancel Ripka Seller Notes in the principal amount of $3.0 million and execute in its place: (i) a $2.40 million principal amount promissory note issued in the name of Ripka (which we refer to as the $2.40 million Seller Note) and (ii) a $600,000 principal amount promissory note issued in the name of Ms. Ripka (which we refer to as the $600,000 Seller Note), each pursuant to substantially the same terms as the Ripka Seller Notes; provided, however, that we have agreed with Ms. Ripka that, upon Ms. Ripka’s assignment of the $600,000 Seller Note to a permitted assignee, the principal payments under the $600,000 Seller Note shall accelerate to be payable in eight equal quarterly installments of $75,000 with the first payment due on March 31, 2015 and with the final principal payment payable on December 31, 2016. As of the date of this prospectus, the $600,000 Seller Note has not been assigned. The $2.40 million Seller Note was assigned by Ms. Ripka to Judith Ripka Creations, Inc. and further assigned by Judith Ripka Creations, Inc. to Thai Jewelry Manufacturer Co. LTD., or Thai Jewelry. On February 20, 2015, we entered into a release letter with Thai Jewelry, pursuant to which on March 25, 2015, we issued to Thai Jewelry 266,667 shares of our common stock in exchange for the cancellation of the $2.40 million Seller Note and Thai Jewelry released us and our affiliates from any and all claims which exist or may have existed between Thai Jewelry, as well as Judith Ripka, Judith Ripka Creations, Inc. or any of their affiliates or successors.

On April 21, 2015, we satisfied another $3.00 million principal amount of Ripka Seller Notes by issuing 333,334 shares of common stock, leaving only $600,000 principal amount of Ripka Seller Notes remaining outstanding at such date.

Ripka Installment Obligations

In connection with the purchase of the Ripka brands, we were initially obligated to pay to Ripka $1.00 million (which we refer to as the First Installment) and $1.20 million (which we refer to as the Second Installment) in cash or shares of our common stock as of February 23, 2015 and April 1, 2015, respectively, we made such payments. The First Installment was originally $1.00 million and due October 1, 2014, but was amended to $0.90 million due February 23, 2015. In conjunction with the First Installment amendment, the Second Installment was amended from $1.20 million to $1.30 million. We made such payments as required.

Ripka Earn-out

In connection with the purchase of the Ripka brands, we agreed to pay Ripka additional consideration of up to $5 million in the aggregate, payable in cash or shares of our common stock based on the fair market value of our common stock at the time of payment, and with a floor of $7.00 per share, based on the Ripka brands achieving in excess of $1.00 million of net royalty income during each of the 12-month periods beginning on October 1, 2015 and ending on October 1, 2018, less the sum of all earn out payments for any prior earn-out period. Net royalty income shall not include any revenues generated by direct-response television sales or any revenue accelerated as a result of termination of any license agreements. The Ripka

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earn-out of $3.78 million is recorded as long-term debt at December 31, 2014 on the consolidated balance sheets based on the difference between the fair value of the assets of the Ripka brands acquired and the total consideration paid.

As of December 31, 2014, total contingent obligations were $9.55 million.

H Loan

On December 22, 2014, H Licensing entered into a $10.00 million 5-year term loan with Bank Hapoalim B.M. which we refer to as the H Loan. The H Loan is (i) secured by substantially all of the assets of H Licensing, IM Brands and JR Licensing, (ii) guaranteed by Xcel, IM Brands and JR Licensing and (iii) secured by a pledge of Xcel’s membership interest in H Licensing, IM Brands and JR Licensing.

The H Loan bears interest at an annual rate, as elected by H Licensing, of (i) the rate of interest determined by Bank Hapoalim B.M. to be the offered rate on a page or service that displays an average ICE Benchmark Administration Ltd. rate for deposits in U.S. dollars for delivery on the first working day of any interest period of 1, 2 or 3 months, as elected by H Licensing (or such other period as Bank Hapoalim B.M. may agree) with a term equivalent to such interest period, determined as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two working days prior to the first working day of such interest period plus 3.50% or (ii) the rate of interest announced by Bank Hapoalim B.M., from time to time, as its prime rate plus .50%. Interest on the H Loan accruing at a rate based on LIBOR is payable on the last business day of the applicable interest period and interest on the H Loan accruing at a rate based on the prime rate is payable quarterly in arrears on the first day of each calendar quarter.

Scheduled principal payments for the H Loan are as follows:

Year Ending December 31,		Amount of Principal Payment
2015 (April through December 31)		$	—
2016			1,500,000
2017			2,500,000
2018			3,000.000
2019			3,000,000
Total		$	10,000,000

For any fiscal year commencing with the year ending December 31, 2015, H Licensing is required to prepay the outstanding amount of the H Loan from excess cash flow for the prior fiscal year in an amount equal to 20% of such excess cash flow. Excess cash flow is defined as, for any fiscal period, cash provided by operating activities for such period less (a) capital expenditures not made through the incurrence of indebtedness less (b) all cash interest and principal (including the H Loan) paid or payable during such period less (c) all taxes paid or payable during such period less (d) payments made during such period by H Licensing to Xcel equal to the estimated tax liability of Xcel resulting from any taxable income (net of losses, including for prior years to the extent permitted to be deducted) of H Licensing. H Licensing also executed a guarantee of Xcel’s outstanding term loans with Bank Hapoalim B.M. See “— Financial Covenants” for a summary of the financial covenants contained in the H Loan.

Financial Covenants

We are required to maintain minimum fixed charge ratio and liquidity covenants and other non-monetary covenants, including reporting requirements and trademark preservation under with the terms and conditions of the IM Loan, the Ripka Loan, and the H Loan, which we collectively refer to as the Term Loans. In addition:

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As of March 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Term Loans.

C Wonder Earn-Out

In connection with the purchase of the C Wonder brand, which we expect will occur immediately after the consummation of this offering, we will be obligated to pay to Burch LLC $3.0 million in cash and 1,000,000 shares of our common stock (a portion of each will be placed into escrow), as well as additional consideration, in cash (or shares of our common stock, at our discretion) payable, if at all, after June 30, 2019 based on royalties related directly to the C Wonder brand. The value of this additional consideration, or earn-out, shall be calculated as the positive amount, if any, of (i) two times (A) the maximum net royalties as calculated for any single 12 month period commencing on July 1 and ending on June 30 between the C Wonder closing and June 30, 2019, less (B) $4.0 million, plus (ii) two times the maximum royalty based on a percentage of retail and wholesale sales of C Wonder branded products by Xcel as calculated for any single 12 month period commencing on July 1 and ending on June 30 between the C Wonder closing and June 30, 2019.

Other

We believe that cash from future operations as well as currently available cash will be sufficient to satisfy our anticipated working capital requirements for the foreseeable future, including the debt service on the IM Loan, Ripka Loan and H Loan, deferred purchase price payments related to our acquisition of the Ripka brands, and making necessary upgrades to our infrastructure and technology and e-commerce development. The combined principal obligations for our debt during the year ending December 31, 2015 are $3.25 million, and the deferred purchase price payments related to our acquisition of the Ripka brands during the year ending December 31, 2015 are approximately $2.20 million.

The non-cash obligations of the IM Seller Note and $2.8 million of the contingent obligations under the earn-out provisions described above are payable in stock and or cash, at our discretion and up to $7.50 million contingent obligations are payable solely in stock. Payment of these obligations in stock would not affect our liquidity.

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The following is a summary of contractual cash obligations, including interest for the periods indicated that existed as of December 31, 2014:

		2015				2016				2017 & After				Total
Term debt		$	2,500,000			$	6,375,000			$	22,875,000			$	31,750,000
Term debt interest			1,206,000				1,022,000				1,188,000				3,416,000
IM Seller Note			750,000				750,000				—				1,500,000
Seller installment obligation			2,200,000				—				—				2,200,000
Operating leases			827,000				809,000				5,023,000				6,659,000
Employment contracts			4,210,000				3,950,000				3,242,000				11,402,000
Total contractual cash obligations		$	11,693,000			$	12,906,000			$	32,328,000			$	56,927,000

On July 8, 2015, we entered into a Sublease Agreement with GBG USA Inc., a Delaware corporation, which we refer to as the Sublandlord, pursuant to which we have subleased approximately 29,566 rentable square feet comprising the entire 10th floor of 1333 Broadway, New York, New York, which we refer to as the Premises. The term of the Sublease Agreement shall commence on January 1, 2016 and shall expire on October 30, 2027. The Company shall pay to the Sublandlord fixed rent for the Premises, with the first monthly installment paid upon the signing of the Sublease Agreement.

In connection with the Sublease Agreement, we obtained an Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit from Bank Hapoalim, B.M. in favor of the Sublandlord, for a sum not exceeding $1.11 million. The Sublease Agreement is subject to the consent of the landlord of the Premises. If such consent is not obtained within 45 days of the date of the Sublease Agreement, the Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit shall be returned to the Company.

Other Factors

We continue to seek to expand and diversify the types of licensed products being produced under the Mizrahi, Ripka and H Halston brands. We plan to continue to diversify the distribution channels within which licensed products are sold, in an effort to reduce dependence on any particular retailer, consumer or market sector within each of our brands. The Mizrahi brands, the H Halston brands and LCNY brand have a core business in fashion apparel and accessories. The Ripka brands historically have been focused on fine jewelry, which we believe helps diversify our industry focus while at the same time complements, expands on and grows our overall business relationship with QVC. We also intend to seek new opportunities, including expansion through direct-response television and additional domestic and international licensing arrangements, and acquiring additional brands. Our success, however, will still remain largely dependent on our ability to build and maintain our brands’ awareness and contract with and retain key licensees and on our licensees’ ability to accurately predict upcoming fashion and design trends within their respective customer bases and fulfill the product requirements of their particular retail channels within the global marketplace. Unanticipated changes in consumer fashion preferences, slowdowns in the U.S. economy, changes in the prices of supplies, consolidation of retail establishments, and other factors noted in “Risk Factors,” could adversely affect our licensees’ ability to meet and/or exceed their contractual commitments to us and thereby adversely affect our future operating results.

Income Taxes

Our income tax (benefit) provision is based on an effective income tax rate, which is comprised of the federal statutory rate and a state and local tax rate, net of federal effect. Our state and local tax rate is affected by the location of earned revenue and certain incurred expenses in determining state and local income tax allocations. Accordingly, our state and local tax rate, net of federal effect may vary and could have a material impact on the fair value of our deferred tax assets and liabilities. See Note 11 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2014.

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Effects of Inflation

We do not believe that the relatively moderate rates of inflation experienced over the past two years in the United States, where we primarily operate, have had a significant effect on revenues or profitability. If there were an adverse change in the rate of inflation by less than 10%, the expected effect on net income would be immaterial.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

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BUSINESS

Overview of the Business

We are a brand development and media company engaged in the design, licensing, marketing and direct to consumer sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, jewelry and home goods, and the acquisition of additional high profile consumer lifestyle brands. Presently, our brand portfolio consists of the Isaac Mizrahi, Judith Ripka and H Halston brands. We also manage and design the Liz Claiborne New York brand, which is sold exclusively through QVC, a leading direct-response television and ecommerce retailer. Our in-house designers and marketing executives work with our licensees to help design, promote and elevate each brand within their respective distribution channels. We market and promote our brands by employing a highly-differentiated omni-channel sales strategy, which includes promotion through direct-response television, internet, and traditional brick-and-mortar retail distribution channels, delivering a unique brand experience that is designed to maximize consumer engagement.

Our vision is to re-imagine shopping, entertainment and social as one. By leveraging the reach and media presence of our direct-response television partners, such as QVC, and by developing rich online video and social media content under our brands, we drive increased customer engagement and generate sales across our channels of distribution. Our strong relationships with leading retailers and direct-response television companies, such as QVC and The Shopping Channel, enable us to reach consumers in approximately 317 million homes worldwide.

We believe our business model provides significant competitive advantages as compared to traditional wholesale apparel companies that design, manufacture and distribute products. We remain focused on our core competencies of licensing, design, marketing, brand development and oversight, while outsourcing manufacturing and distribution to best-in-class licensing partners. We believe our platform is highly scalable due to our business model’s low overhead and working capital requirements, coupled with minimum guaranteed income levels through our multi-year licensing contracts. Additionally, we believe we can quickly integrate additional brands into our platform in order to leverage our design and marketing capabilities and retail and licensee relationships.

Our long-term objective is to build a diversified portfolio of consumer lifestyle brands through organic growth of our existing brands and through the acquisition of new brands. To achieve this objective, we intend to:

We believe we offer a unique value proposition to our licensees, retail partners and customers for the following reasons:

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Recent Developments

On July 16, 2015, we, together with C Wonder Licensing, entered into the C Wonder Purchase Agreement, with Burch LLC, and, solely with respect to certain non-compete and confidentiality provisions of the C Wonder Purchase Agreement, J. Christopher Burch, pursuant to which we agreed to acquire certain assets of Burch LLC, including the “C Wonder” trademark and other intellectual property rights relating thereto.

The C Wonder brand was founded in 2010 by J. Christopher Burch and quickly became well-known for its chic, preppy looks and products extending across home, accessories, costume jewelry, gifts, and apparel. In January 2015, retail operations in the United States under the C Wonder brand were discontinued and the brand was acquired by Burch LLC in order to explore strategic growth alternatives for the brand. Following its acquisition of the C Wonder brand, Xcel plans to launch the brand on QVC in 2016 with initial categories focused on apparel, accessories and home products, and is developing a strategy to license the brand (or a derivative thereof) for distribution outside of QVC.

Pursuant to the C Wonder Purchase Agreement, at the closing of the transaction, we will deliver (i) $2,500,000 in cash and 500,000 shares of our common stock to Burch LLC and (ii) $500,000 in cash and 500,000 shares of our common stock into escrow for purposes of future indemnification obligations of Burch LLC. In addition to the foregoing consideration, Burch LLC will be eligible to earn additional cash (or, at our discretion, shares of our common stock), payable, if at all, after June 30, 2019 based on the royalties related directly to the C Wonder brand. The value of this additional consideration, or earn-out, will be calculated as the positive amount, if any, of (i) two times (A) the maximum net royalties from license agreements as calculated for any single 12 month period commencing on July 1 and ending on June 30 between the C Wonder closing and June 30, 2019, less (B) $4.0 million, plus (ii) two times the maximum royalty determined based on a percentage of the retail and wholesale sales of C Wonder branded products by Xcel as calculated for any single 12 month period commencing on July 1 and ending on June 30 between the C Wonder closing and June 30, 2019.

Pursuant to a voting agreement contemplated by the C Wonder Purchase Agreement and to be entered into upon the closing of the transaction, Burch LLC shall appoint Robert J. D’Loren, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board of Xcel, as its irrevocable proxy and attorney-in-fact with respect to the shares of the common stock received by Burch LLC in connection with the transaction. As proxy holder, Mr. D’Loren, shall vote in favor of matters recommended or approved by the board of directors.

Pursuant to a lock-up agreement contemplated by the C Wonder Purchase Agreement and to be entered into upon the closing of the transaction, Burch LLC will agree that during the 12 months from the C Wonder closing, Burch LLC may not, subject to certain exceptions, offer, sell, pledge, hypothecate, grant an option for sale or otherwise dispose of, or transfer or grant any rights with respect to, any of the stock consideration issued to Burch LLC. We have agreed to file a registration statement covering such stock consideration and to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the registration statement to become effective within 60 days after the expiration of the initial 12 month lock-up period and to remain effective for specified time periods.

On July 15, 2015, we, together with C Wonder Licensing, entered into a license agreement with QVC, dated July 31, 2015, which will become effective only upon the closing of the C Wonder acquisition, in order to market, promote, distribute and sell consumer products under the C Wonder trademark and brand name. Pursuant to the license agreement, C Wonder Licensing will design and QVC market, promote, distribute and sell various products under the C Wonder brand name in exchange for a royalty based on net retail sales of the products. The initial license period will expire on December 31, 2020. After the initial term, the license agreement will automatically renew for additional three-year terms in perpetuity unless either party notifies the other of its intention not to renew at least 60 days prior to the end of the then-current term.

On July 13, 2015, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Brad Goreski to employ Mr. Goreski as the Creative Director of the C Wonder brand beginning on the earlier of (i) January 1, 2016 and (ii) the date on which the Company launches programming on QVC pursuant to a license agreement to be entered into between the Company and QVC for licensing and distribution of the C Wonder brand through direct response television programs.

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Industry Overview

Licensors are typically brand owners who invest and manage their properties, but leave much of the expense and operational heavy lifting, such as sourcing and distribution, to third party licensees. Licensors maintain control over their brand image while extracting a percentage royalty from licensees in exchange for the use of the trademark in strategically segmented categories and channels. This strategy minimizes operational risk while generating healthy margins and free cash flow relative to traditional wholesale apparel companies.

Brand management and licensing is a large and fast-growing global industry that in 2013 generated over $115 billion in retail sales and $5.6 billion in royalty revenue in the U.S. and Canada alone, according to the 2014 Annual Licensing Industry Survey by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association, or LIMA. The industry’s growth was largely the result of both an increased overall consumer economy along with the efforts of a licensing community that continues to find new ways to strategically leverage the equity of brands, characters, imagery and other intellectual property. While character licensing is the oldest and largest segment of the industry, LIMA indicated that some of the highest growth has come from fashion, celebrity and corporate branding, with notable increases in the apparel, footwear, accessories, and health and beauty markets.

According to LIMA, the licensed fashion merchandise segment generated approximately $770 million in royalty revenues, or 13.7% of total industry royalties, in 2013. LIMA reported that retail sales in the U.S. and Canada of licensed fashion merchandise, including apparel, accessories, health and beauty, home goods and footwear, reached $16.9 billion in 2013. According to LIMA, the strength of the fashion licensing segment has been driven by continued acquisitions by investment groups who seek to leverage the benefits of the licensing model as a way to grow their brands. We believe that the lack of penetration through e-commerce and direct-response television channels presents a significant opportunity for us.

Our Brand Portfolio

Currently, our brand portfolio includes the Mizrahi brands, the Ripka brands, the H Halston brands and certain rights to the Liz Claiborne New York brand, or LCNY.

Isaac Mizrahi.  Isaac Mizrahi is an iconic American brand that stands for timeless, cosmopolitan style. Isaac Mizrahi, the designer, launched his eponymous label in 1987 to critical acclaim, including four Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awards. Since then, this brand has become known around the world for its colorful and stylish designs. As a true lifestyle brand, under Xcel’s ownership it has expanded into over 150 different product categories including sportswear, footwear, handbags, watches, eyewear, fragrance, tech accessories, intimates, bridal gowns and accessories, pet products, home and other merchandise. Under our omni-channel retail sales strategy, the brand is available across various distribution channels to reach customers wherever they shop: better department stores, direct-response television, including QVC and The Shopping Channel, our e-commerce site at www.isaacmizrahi.com, and national specialty retailers such as Michaels and Best Buy. The brand is also sold in various global locations including Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the Philippines and the Middle East. When we refer to the Mizrahi brands, we include Isaac Mizrahi New York, IsaacMizrahiLIVE, Isaac Mizrahi Jeans, Isaac Mizrahi CRAFT and Isaac Mizrahi. We acquired the Mizrahi brands in September 2011.

Judith Ripka.  Judith Ripka is a luxury jewelry brand founded by Judith Ripka in 1977. This brand has become known worldwide for its distinctive designs featuring intricate metalwork, vibrant colors and distinctive feel. The Judith Ripka LTD fine jewelry collection consists of pieces in 18 karat gold and sterling silver with precious colored jewels and diamonds, and is available in fine jewelry stores and luxury retailers and is expected to be available through our e-commerce site at www.judithripka.com commencing in the fall of 2015, with a line of luxury watches expected to be introduced in 2015. Ms. Ripka also launched an innovative collection of fine jewelry on QVC under the Judith Ripka brand in 1996, where she offers customers fine jewelry, watches and accessories at more accessible price points, including precious and semi-precious stones and multi-faceted diamonique stones made exclusively for the brand. Each piece under both the Judith Ripka LTD and Judith Ripka brands is designed with certain timeless and consistent features so that collections from 20 years ago can be worn with those of today, and is made by hand, combining artisanal methods with modern technology to produce unique and stunningly intricate designs. Known as the

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Queen of Hearts, Ms. Ripka incorporates a matte finish, texture, vibrant color and hearts into most designs. Among her many awards, Ms. Ripka was chosen as one of “The Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World” and received the DeBeers Award for Outstanding Jewelry Design. Combined with the personal style, elegance and warmth of Ms. Ripka, the high quality designs have attracted customers across all channels. We expanded the Ripka brand to The Shopping Channel in Canada in 2014, with additional global expansion planned. The Ripka brands are distributed in various countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia, the Ukraine and elsewhere in Europe and the Middle East. When we refer to the Ripka brands, we include Judith Ripka LTD, Judith Ripka, and all related brands and collections. We acquired the Ripka brands in April 2014.

H Halston.  The H Halston brands are sub-brands of the Halston fashion brands, which include Halston and Halston Heritage. The Halston brand was founded by Roy Halston Frowick in the 1960s, and quickly became one of the most important American fashion brands in the world, becoming synonymous with glamour, sophistication and femininity. Halston’s groundbreaking designs and visionary style still influence designers around the world today. When we refer to the H Halston brands, we include H Halston and H by Halston. We intend to launch the H by Halston brand on QVC in September 2015. During his lifetime, Halston dressed many celebrities from Liza Minelli to Elizabeth Taylor, and his designs and creations continue to be seen on A-list celebrities today, including Gisele Bundchen, Hayden Panettiere and Lady Gaga. The H Halston brands exclude the Halston Heritage brand and other related brands, which continue to be owned and operated by HIP and its affiliates, and certain rights to the H Halston brands in the fragrance category, which are owned by Elizabeth Arden. The H by Halston brand will be available exclusively through direct-response television channels. We plan to launch the H Halston brand as a lifestyle collection in 2016. We acquired the H Halston brands in December 2014.

Liz Claiborne New York.  Liz Claiborne New York is the accessible luxury brand for Liz Claiborne. Liz Claiborne was founded by Anne Elisabeth “Liz” Claiborne in 1976 to address the void she saw in the market to provide stylish clothes for working women. Sold exclusively on QVC, the Liz Claiborne New York line includes women’s apparel, footwear, outerwear and accessories, and is currently distributed in the United States and the United Kingdom. The Liz Claiborne New York brand, or the LCNY brand, reflects the heritage, style and versatile fashion for which the Liz Claiborne brand has become known. We acquired the business and certain rights to the LCNY brand in September 2011.

Design, Marketing and Licensing Business

We license our brands to third parties, provide certain design and marketing services and generate royalty design and service fee revenues through licensing and other agreements with wholesale manufacturers, sourcing and design companies and retailers. This includes licensing our own brands for promotion and distribution through an omni-channel retail sales strategy, which includes distribution through direct-response television, the internet and traditional brick-and-mortar retail channels. We believe that this strategy distinguishes us from other brand management companies that rely primarily on their licensees for design and distribution and enables us to leverage the media reach of our direct-response television partners, including through television and social media, to drive sales of products under our brands across distribution channels.

QVC is an important strategic partner in our design, marketing and licensing business, and is our largest licensee for each of our Mizrahi, Ripka, H Halston and LCNY brands. QVC accounted for 79%, 72% and 62% of our revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

QVC’s business model is to promote and sell products through its direct-response television programs and related internet and mobile platforms. We leverage both our brand celebrity hosts as well as alternate brand hosts to promote products under our brands on QVC. According to QVC, QVC increased its global revenues to over $8.8 billion in 2014 through a combination of domestic growth and international expansion into five countries outside of the United States, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy and China, with France as a sixth international country planned for 2015. Additionally, according to QVC, QVC’s customer engagement and reach increased to approximately 317 million homes worldwide in 2014, which helped it grow into the number two mobile multi-category retailer in Internet Retailer Mobile 500. Also according to QVC, QVC was tied for second in mobile in the ForeSee Experience Index and QVC/Liberty

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Interactive was ranked sixth in the 2014 Internet Retailer eCommerce 500. We believe that we will continue to benefit from the growth in QVC’s platform and reach as content becomes increasingly important and QVC continues to increase its internet sales, which in 2014 represented $3.5 billion, or 40% of QVC’s consolidated revenues, according to QVC. Additionally, our agreements with QVC allow our brand celebrity hosts and spokespersons to promote our non-QVC product lines and strategic partnerships under the Mizrahi, Ripka and H Halston brands through QVC’s programs, subject to certain parameters, including the payment of a portion of our non-QVC revenues to QVC. We believe that this provides us with a unique advantage to continue to leverage QVC’s media platform, reach and attractive customer base to cross-promote products in and drive traffic to our other channels of distribution.

In our licensing agreements, our licensing partners are responsible for manufacturing and distributing our licensed products, subject to our oversight and marketing support. Our business model allows us to focus on our core competencies of designing, marketing and managing brands without much of the risk and investment requirements associated with traditional apparel companies. The Mizrahi brands and the LCNY brand are licensed through our wholly-owned subsidiary, IM Brands, LLC or IM Brands, the Ripka brands are licensed through our wholly-owned subsidiary, JR Licensing LLC, or JR Licensing, and the H Halston brands are licensed through our wholly-owned subsidiary, H Licensing, LLC, or H Licensing.

Our objective is to build a diversified portfolio of lifestyle consumer brands through organic growth and the strategic acquisition of new brands. To achieve growth under our brands, we are focused on three primary licensing and design activities:

In connection with the aforementioned licensing activities, we provide design support to third party licensees for our brands where required and coordinate merchandising and sales efforts for those parties in each case where appropriate. We also conduct marketing, advertising, public relations and social media marketing campaigns for our brands, and coordinate such activities with our licensees.

We acquired the Ripka brands through an asset purchase in April 2014. Our Ripka brands, primarily marketed in fine jewelry, help diversify our industry focus, while at the same time complementing and expanding our overall business relationship with QVC. We added the H Halston brands through an asset purchase in December 2014, which should further complement and expand our fashion business and relationship with QVC.

In September 2013, we began offering the Mizrahi brands through direct-response television on The Shopping Channel in Canada. In May 2014, we launched the Ripka brands on The Shopping Channel in Canada and launched the IsaacMizrahiLIVE and LCNY brands in the United Kingdom on QVC. We are scheduled to launch certain of our brands in Italy, Germany, and Japan through QVC in 2015 and 2016. We plan to continue to expand our brands internationally through QVC where QVC has or develops an international presence and through other direct-response television networks where QVC grants us the right to do so. We also plan to license to certain international licensing partners the right to distribute products under our brands through department stores and other retailers and/or the right to open and operate retail stores under our brands in such international markets.

IM QVC Agreement.  IM Brands has a direct-to-retail license agreement with QVC, pursuant to which IM Brands designs, and QVC sources and sells, various products under the IsaacMizrahiLIVE brand. QVC owns the rights to all designs produced under the IM QVC Agreement. The IsaacMizrahiLIVE licensing program launched on QVC in 2010 and has expanded into a wide range of apparel, accessories and home categories through QVC’s television media and related internet sites. While such sales have been primarily in the United States, we commenced sales through QVC in the United Kingdom in May 2014 and expect to grow sales in QVC’s other international divisions, which currently include China, Germany, Italy and Japan, with plans for QVC to launch in France in 2015.

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Pursuant to the IM QVC Agreement, IM Brands has granted to QVC and its affiliates the exclusive, worldwide right to promote IsaacMizrahiLIVE products and the right to use and publish the related trademarks, service marks, copyrights, designs, logos and other intellectual property rights owned, used, licensed and/or developed by IM Brands for a term lasting through September 30, 2020, with automatic one-year renewal periods thereafter unless terminated by either party. IM Brands has also granted to QVC and its affiliates, during the same period, exclusive, worldwide rights to promote third party vendor co-branded products that, in addition to bearing and being marketed in connection with the trademarks and logos of such third party vendors, also bear or are marketed in connection with the IsaacMizrahiLIVE trademark and related logo. In connection with the foregoing and during the same period, QVC and its subsidiaries have the exclusive, worldwide right to use Isaac Mizrahi’s name, likeness, image, voice and performance to promote IsaacMizrahiLIVE products and co-branded products. QVC is permitted during this period to promote products that are in competition with IsaacMizrahiLIVE products and co-branded products.

In exchange for the rights granted to QVC pursuant to the IM QVC Agreement, QVC is obligated to pay to IM Brands, on a quarterly basis, royalty payments based upon the net retail sales of IsaacMizrahiLIVE products and co-branded products. Under the IM QVC Agreement, net retail sales means the aggregate amount of all revenue generated through the sale of IsaacMizrahiLIVE products or co-branded products by QVC and its subsidiaries under the IM QVC Agreement, excluding freight, shipping and handling charges, customer returns, and sales, use or other taxes.

Notwithstanding IM Brands’ grant of worldwide promotion rights to QVC, IM Brands may, with the permission of QVC, sell any of the IsaacMizrahiLIVE products to better retailers, but excluding discount divisions of such companies and mass merchants, or via company media in exchange for making reverse royalty payments to QVC based on the net retail sales of such products to better retailers or via company media. For purposes of the IM QVC Agreement, company media means “Isaac Mizrahi” and “Isaac Mizrahi New York”-branded brick-and-mortar retail stores and internet websites, if any. The IM QVC Agreement permits us to promote our brick-and-mortar collections on QVC’s television program subject to certain terms and restrictions. We do not currently sell any of the IsaacMizrahiLIVE products through any of these distribution channels.

Under the IM QVC Agreement, IM Brands may also earn revenue from (i) the sale, license, consignment or any other form of distribution of any products bearing, marketed in connection with or otherwise associated with IM Brands’ trademarks and brands (including the Mizrahi brands) and/or (ii) the licensing of any and all intellectual property rights with respect to any and all products, including IsaacMizrahiLIVE products, bearing, marketed in connection with or otherwise associated with IM Brands’ trademarks and brands; provided that it pays specified portions of the revenues earned from the foregoing activities to QVC.

Under the IM QVC Agreement, IM Brands is restricted from selling products under the Mizrahi brands or any of its other trademarks and brands (including the trademarks, copyrights, designs, logos and related intellectual property themselves) to mass merchants. In addition, under the IM QVC Agreement, during the term of the agreement and for one year thereafter, neither IM Ready, IM Brands nor Isaac Mizrahi may, without QVC’s consent, promote, advertise, endorse or sell (i) IsaacMizrahiLIVE products and co-branded products through any means or (ii) any products through direct-response television. The IM QVC Agreement also prohibits IM Brands from selling products under the Mizrahi brands or any of its other trademarks and brands to a direct competitor of QVC (defined as any entity other than QVC, including HSN, Inc. and EVINE Live (formerly Value Vision Media, Inc.) whose primary means of deriving revenue is the transmission of direct-response television programs, including the Home Shopping Network, ShopNBC, America’s Store and Shop at Home Network), provided that pursuant to a July 2, 2013 amendment, IM Brands is permitted to enter into agreements to market products through certain direct-response television within certain identified geographic regions and with other non-QVC entities as may be approved by QVC. Any such agreements must expire no later than December 31, 2015, unless QVC consents to an extension to any such agreements. In consideration for QVC permitting the Company and IM Brands to enter into such agreements, the Company and IM Brands will pay specified portions of the revenues earned from those agreements to QVC.

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We are also obligated to provide QVC with a key-man life insurance policy to provide payment to QVC in the event of the death of Isaac Mizrahi. We currently hold a key-man insurance policy on the life of Isaac Mizrahi in the amount of $35.0 million.

Ripka QVC Agreement.  Through our wholly owned subsidiary, JR Licensing, we have a direct-to-retail license agreement with QVC that we entered into effective as of April 3, 2014, which we refer to as the Ripka QVC Agreement. Pursuant to the Ripka QVC Agreement, JR Licensing designs, and QVC sources and sells, various products under the Ripka brands. QVC owns the rights to all designs produced under the Ripka QVC Agreement. QVC began selling products under the Ripka brands in 1999, and the Ripka QVC Agreement includes the sale of products across various categories, including fine jewelry, watches and other accessories, through QVC’s television media and related internet sites.

Pursuant to the Ripka QVC Agreement, JR Licensing has granted to QVC and its affiliates the exclusive, worldwide right to promote Judith Ripka products and the right to use and publish the related trademarks, service marks, copyrights, designs, logos and other intellectual property rights owned, used, licensed and/or developed by JR Licensing for an initial term lasting until April 2, 2019, with automatic one-year renewal periods thereafter unless terminated by either party. In connection with the foregoing and during the same period, QVC and its subsidiaries have the exclusive, worldwide right to use Judith Ripka’s name, likeness, image, voice and performance to promote Judith Ripka products. QVC is permitted during this period to promote products that are in competition with Judith Ripka products.

In exchange for the rights granted to QVC pursuant to the Ripka QVC Agreement, QVC is obligated to pay to JR Licensing, on a quarterly basis, royalty payments based upon the net retail sales of Ripka products. Under the Ripka QVC Agreement, net retail sales means the aggregate amount of all revenue generated through the sale of Judith Ripka products by QVC and its subsidiaries under the Ripka QVC Agreement, excluding freight, shipping and handling charges, customer returns, and sales, use or other taxes.

Notwithstanding JR Licensing’s grant of worldwide promotion rights to QVC, JR Licensing may, with the permission of QVC, sell any of the Ripka brands to better retailers, but excluding discount divisions of such companies and mass merchants, or via company media in exchange for making reverse royalty payments to QVC based on the net retail sales of such products to better retailers or via company media. For purposes of the Ripka QVC Agreement, company media refers to “Judith Ripka LTD”-branded brick-and-mortar retail stores and internet websites, if any. We do not currently sell any of the Judith Ripka products through any of these distribution channels.

Under the Ripka QVC Agreement, JR Licensing may also earn revenue from (i) the sale, license, consignment or any other form of distribution of any products, bearing, marketed in connection with or otherwise associated with JR Licensing’s trademarks and brands (including the Ripka brands) and/or (ii) the licensing of any and all intellectual property rights with respect to any and all products, including Judith Ripka products, bearing, marketed in connection with or otherwise associated with JR Licensing’s trademarks and brands; provided that it pays specified portions of the revenues earned from the foregoing activities to QVC.

Under the Ripka QVC Agreement, JR Licensing is restricted from selling products under the Ripka brands or any of its other trademarks and brands (including the trademarks, copyrights, designs, logos and related intellectual property themselves) to mass merchants. In addition, under the Ripka QVC Agreement, during the term of the agreement and for one year thereafter, neither JR Licensing nor Judith Ripka Berk may, without QVC’s consent, promote, advertise, endorse or sell (i) products under the Judith Ripka brand through any means or (ii) any products through direct-response television. The Ripka QVC Agreement also prohibits JR Licensing from selling products under the Ripka brands or any of its other trademarks and brands to a direct competitor of QVC (defined as any entity other than QVC, including HSN, Inc. and EVINE Live Inc., whose primary means of deriving revenue is the transmission of direct-response television programs, including the Home Shopping Network, ShopNBC, America’s Store and Shop at Home Network), provided that JR Licensing is permitted to enter into agreements to market products through certain direct-response television within certain identified geographic regions and with other non-QVC entities as may be approved by QVC. Any such agreements must expire no later than December 31, 2016, unless QVC consents to an extension to

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any such agreements. In consideration for QVC permitting JR Licensing to enter into such agreements, JR Licensing will pay specified portions of the revenues earned from those agreements to QVC.

In addition to the foregoing, the Ripka QVC Agreement permits us to promote our brick-and-mortar collections on QVC’s television program subject to certain terms and restrictions. We are also obligated to provide QVC with a key-man life insurance policy to provide payment to QVC in the event of a death of Judith Ripka. We currently hold a key-man insurance policy on the life of Judith Ripka Berk in the amount of $12.0 million.

H QVC Agreement.  Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, H Licensing, we have a direct-to-retail license agreement with QVC that we entered into effective as of December 22, 2014, which we refer to as the H QVC Agreement. Pursuant to the H QVC Agreement, H Licensing designs, and QVC sources and sells, various products under the H by Halston brand. QVC owns the rights to all designs produced under the H QVC Agreement. QVC is expected to begin selling products under the H by Halston brands in the Fall of 2015, and the H QVC Agreement includes the sale of products across various categories through all means and media, including QVC’s television media and related internet sites.

Pursuant to the H QVC Agreement, H Licensing has granted to QVC and its affiliates the exclusive, worldwide right to promote H by Halston products and the right to use and publish the related trademarks, service marks, copyrights, designs, logos and other intellectual property rights owned, used, licensed and/or developed by H Licensing for an initial term lasting until December 31, 2019, with automatic three-year renewal periods thereafter unless terminated by either party.

In exchange for the rights granted to QVC pursuant to the H QVC Agreement, QVC is obligated to pay to H Licensing, on a quarterly basis commencing September 2015, royalty payments based upon the net retail sales of H by Halston products. Under the H QVC Agreement, net retail sales means the aggregate amount of all revenue generated through the sale of H by Halston products by QVC and its subsidiaries under the H QVC Agreement, excluding freight, shipping and handling charges, customer returns, and sales, use or other taxes.

Notwithstanding H Licensing’s grant of worldwide promotion rights to QVC, H Licensing may, with the permission of QVC, sell any of the H Halston brands to prestige retailers, but excluding discount divisions of such companies and mass merchants, or via company media in exchange for making reverse royalty payments to QVC, during the term of the agreement and for five years thereafter, based on the net retail sales of such products to better retailers or via company media. For purposes of the H QVC Agreement, company media refers to “H Halston”-branded brick-and-mortar retail stores and internet websites, if any. We do not currently sell any of the H Halston products through any of these distribution channels.

Under the H QVC Agreement, H Licensing will also pay a royalty on revenue earned from the sale, license, consignment or any other form of distribution of any products, bearing, marketed in connection with or otherwise associated with the “H Halston” trademark and brand.

Under the H QVC Agreement, H Licensing is restricted from selling products under the H Halston brands specified (including the trademarks, copyrights, designs, logos and related intellectual property themselves) to mass merchants. In addition, under the H QVC Agreement, during the term of the agreement and for one year thereafter, H Licensing may not, without QVC’s consent, promote, advertise, endorse or sell any products, including the H by Halston brands, through direct-response television. The H QVC Agreement also prohibits H Licensing from selling products under the H Halston brands or any of its other trademarks and brands to a direct competitor of QVC (defined as any entity other than QVC, including HSN, Inc., Value Vision Media, Inc., and America’s Collectibles Network, Inc. whose primary means of deriving revenue is the transmission of direct-response television programs).

In addition to the foregoing, the H QVC Agreement permits us to promote our H Halston products on QVC’s television program subject to certain terms and restrictions.

Other Direct-Response Television Agreements.  As of March 31, 2015, we had entered into agreements with The Shopping Channel, which we refer to as TSC, for our IsaacMizrahiLIVE and Ripka brands. Each such agreement grants TSC the exclusive right to sell products under the respective brands through its

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direct-response television programs and related e-commerce and mobile sites for distribution only in Canada, and provides to TSC the right to source products under the brands that are produced under license by QVC in exchange for paying to QVC a sourcing fee for certain of such products, and the rights granted to TSC remain subject to the restrictions under the IM QVC Agreement and the Ripka QVC Agreement. In exchange for our granting these rights to TSC, we receive a percentage of TSC’s net sales of products under the IsaacMizrahiLIVE and Ripka brands.

H Halston Licensing Agreement.  Pursuant to a trademark license agreement, or the H Halston License Agreement, entered into on December 22, 2014 by and between H Licensing and The H Company IP, LLC, or HIP, H Licensing granted to HIP, a non-assignable exclusive sublicense to use the H Halston trademark in association with the manufacture, distribution, promotion, advertising and sale of products bearing the H Halston trademark and any related services thereto in all channels of distribution, excluding direct-response television and its related e-commerce and digital distribution, and excluding certain mass retailers. The initial term of the H Halston License Agreement expires on December 31, 2019 unless sooner terminated or renewed. After the initial term, HIP shall be entitled to renew the H Halston License Agreement on three occasions, each for five (5) year terms, as long as HIP is in compliance with all terms and conditions of the agreement. HIP may terminate the agreement prior to the expiration of the initial term without penalties, fees or payment of future royalties upon 90 days notice prior to the second anniversary of the closing. HIP shall pay royalties to H Licensing during the term, with a minimum guaranteed royalty of $600,000 per year during the initial term for 2016 through 2024 and $1.2 million for any year thereafter. In the event HIP exercises its early termination right, H Licensing shall pay to HIP a participation fee for each of the three following years in an amount not to exceed $4.0 million ($5.0 million if H Licensing distributes, or otherwise enters into any agreements for the distribution of, products being the H Halston trademark in China). The participation fee, if any, may be paid in cash or shares of Xcel’s common stock based on the greater of $8.00 and the volume weighted average price of the common stock for the five business days preceding payment.

Wholesale Licensing Agreements.  As of March 31, 2015, we had entered into over 40 wholesale licensing agreements related to the Mizrahi brands, Ripka brands and H Halston brands for sales and distribution through the internet and traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. Authorized distribution channels include department stores such as Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue, off-price retailers such as Neiman’s Last Call, Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off Fifth and TJX (including TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and Home Goods), and national specialty retailers such as 1-800-FLOWERS, Best Buy, Michaels and Staples. Under our wholesale licenses, a wholesale supplier is granted rights, typically on an exclusive basis, to a single or small group of related product categories for sale to multiple accounts within an approved channel of distribution and territory. Our wholesale license agreements typically provide the licensee with the exclusive rights for a certain product category in a specified territory and/or distribution channel. Our wholesale license agreements cover various categories, including, but not limited to, women’s footwear, accessories and bridal gowns; fragrance, bath and body; jewelry; home products; men’s’ apparel and accessories; children’s’ and infant apparel, footwear and accessories; and electronics cases and accessories. The terms of the agreements generally range from three to six years with renewal options.

We are in discussions with other potential licensees and strategic partners to license and/or co-brand the Mizrahi brands, Ripka brands and H Halston brands for additional categories. In certain cases, we have engaged licensing agents to assist in the procurement of such licenses for which IM Brands, JR Licensing, H Licensing or our licensees pay such agents’ fees based upon a percentage of the net sales of licensed products by such licensees, or a percentage of the royalty payments that we receive from such licensees. While many of the new and proposed licensing agreements will likely require us to provide seasonal design guidance, most of our new and prospective licensing partners have their own design staff, and we therefore expect low incremental overhead costs related to expanding our licensing business. We will endeavor, where possible, to require licensees to provide guaranteed minimum royalties under their license agreements.

Our licensees currently plan to sell the Mizrahi brands, Ripka brands and H Halston brands licensed products through brick-and-mortar retailers, internet websites, for certain categories, through our e-commerce site, and in certain cases supply products to QVC, The Shopping Channel, and/or other direct-response television companies for sale through their television programs and/or through their internet websites. We generally recognize revenues from our wholesale licenses based on a percentage of the sales of products under

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the Mizrahi brands, Ripka brands and H Halston brands, but excluding sales of products to direct-response television networks, where we receive a retail royalty directly from the direct-response television licensee, and sales of products to retail stores and/or e-commerce sites operated by us. Additionally, based upon guaranteed minimum royalty provisions required under many of the license agreements, we are able to recognize revenue related to certain wholesale licenses based on the greater of the sales-based royalty or the guaranteed minimum royalty.

Revenue from the wholesale licenses represented approximately 13%, 16% and 17% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

LCNY Agreement.  Pursuant to the LCNY Agreement, we provide certain promotional services related to the LCNY brand, rights to use Isaac Mizrahi’s name as creative director for the LCNY brand, and design services to KSC for the LCNY brand, which is sold exclusively through QVC.

As part of the LCNY Agreement, Isaac Mizrahi or another spokesperson agreeable to IM Brands, QVC and KSC, must be made available to act as creative director for the LCNY brand and for print or other media campaigns. We refer to such spokespersons as Designers. Isaac Mizrahi does not currently promote the products or line, but QVC and KSC may require that a Designer promote the products on QVC in the future. As creative director, the Designers work with and direct a design staff employed by IM Brands and IM Brands is compensated for the design services under a separate agreement with QVC. The current term of the LCNY Agreement lasts until July 31, 2016, after which the LCNY Agreement automatically renews for four one-year renewal terms unless otherwise terminated by QVC.

IM Brands has absolute approval over any use of the Designer’s name and/or likeness, but it has otherwise granted to KSC all rights in any works (or contributions to works) comprised in design or advertising materials that are used in connection with products under the LCNY brand, other than the trademark, name, image, or likeness of the Designer. IM Brands has also granted to KSC the right to use the Designer’s name, signature, photograph, voice or other sound effects, likeness, personality, endorsement, biography and statements in connection with the design, manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, marketing and advertising in any media of the products under the LCNY brand. Additionally, KSC and QVC may use the Isaac Mizrahi name, image, or likeness to promote the role of IM Brands in the design of products under the LCNY brand, but may not use the Isaac Mizrahi name, image or likeness as part of the LCNY brand label itself. Under the LCNY Agreement, IM Brands has agreed that neither it nor the Designer may, directly or indirectly, associate or affiliate the Designer’s name or trademark with Wal-Mart, Kmart or Sears.

In consideration for (a) the promotional and creative services, (b) the rights to the designs created by IM Brands for the LCNY brand and (c) all other rights provided by IM Brands to KSC pursuant to the LCNY Agreement, KSC is obligated to pay to IM Brands a percentage of the royalty revenues KSC receives from QVC (pursuant to the separate license agreement between KSC and QVC) for sale of the LCNY brand products through QVC-owned, -operated and -branded direct-response television programs, website and retail stores, with the percentage equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of such royalties prior to July 31, 2013 and fifty percent (50%) of such royalties following July 31, 2013. In the event that KSC uses the design and technical specifications of products for merchandise that is sold by KSC to international customers or through its own retail stores, IM Brands is entitled to additional royalty fees with respect to such merchandise to be agreed with KSC. Finally, if KSC enters into any new licenses with respect to the LCNY brand during the term of the LCNY Agreement, KSC has agreed to pay to IM Brands 25% of the royalty revenues KSC receives from such new licenses.

Design and Promotional Services

We provide design and other services to certain of our licensees and, in some cases, to select brands owned by third parties. In particular, we provide all design services to QVC for products sold under the IM QVC Agreement, Ripka QVC Agreement, H QVC Agreement and LCNY Agreement. This includes seasonal design guidance, product development and merchandising, product design and sample review and approvals through our in-house design organization. Additionally, the Company provides limited design services under the wholesale licenses which may include seasonal design guidance (such as style guides) and/or print and pattern development, for which certain of our licensees pay us fixed fees for such services as

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determined in their agreements. In general, the design of products under our wholesale licenses is expected to be completed by the licensees at our direction.

In certain cases, the Company provides promotional services to other brands or companies, which may include the use of Isaac Mizrahi or the Mizrahi brands for the promotion of such company or brands through the internet, television, or other digital content, print media or other marketing campaigns featuring, in-person appearances by Mr. Mizrahi, the development of limited collections of products (which may include co-branded products) for such company, or other services as determined on a case-by-case basis. These include promotions with General Motors, Johnson & Johnson and Kleenex.

The Company employs a design team to provide the aforementioned services. The Company may consider appropriate opportunities to leverage its resources to provide design services or other resources to selected brands that are not owned by the Company in the future.

Growth Strategy

Our vision is to re-imagine shopping, entertainment and social as one. To fulfill this vision, we plan to continue to grow the reach of our brand portfolio by leveraging our own internal design and marketing expertise and our relationships with key licensees and retailers, and to market our brands through our innovative omni-channel retail sales strategy. Our omni-channel strategy includes distribution through direct-response television, the internet and traditional brick-and-mortar retail channels. By leveraging the reach and media presence of our direct-response television partners, such as QVC, and by developing rich online video and social media content under our brands, we drive increased customer engagement and generate sales across our channels of distribution. Key elements of our strategy include:

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From time to time we enter into letters of intent or offer letters with respect to the acquisitions of additional brands. We currently have executed two non-binding letters of intent. There can be no assurance that we will complete any brand acquisition under a letter of intent on favorable terms or at all.

Marketing

Marketing is a critical element to maximize brand value to our licensees and our Company. Therefore, we provide social media marketing and other marketing and public relations support for our brands.

Given our omni-channel retail sales strategy focusing on the sale of branded products through various distribution channels (including internet, direct-response television, and traditional brick-and-mortar sales channels), our marketing efforts currently focus on social media campaigns, personal appearances, and digital content in order to drive retail sales of product and consumer awareness across our various sales distribution channels. We seek to create the intersection where shopping, entertainment and social meet. As such, our marketing is currently conducted primarily through (i) Twitter campaigns, (ii) Facebook campaigns, (iii) Instagram, (iv) Pinterest and (v) blogs, videos, images and other internet content that are all updated regularly. Our efforts also include promoting namesakes of our brands and our personalities through various media including television (such as Project Runway All-Stars and Live with Kelly and Michael), design for performances, and other events. We also work with QVC to leverage QVC’s internet resources including discussion boards, Facebook and Twitter campaigns and QVC’s website.

Our agreements with QVC allow our brand celebrities and spokespersons to promote our non-QVC product lines and strategic partnerships under the Mizrahi and Ripka brands through QVC’s programs, subject to certain parameters including the payment of a portion of our non-QVC revenues to QVC. We believe that this provides us with the ability to leverage QVC’s media platform (including television, internet, and social media reach to over 2 million Facebook fans and 2.8 million monthly forum posts) and QVC’s customer base of approximately 317 million households worldwide in 2014 to cross-promote products in and drive traffic to our other channels of distribution. Many of our licensees make advertising and marketing contributions to the Company under their license agreements which are used to fund marketing-related expenses and further promote our brands as we deem appropriate. Certain of the wholesale licenses contain requirements to provide advertising or marketing for the Mizrahi brands, Ripka brands and H Halston brands under their license agreements with IM Brands, JR Licensing and H Licensing.

We also market the Mizrahi brands through our e-commerce site at www.isaacmizrahi.com, and we plan to market the Ripka brands through an e-commerce site in 2015 at www.judithripka.com. Through our e-commerce site, we are able to present and promote a collection of products under our brands for sale to customers with branding and signage that reflects each brand’s heritage and unique point-of-view. Additionally, we plan to conduct online marketing campaigns for the brands, which may include search engine optimization, referral sites, online promotions and content, and other efforts centered on promoting the brand and increasing customer traffic to our e-commerce sites.

Competition

Each of the Mizrahi brands, the Ripka brands, the H Halston brands and the LCNY brand and any acquired brand will likely have many competitors within each of its specific distribution channels that span a broad variety of product categories, including the apparel, footwear, accessories, jewelry, home furnishings and décor, food products and sporting goods industries. These competitors have the ability to compete with the Company and our licensees in terms of fashion, quality, price, products and/or marketing.

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Because many of our competitors have significantly more cash, revenues and resources than we do, we must work to differentiate ourselves from our direct and indirect competitors to successfully compete for market share with the brands we own and for future acquisitions. We believe that the following factors help differentiate our Company in an increasingly crowded competitive landscape:

We expect our existing and future licenses to relate to products in the apparel, fashion accessories, jewelry, footwear, beauty and fragrance, home products and décor, pet products, fabrics and yarns, and other consumer industries, in which our licensees face intense competition, including from our other brands and licensees. In general, competitive factors include quality, price, style, name recognition and service. In addition, various fads and the limited availability of shelf space could affect competition for our licensees’ products. Many of our licensees’ competitors have greater financial, distribution, marketing and other resources than our licensees and have achieved significant name recognition for their brand names. Our licensees may be unable to successfully compete in the markets for their products, and we may not be able to continue to compete successfully with respect to our licensing arrangements.

We face significant competition with our e-commerce business as we compete with other online retailers, other direct-to-consumer sales channels and retail stores operated by companies that sell brands that are competitive with our brands. Additionally, due to their financial resources, margins, or store counts, our competitors may be able to better market their retail locations or e-commerce sites, and may undercut the pricing of products that we sell through our e-commerce platform which could lower sales or erode our margins.

Trademarks

The Company, through IM Brands, owns and exploits the Mizrahi brands, which include the trademarks and brands Isaac Mizrahi, Isaac Mizrahi New York and IsaacMizrahiLIVE. The Company, through JR Licensing, owns and exploits the Ripka brands, which include the trademarks and brands Judith Ripka LTD, Judith Ripka Collection, Judith Ripka Legacy, Judith Ripka and Judith Ripka Sterling. The Ripka brands were acquired on April 3, 2014. Additionally, the Company, through H Licensing, LLC, owns and intends to exploit two Halston-formative brands and trademarks, namely, H by Halston and H Halston. The H by Halston and H Halston brands were acquired on December 22, 2014, however certain U.S. applications for registration that are based upon intent-to-use currently sit in the name of HIP, from whom we purchased the marks, until such time as the marks are put into use and assigned to us. In certain jurisdictions, certain H by Halston and H Halston trademark registrations or applications that we purchased (including but not limited to those based upon “intent to use”) may not yet be recorded in our name, due to laws governing the timing and nature of certain trademark assignments. Where laws limit our ability to record in our name trademarks that we have purchased, we have obtained by way of license all necessary rights to operate our business. Certain of these trademarks and associated marks are registered or pending registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in block letter and/or logo formats, as well as in combination with a variety of ancillary designs for use in connection with a variety of product categories, such as apparel, footwear and various other goods and services including, in some cases, home furnishings and decor. The Company intends to renew and maintain registrations as appropriate prior to expiration and it makes efforts to diligently prosecute all pending applications consistent with the Company’s business goals. In addition, the Company registers its trademarks in certain other countries and regions around the world as it deems appropriate.

The Company and its licensees do not presently earn a material amount of revenue from either the licensing of our trademarks internationally or the sale of products under our trademarks internationally. However, the Company has registered its trademarks in certain territories where it expects that it may do

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business in the foreseeable future. If the Company or a licensee intends to make use of the trademarks in international territories, the Company will seek to register its trademarks in such international territories as it deems appropriate based upon factors including the revenue potential, prospective market and trademark laws in such territory or territories.

Generally, the Company is primarily responsible for monitoring and protecting its trademarks around the world. The Company seeks to require its licensing partners to advise the Company of any violations of its trademark rights of which its licensing partners become aware and relies primarily upon a combination of federal, state, and local laws, as well as contractual restrictions to protect its intellectual property rights both domestically and internationally.

Employees

As of June 30, 2015, we had 62 full-time employees and two part-time employees. None of our employees are currently represented by a labor union.

Government Regulation

We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations affecting our business, including those promulgated under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Flammable Fabrics Act, the Textile Fiber Product Identification Act, the rules and regulations of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and various environmental laws and regulations. We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable governmental regulations.

Properties

We currently lease and maintain our corporate offices and operations located at 475 Tenth Avenue, 4^th Floor, New York, New York 10018. Pursuant to the acquisition of the Mizrahi brands, we assumed a lease for such office of approximately 18,500 square feet of office space which lease is guaranteed by IM Brands, and which lease was extended through an amendment entered into on June 16, 2014. Our base office rental expense on a monthly basis is approximately $65,000 per month, plus annual increases to $90,000 during the last two months of the lease, and taxes and other fees payable under the lease. We are also required to maintain a security deposit of $264,000 under our office lease. The office lease term expires in February 2022. We believe that this space will be sufficient to meet our current operating needs. In addition, we lease approximately 1,900 square feet of retail space in Woodstock, GA intended for our second retail store, which has a 10-year term with annual base rent of $50,000 for the first three years of the lease. The Company has the right to terminate the lease in February 2016 and intends to do so. Additionally, on July 8, 2015, we entered into a Sublease Agreement with the Sublandlord pursuant to which we have subleased approximately 29,566 rentable square feet comprising the entire 10th floor of 1333 Broadway, New York, New York. The term of the Sublease Agreement shall commence on January 1, 2016 and shall expire on October 30, 2027. The Company shall pay to the Sublandlord fixed rent of $117,032.08 per month (which fixed rent shall increase upon the five year anniversary of the commencement of the Sublease Agreement) for the premises, with the first monthly installment paid upon the signing of the Sublease Agreement.

Legal Proceedings

To the best of our knowledge, there are no material pending legal proceedings to which we are a party or of which any of our property is the subject.

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MANAGEMENT

Directors and Executive Officers

The following table sets forth the names, ages, and positions of our executive officers and directors as of July 15, 2015. Executive officers are appointed by our board of directors. Each executive officer holds office until he or she resigns, is removed by the board of directors, or a successor is elected and qualified. Each director holds office until a successor is elected and qualified, or earlier if such director resigns or is removed.

Name		Age		Position
Robert D’Loren		57		Chairman of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer and President
James Haran		54		Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary
Joe Falco		44		President and Chief Operating Officer of the Mizrahi brands
Seth Burroughs		35		Executive Vice President of Business Development and Treasury and Secretary
Mark DiSanto		53		Director
Michael R. Francis		52		Director
Edward Jones, III		67		Director
Howard Liebman		72		Director
Benjamin Malka		53		Director
Todd Slater		52		Director

Below are the biographies of each of our officers and directors as of July 15, 2015.

Robert D’Loren has been the Chairman of our board of directors and our Chief Executive Officer and President since September 2011. Mr. D’Loren has been an entrepreneur, innovator and pioneer of the consumer branded products industry for the past 35 years. Mr. D’Loren has spearheaded the Company’s omni-channel platform, connecting the channels of digital, brick-and-mortar, social media and direct-response television to create a single customer view and brand experience for Xcel’s brands. He served as Chairman and CEO of IPX Capital, LLC and its subsidiaries, a consumer products investment company, from 2009 to 2011. He continues to serve as IPX Capital LLC’s Chairman.

Prior to Xcel, from June 2006 to July 2008, Mr. D’Loren was a director, President and CEO of NexCen Brands, Inc., a global brand acquisition and management company with holdings that included The Athlete’s Foot, Waverly Home, Bill Blass, MaggieMoo’s, Marble Slab Creamery, Pretzel Time, Pretzelmaker, Great American Cookies, and The Shoe Box.

From 2002 to 2006, Mr. D’Loren’s work among consumer brands continued as President and CEO of UCC Capital Corporation, an intellectual property investment company where he invested in the consumer branded products, media and entertainment sectors. From 1997 to 2002, Mr. D’Loren founded and acted as President and Chief Operating Officer of CAK Universal Credit Corporation, an intellectual property finance company. Mr. D’Loren’s total career debt and equity investments in over 30 entertainment and consumer branded products companies have exceeded $1.0 billion. In 1985, he founded and served as President and CEO of the D’Loren Organization, an investment and restructuring firm responsible for over $2 billion of transactions. Mr. D’Loren has also served as an asset manager for Fosterlane Management, as well as a manager with Deloitte.

Mr. D’Loren has served on the Board of Directors for Iconix Brand Group, Longaberger Company, Business Loan Center and as a board advisor to The Athletes Foot and Bill Blass, Ltd. He also serves on the board of directors for the Achilles Track Club International. Mr. D’Loren is a Certified Public Accountant and holds an M.S. degree from Columbia University and a B.S. degree from New York University.

James Haran has been our Chief Financial Officer since September 2011. Mr. Haran served as CFO of IPX Capital, LLC and its related subsidiaries, from June 2008 to September 2011. Mr. Haran was the Executive Vice President, Capital Markets for NexCen Brands, Inc. from 2006 to May 2008 and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Credit Officer for UCC Capital Corporation, and its predecessor company, CAK Universal Credit Corp., from 1998 to 2006. Prior to joining UCC, Mr. Haran was a partner at Sidney Yoskowitz and Company P.C., a registered diversified certified public accounting firm. During his tenure,

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which began in 1987, his focus was on real estate and financial services companies. Mr. Haran is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.S. degree from State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

Joe Falco has been our Chief Operating Officer and President of the Mizrahi brands since September 2011. Mr. Falco is a merchant with almost two decades of experience in managing lifestyle brands and business development. Mr. Falco served as President of Misook, a division of HMX, from February 2010 to February 2011 as Worldwide President and Chief Merchant for Elie Tahari from 2007 to 2009 and as President of Sixty USA from 2005 to 2006. Prior to that position, Mr. Falco was Senior Vice President for Dolce & Gabbana from 1998 to 2004, where he was responsible for North American development and operations. Mr. Falco started his career with the luxury retailer Barneys New York where he became a student of product merchandising and brand communication.

Seth Burroughs has been our Executive Vice President of Business Development and Treasury since September 2011. From June 2006 to October 2010, Mr. Burroughs served as Vice President of NexCen Brands, Inc. Prior to his role at NexCen, from 2003 to 2006, Mr. Burroughs served as Director of M&A Advisory and Investor Relations at UCC Capital Corporation, an intellectual property investment company, where he worked on a $500 million in acquisitions and $300 million in specialty financing as an advisor to consumer branded products companies in the franchising and apparel industries. From 2001 to 2003, Mr. Burroughs worked as a Senior Financial Analyst at The Pullman Group where he was involved with structuring the first securitizations of music royalties, including the Bowie Bonds, and as a Financial Analyst at Merrill Lynch’s private client group. Mr. Burroughs received a B.S. degree in economics from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

Mark DiSanto has served as a member of our board of directors since October 2011. Since 1988, Mr. DiSanto has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Triple Crown Corporation, a regional real estate development and investment company with commercial and residential development projects exceeding 1.5 million square feet. Mr. DiSanto received a degree in business administration from Villanova University’s College of Commerce and Finance, a J.D. degree from the University of Toledo College of Law and an M.S. degree in real estate development from Columbia University.

Michael R. Francis joined our board of directors in June 2015. Since February 2012, Mr. Francis has served as the Chief Global Brand Officer of DreamWorks Animation SKG, which creates world-class entertainment, including animated feature films, television specials and series, and live-entertainment properties for audiences around the world. During this tenure with DreamWorks, Mr. Francis has been responsible for global consumer products, retail, brand strategy, creative design, location-based entertainment, digital, publishing and franchise development. From November 2010 to June 2011, Mr. Francis served as the President of J.C. Penney Company, Inc., one of the largest department store operators in the United States. Prior to November 2010, Mr. Francis spent more than 26 years with Target Corporation, an American retailing company and the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, in various roles including Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer. Mr. Francis has a B.A. degree in international studies from the University of Michigan.

Edward Jones, III has served as a member of our board of directors since October 2011. His career in the fashion industry has spanned over 35 years. Mr. Jones began his career in retail in Dallas, Texas with Hartmarx. Mr. Jones then moved on to Neiman Marcus where he spent five years in various men’s merchandising and buying positions. In his career, Mr. Jones has held senior executive positions in major companies, including as CEO (Perry Ellis Men’s, Women’s & International, Segrets Inc., GM Design Inc.), President (Calvin Klein, Esprit, Haggar Women’s), Director International Licensing (Perry Ellis, Calvin Klein), Creative Director (Haggar Women’s), and Chief Merchandising Officer (Haggar Men’s & Women’s). For the past five years, he has been active as an advisor in the fashion apparel, accessory and footwear markets in numerous brand and company strategies and M&A assignments. During this period, he has participated in the review and analysis of over 60 companies or brands and has advised on brand and business model strategy in over half of these companies and brands.

Howard Liebman has served as a member of our board of directors since October 2011. Howard Liebman was President, Chief Operating Officer and a director of Hobart West Group, a provider of national court reporting and litigation support services, from 2007 until the sale of the business in 2008. Mr. Liebman

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served as a consultant to Hobart from 2006 to 2007. Mr. Liebman was President, Chief Financial Officer and a director of Shorewood Packaging Corporation, a multinational manufacturer of high-end value-added paper and paperboard packaging for the entertainment, tobacco, cosmetics and other consumer products markets. Mr. Liebman joined Shorewood in 1994 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and served as its President from 1999 until Shorewood was acquired by International Paper in 2000. Mr. Liebman continued as Executive Vice President of Shorewood until his retirement in 2005. Mr. Liebman is a Certified Public Accountant and was an audit partner with Deloitte and Touche, LLP (and its predecessors) from 1974 to 1994.

Benjamin Malka has served as a member of our board of directors since June 2014. Since August 2011, Mr. Malka has been the Chief Executive Officer of Halston Operating Company, LLC, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of apparel, leather goods, footwear and accessories. From September 2001 through July 2011, Mr. Malka was President of BCBG Max Azria Group, Inc., a designer, manufacturer and distributor of apparel, leather goods, footwear and accessories.

Todd Slater has served as a member of our board of directors since October 2011. Since January 2015, Mr. Slater has been Managing Director at Young America Capital, LLC, a registered broker dealer. Mr. Slater has a broad and distinguished background in the retail and branded consumer sectors. From November 2011 to December 2014, Mr. Slater was a Managing Director at Threadstone Advisors, LLC, or Threadstone, an investment bank and advisory company serving the branded consumer and retail sectors. Prior to Threadstone, Mr. Slater was a Managing Director at Lazard Capital Markets, leading the retail and branded consumer research teams from 1996 to 2011, where he won numerous industry awards, including the #1 “Best Analyst” ranking by Starmine and the Financial Times in Specialty Retail, and the #2 “Best On The Street” in the Clothing and Accessory sectors over a period of many years. Prior to joining Lazard, Mr. Slater headed the retail and consumer research team at UBS Securities from 1992 to 1996, where he was ranked by Institutional Investor as #1 “Up and Comer” in the Textile and Apparel space. During this period, Mr. Slater was President of the Textile and Apparel Analyst Group in New York from 1999 to 2002. Before becoming a top retail and consumer industry analyst, Mr. Slater began his career at Macy’s New York, where he started in the Executive Training Program, rising to senior executive positions in merchandising, buying, and store management from 1984 to 1992. Mr. Slater received a B.A. degree in French Literature from Tufts University, and also completed a year of studies at Science Po (Institute d’Etudes Politiques) in Paris, France.

Directors’ Qualifications

In furtherance of our corporate governance principles, each of our directors brings unique qualities and qualifications to our board. We believe that all of our directors have a reputation for honesty, integrity, and adherence to high ethical standards. They each have demonstrated business acumen, leadership and an ability to exercise sound judgment, as well as a commitment to serve Xcel and our board of directors. The following descriptions demonstrate the qualifications of each director:

Robert D’Loren has extensive experience in and knowledge of the licensing and commercial business industries and financial markets. This knowledge and experience, including his experience as director, president and chief executive officer of a global brand management company, provide us with valuable insight to formulate and create our acquisition strategy and how to manage and license acquired brands.

Mark DiSanto has considerable experience in building and running businesses and brings his strong business acumen to the board of directors.

Michael R. Francis brings extensive senior level experience in the media and retail industries, as well as relationships in the media and retail industries.

Edward Jones III brings over 35 years of experience in the fashion industry, as well as relationships in the fashion and apparel industries.

Howard Liebman brings comprehensive knowledge of accounting, the capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, financial reporting and financial strategies from his extensive public accounting experience and prior service as Chief Financial Officer of a public company.

Benjamin Malka brings extensive senior level experience in the fashion and apparel industries, as well as relationships in the fashion and apparel industries.

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Todd Slater has extensive knowledge and experience in the retail and branded consumer sector industry, through his senior positions at investment banking firms, focusing on retail and consumer research, and his senior positions at Macy’s. Mr. Slater also brings relationships with various retailers and businesses in the consumer products markets.

Key Employees

Isaac Mizrahi is Chief Design Officer for IM Brands. As Chief Design Officer, he is responsible for design and design direction for all brands under his name. Mr. Mizrahi founded the Mizrahi brands in 1987 and has been the chief designer and the brand’s inspiration since its founding and he has been a leader in the fashion industry for almost 30 years. Since his first collection in 1987, Mizrahi’s designs have come to stand for timeless, cosmopolitan, style. Mr. Mizrahi is the recipient of many accolades including four Council of Fashion Designers of America awards. He has had the distinct pleasure of dressing some of the most distinguished women in the world including Audrey Hepburn, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, and First Lady Michelle Obama and his designs are coveted by Hollywood’s most stylish and are a favorite among celebrities. In 2012, IM Brands launched the Isaac Mizrahi New York collection, available at better department stores nationwide. In December 2009, Mr. Mizrahi launched his lifestyle collection, ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! on QVC. In addition to designing for the luxury and mass markets, Mr. Mizrahi’s passion for the arts has led him to pursue projects in other areas of design. He has designed costumes for the New York Metropolitan Opera, the American Ballet Theater and the San Francisco Ballet. In 2010, Mr. Mizrahi directed and designed the costumes and sets for a production of “A Little Night Music” for the Opera Theatre of St. Louis. He returned to the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in May 2014 to direct “The Magic Flute.” Furthermore, he was the subject and co-creator of “Unzipped,” a documentary following the making of his Fall 1994 ready-to-wear collection. The groundbreaking film received the Audience Choice for Excellence Award at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. Mr. Mizrahi’s media presence includes guest appearances on: “Sex and The City,” “Gossip Girl,” “Ugly Betty,” “Celebrity Jeopardy” and, most recently, “The Big C.” Additionally, he has hosted his own talk shows for the Oxygen Network and Style Network, “The Isaac Mizrahi Show” and “ISAAC,” respectively. Mr. Mizrahi’s work on television continues, serving as head judge on Lifetime’s “Project Runway All-Stars.”

Judith Ripka is Chief Design Officer of the Ripka brands for JR Licensing. Judith Ripka is the founder of the Ripka brands, a global, luxury jewelry brand with a classic, modern aesthetic that appeals to women of impeccable taste worldwide. Known for nearly 20 years for her distinctive designs in 18k gold, Ms. Ripka launched a sterling silver collection in 2011, both of which are available in her Madison Avenue flagship store and in fine jewelry stores worldwide. A favorite among fashion trendsetters, celebrities and style conscious women everywhere, the brand and Ms. Ripka’s popularity continue to strengthen. Ms. Ripka was a pioneer in the direct response television channel, debuting on QVC in 1996 and more recently on The Shopping Channel in Canada in 2014. With these collections, Ms. Ripka offers her devoted clients affordable luxury and the same versatility and interchangeability for which the Ripka brands are well-known. Ms. Ripka’s passion for design and entrepreneurial spirit were evident from an early age, but it was a friend’s request to redesign a strand of pearls that was pivotal in launching her company. The design, known simply as the PN1, became an instant hit and remains an iconic piece in the collections even today. Almost immediately Ms. Ripka gained a loyal following and became known for her classic-with-a-modern-twist design sensibility. She designed each piece with certain constant design features so that collections from 20 years ago can be worn with those of today. As an avid philanthropist, Ms. Ripka was also honored with the prestigious Albert Einstein Spirit of Achievement Award. In 1996, Ms. Ripka was asked to design the Inauguration pin that Hillary Clinton wore to her husband’s swearing in ceremony in 1996.

Independence of the Board of Directors

We are not a “listed issuer” as such term is defined in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. We use the definition of independence of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. The board has determined that Messrs. Howard Liebman, Edward Jones, III, Michael R. Francis and Mark DiSanto are independent. Each current member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee is independent and meets the applicable rules and regulations regarding independence for such committee, including those set forth in pertinent NASDAQ listing standards, and that each member is free of any relationship that would interfere with his individual exercise of independent judgment.

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Code of Ethics

On September 29, 2011, we adopted a code of ethics that applies to our officers, employees and directors, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and senior executives. Our Code of Ethics can be accessed on our website, www.xcelbrands.com.

Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert

Our board of directors has appointed an Audit Committee which consists of Messrs. Liebman, Francis and DiSanto. Each of such persons has been determined to be an “independent director” under the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market, which is the independence standard that was adopted by our board of directors. The board of directors has determined that Mr. Liebman meets the requirements to serve as the Audit Committee Financial Expert by our board of directors. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by our board of directors. The Audit Committee assists the board of directors by providing oversight of our accounting and financial reporting processes, appoints the independent registered public accounting firm, reviews with the registered independent registered public accounting firm the scope and results of the audit engagement, approves professional services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm, reviews the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm, considers the range of audit and non-audit fees and reviews the adequacy of internal accounting controls.

Compensation Committee

Our board of directors has appointed a Compensation Committee consisting of Messrs. DiSanto and Jones. Each of such persons has been determined to be an “independent director” under the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market. Our board of directors has adopted a written Compensation Committee Charter that sets forth the committee’s responsibilities. The committee is responsible for determining all forms of compensation for our executive officers, and establishing and maintaining executive compensation practices designed to enhance long-term stockholder value.

Nominating Committee

Our board of directors has appointed a Nominating Committee consisting of Messrs. DiSanto and Jones. Each of such persons has been determined to be an “independent director” under the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market. Our board of directors has adopted a written Nominating Committee Charter that sets forth the committee’s responsibilities.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth information regarding all cash and non-cash compensation earned, during the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, by our principal executive officer and our two other most highly compensated executive officers, which we refer to collectively as the named executive officers, for services in all capacities to the Company:

Summary Compensation Table

Name		Title				Year				Salary				Bonus(1)				Stock Awards(2)(3)				All Other Compensation				Total
Robert D’Loren			CEO and Chairman				2014			$	734,206			$	211,832			$	2,625,000			$	13,868			$	3,584,906
							2013				607,083				211,832				2,702,000				26,997				3,547,912
James Haran			CFO				2014				311,813				60,000				562,500				7,226				941,539
							2013				264,583				50,000				579,000				3,420				897,003
Seth Burroughs			EVP				2014				287,192				60,000				375,000				7,226				729,418
							2013				239,583				50,000				386,000				500				676,083

Employment Agreements with Executives

Robert D’Loren

On October 1, 2014, and effective as of September 16, 2014, we entered into a three-year employment agreement with Robert D’Loren for him to serve as our Chief Executive Officer, referred to as the D’Loren Employment Agreement. Additionally, we will use our reasonable best efforts to cause Mr. D’Loren to be nominated to our board of directors and to serve as our Chairman of the board of directors during the term of the agreement. Following the initial three-year term, the agreement will be automatically renewed for one year terms thereafter unless either party gives written notice of intent to terminate at least 90 days prior to the termination of the then current term. Under the D’Loren Employment Agreement, Mr. D’Loren’s base salary is $826,500 per annum. The board of directors or the compensation committee may approve increases (but not decreases) from time to time. Following the initial three-year term, Mr. D’Loren’s base salary will be reviewed at least annually. Mr. D’Loren receives an allowance for an automobile appropriate for his level of position and we pay (in addition to monthly lease or other payments) all of the related expenses for gasoline, insurance, maintenance, repairs or any other costs with Mr. D’Loren’s automobile.

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Bonus.  Mr. D’Loren is eligible for an annual cash bonus of up to $1,500,000 for each calendar year, based on our achievement of annual EBITDA targets. The amount of the cash bonus will be a percentage of 5% of all income generated by the trademarks and other intellectual property owned by us, or IP Income, in excess of $8,000,000 earned and received by us, in accordance with the following schedule:

		Annual Level of Target EBITDA Achieved for each fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 and thereafter				Percentage of 5% of the IP Income earned by the Company in excess of $8 million
			0% – 49%				0%
			50% – 69%				60%
			70% – 89%				80%
			90% – 100%				100%

Severance.  If Mr. D’Loren’s employment is terminated by us without cause, or if Mr. D’Loren resigns with good reason, or if we fail to renew the term, then Mr. D’Loren will be entitled to receive his unpaid base salary and cash bonuses through the termination date and a lump sum payment equal to the base salary in effect on the termination date for the longer of two years from the termination date and the remainder of the then-current term. Additionally, Mr. D’Loren would be entitled to two times the average annual cash bonuses paid in the preceding 12 months. Mr. D’Loren would also be entitled to continue to participate in our group medical plan, subject to certain conditions, for a period of 18 months from the termination date.

Change of Control.  In the event Mr. D’Loren’s employment is terminated within 12 months following a change of control by the Company without cause or by Mr. D’Loren with good reason, he would be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to two times (i) his base salary in effect on the termination date for the longer of two years from the termination date and the remainder of the then-current term and (ii) two times the average annual cash bonuses paid in the preceding 12 months, minus $100. “Change of control,” as defined in Mr. D’Loren’s employment agreement, means a merger or consolidation to which we are a party, a sale, lease or other transfer, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, or a sale or transfer by our stockholders of voting control, in a single transaction or a series of transactions. Upon a change of control, notwithstanding the vesting and exercisability schedule in any stock option or other grant agreement between Mr. D’Loren and us, all unvested stock options, shares of restricted stock and other equity awards granted by us to Mr. D’Loren pursuant to any such agreement shall immediately vest, and all such stock options shall become exercisable and remain exercisable for the lesser of 180 days after the date the change of control occurs or the remaining term of the applicable option.

Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation.  During the term of his employment by the Company and for a one-year period after the termination of such employment (unless Mr. D’Loren’s employment was terminated without cause or was terminated by him for good reason, in which case only for his term of employment and a six-month period after the termination of such employment), Mr. D’Loren may not permit his name to be used by or participate in any business or enterprise (other than the mere passive ownership of not more than 5% of the outstanding stock of any class of a publicly held corporation whose stock is traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market) that engages or proposes to engage in our business in the United States, its territories and possessions and any foreign country in which we do business as of the date of termination of his employment. Also, during his employment and for a one-year period after the termination of such employment, Mr. D’Loren may not, directly or indirectly, solicit, induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee, or other business relation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to cease doing business with the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or solicit, induce or attempt to induce any person who is, or was during the then-most recent 12-month period, a corporate officer, general manager or other employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, to terminate such employee’s employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or hire any such person unless such person’s employment was terminated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee, employee or business relation and the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

James Haran

On October 1, 2014, and effective as of September 16, 2014, we entered into a two-year employment agreement with James Haran for him to serve as our Chief Financial Officer, referred to as the

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Haran Employment Agreement. Following the initial two-year term, the agreement will be automatically renewed for one year terms thereafter unless either party gives written notice of intent to terminate at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the then current term. Under the Haran Employment Agreement, Mr. Haran’s base salary is $340,500 per annum. The board of directors or the compensation committee may approve increases (but not decreases) from time to time. Following the initial two year term, the base salary shall be reviewed at least annually. In addition, Mr. Haran receives a car allowance of $1,500 per month.

Bonus.  Mr. Haran is eligible for a cash bonus of up to $60,000 based upon the following: 50% of the $60,000 cash bonus will be paid to Mr. Haran if we achieve at least 70% of our budgeted EBITDA and 100% of the $60,000 cash bonus will be paid to Mr. Haran if we achieve at least 90% of our budgeted EBITDA. On June 27, 2015, the Compensation Committee of our board of directors determined with reasonable assurance that we will achieve at least 70% of our target Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Haran Employment Agreement). The Compensation Committee also determined to accelerate payment of 50% of the Cash Bonus (as defined in the Haran Employment Agreement) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015 to Mr. Haran, and that such payment shall be made on or before July 30, 2015. Accordingly, the bonus that would be payable to Mr. Haran at the end of the 2015 fiscal year shall be reduced by $30,000; provided, however, that if Mr. Haran’s total bonus earned for the 2015 fiscal year is determined to be less than $30,000, Mr. Haran shall not be obligated to repay to the Company any difference between the $30,000 being paid on an accelerated basis and the actual amount of his bonus.

Severance.  If Mr. Haran’s employment is terminated by us without cause, or if Mr. Haran resigns with good reason, or if we fail to renew the term, then Mr. Haran will be entitled to receive his unpaid base salary and cash bonuses through the termination date and a lump sum payment equal to his base salary in effect on the termination date for 12 months. Mr. Haran would also be entitled to continue to participate in our group medical plan, subject to certain conditions, for a period of 12 months from the termination date.

Change of Control.  In the event Mr. Haran’s employment is terminated within 12 months following a change of control by the Company without cause or by Mr. Haran with good reason, Mr. Haran would be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to his base salary in effect on the termination date for 12 months following such termination. “Change of control,” as defined in Mr. Haran’s employment agreement, means a merger or consolidation to which we are a party, a sale, lease or other transfer, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, or a sale or transfer by our stockholders of voting control, in a single transaction or a series of transactions. Upon a change of control, notwithstanding the vesting and exercisability schedule in any stock option or other grant agreement between Mr. Haran and us, all unvested stock options, shares of restricted stock and other equity awards granted by us to Mr. Haran pursuant to any such agreement shall immediately vest, and all such stock options shall become exercisable and remain exercisable for the lesser of 180 days after the date the change of control occurs or the remaining term of the applicable option.

Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation.  During the term of his employment by the Company and for a one-year period after the termination of such employment, Mr. Haran may not permit his name to be used by or participate in any business or enterprise (other than the mere passive ownership of not more than 5% of the outstanding stock of any class of a publicly held corporation whose stock is traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market) that engages or proposes to engage in our business in the United States, its territories and possessions and any foreign country in which we do business as of the date of termination of such employment. Also, during his employment and for a one-year period after the termination of his employment, Mr. Haran may not, directly or indirectly, solicit, induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee, or other business relation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to cease doing business with the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or solicit, induce or attempt to induce any person who is, or was during the then-most recent 12-month period, a corporate officer, general manager or other employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, to terminate such employee’s employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or hire any such person unless such person’s employment was terminated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee, employee or business relation and the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

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Seth Burroughs

On October 1, 2014, and effective as of September 16, 2014, we entered into a two-year employment agreement with Seth Burroughs for him to serve as our Executive Vice President – Business Development and Treasury, referred to as the Burroughs Employment Agreement. Following the initial two-year term, the agreement will be automatically renewed for one year terms thereafter unless either party gives written notice of intent to terminate at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the then current term. Under the Burroughs Employment Agreement, Mr. Burroughs’ base salary is $316,800 per annum. The board of directors or the compensation committee may approve increases (but not decreases) from time to time. Following the initial two-year term, the base salary shall be reviewed at least annually.

Bonus.  Mr. Burroughs is eligible for a cash bonus of up to $60,000 based upon the following: 50% of the $60,000 cash bonus shall be paid to Mr. Burroughs if we achieve at least 70% of our budgeted EBITDA and 100% of the $60,000 cash bonus shall be paid to Mr. Burroughs if we achieve at least 90% of our budgeted EBITDA.

Severance.  If Mr. Burroughs’ employment is terminated by us without cause, or if Mr. Burroughs resigns with good reason, or if we fail to renew the term, then Mr. Burroughs will be entitled to receive his unpaid base salary and cash bonuses through the termination date and an amount equal to his base salary in effect on the termination date for a period of 12 months. Mr. Burroughs would also be entitled to continue to participate in our group medical plan, subject to certain conditions, for a period of 12 months from the termination date.

Change of Control.  In the event Mr. Burroughs’ employment is terminated within 12 months following a change of control by the Company without cause or by Mr. Burroughs with good reason, Mr. Burroughs would be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to his base salary in effect on the termination date for 12 months following such termination. “Change of control,” as defined in Mr. Burroughs’ employment agreement, means a merger or consolidation to which we are a party, a sale, lease or other transfer, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, or a sale or transfer by our stockholders of voting control, in a single transaction or a series of transactions. Upon a change of control, notwithstanding the vesting and exercisability schedule in any stock option or other grant agreement between Mr. Burroughs and us, all unvested stock options, shares of restricted stock and other equity awards granted by us to Mr. Burroughs pursuant to any such agreement shall immediately vest, and all such stock options shall become exercisable and remain exercisable for the lesser of 180 days after the date the change of control occurs or the remaining term of the applicable option.

Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation.  During the term of his employment by the Company and for a one-year period after the termination of such employment, Mr. Burroughs may not permit his name to be used by or participate in any business or enterprise (other than the mere passive ownership of not more than 5% of the outstanding stock of any class of a publicly held corporation whose stock is traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market) that engages or proposes to engage in the Company’s business in the United States, its territories and possessions and any foreign country in which we do business as of the date of termination of his employment. Also, during his employment and for a one-year period after the termination of such employment, Mr. Burroughs may not, directly or indirectly, solicit, induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee, or other business relation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to cease doing business with the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or solicit, induce or attempt to induce any person who is, or was during the then-most recent 12-month period, a corporate officer, general manager or other employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, to terminate such employee’s employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or hire any such person unless such person’s employment was terminated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee, employee or business relation and the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

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Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2014

						Options and Warrant Awards																Stock Awards
Name		Title				Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options & Warrants, Exercisable				Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options & Warrants, Unexercisable				Exercise Price				Option or Warrant Expiration Date				Number of Shares of Stock that Have Not Vested				Market Value of Shares of Stock that Have Not Vested
Robert D’Loren			CEO, Chairman				239,250	(1)			—			$	5.00				9/29/2021				1,301,178	(2)		$	11,710,062
James Haran			CFO				49,250	(1)			—			$	5.00				9/29/2021				261,342	(3)		$	2,352,078
Seth Burroughs			EVP				50,000	(1)			—			$	5.00				9/29/2021				172,576	(4)		$	1,553,184

On May 19, 2015, we granted the named executive officers shares of restricted stock as set forth below:

Name		Number of Shares of Restricted Stock
Robert W. D’Loren		245,000
James F. Haran		52,500
Seth Burroughs		35,000

The restricted stock awards vest as to 50% of the shares on each of April 30, 2016 and April 30, 2017, provided, however, that each grantee may extend each vesting date one or more times, as to all or a portion of the shares, by six-month increments in his sole discretion.

Director Compensation

We pay our non-employee directors $3,000 for each board of directors and committee meeting attended, up to a maximum of $12,000 per year for board of directors meetings and up to a maximum of $12,000 per year for committee meetings, except that the chairman of each committee receives $4,000 for each such committee meeting attended, up to a maximum of $16,000 per year.

The following table sets forth information with respect to each non-employee director’s compensation for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Name		Fees Earned or Paid in Cash				Stock Awards(1)				Total
Mark DiSanto		$	32,000			$	42,600			$	74,600
Jack Dweck(2)		$	6,000			$	42,600			$	48,600
Edward Jones, III		$	18,000			$	42,600			$	60,600
Howard Liebman		$	28,000			$	42,600			$	70,600
Benjamin Malka(3)		$	6,000			$	187,500			$	193,500
Todd Slater		$	12,000			$	42,600			$	54,600

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On April 1, 2015, each non-employee director was granted 10,000 shares of restricted stock pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Plan. Such shares of restricted stock will vest evenly over two years, whereby 50% shall vest on March 31, 2016 and 50% shall vest on March 31, 2017. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each grantee may extend the vesting date of all or a portion of the restricted shares by six months and, thereafter one or more times may further extend such date with respect to all or a portion of the restricted shares until the next following September 30 or March 31, as the case may be. The grant date fair value of the shares was $9.00 per share. The dollar amounts shown represent the grant date fair value of the restricted stock awards granted during the applicable fiscal year calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718.

2011 Equity Incentive Plan

Our Amended and Restated 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, which we refer to as the Plan, is designed and utilized to enable the Company to offer its employees, officers, directors, consultants and others whose past, present and/or potential contributions to the Company have been, are or will be important to the success of the Company, an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company.

The Plan provides for the grant of stock options or restricted stock. The stock options may be incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options. A total of 8,000,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under the Plan, the maximum number of shares of common stock with respect to which incentive stock options may be granted under the Plan is 5,000,000 and the maximum number of shares of common stock with respect to which options or restricted stock may be granted to any participant is 5,000,000. The Plan may be administered by the board of directors or a committee consisting of two or more members of the board of directors appointed by the board of directors.

Officers and other employees of Xcel or any parent or subsidiary of Xcel who are at the time of the grant of an award employed by us or any parent or subsidiary of Xcel are eligible to be granted options or other awards under the Plan. In addition, non-qualified stock options and other awards may be granted under the Plan to any person, including, but not limited to, directors, independent agents, consultants and attorneys who the board of directors or the committee, as the case may be, believes has contributed or will contribute to our success.

Cash awards may be issued under the Plan either alone or in addition to or in tandem with other awards granted under the Plan or other payments made to a participant not under the Plan. The board or committee, as the case may be, shall determine the eligible persons to whom, and the time or times at which, cash awards will be made, the amount that is subject to the cash award, the circumstances and conditions under which such amount shall be paid, in whole or in part, the time of payment, and all other terms and conditions of the awards. The maximum cash award that may be paid to any participant under the Plan during any calendar year shall not exceed $2,500,000.

With respect to incentive stock options granted to an eligible employee owning stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock or the stock of a parent or subsidiary of our Company immediately before the grant, such incentive stock option shall not be exercisable more than

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5 years from the date of grant. The exercise price of an incentive stock option will not be less than the fair market value of the shares underlying the option on the date the option is granted, provided, however, that the exercise price of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% stockholder may not be less than 110% of such fair market value. The exercise price of a non-qualified stock option may not be less than fair market value of the shares of common stock underlying the option on the date the option is granted.

Under the Plan, we may not, in the aggregate, grant incentive stock options that are first exercisable by any individual optionee during any calendar year (under all such plans of the optionee’s employer corporation and its “parent” and “subsidiary” corporations, as those terms are defined in Section 424 of the Internal Revenue Code) to the extent that the aggregate fair market value of the underlying stock (determined at the time the option is granted) exceeds $100,000.

Certain awards made under the Plan may be granted so that they qualify as “performance-based compensation” (as this term is used in Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) and the regulations thereunder) and are exempt from the deduction limitation imposed by Code Section 162(m). Under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m), our tax deduction may be limited to the extent total compensation paid to the chief executive officer, or any of the four most highly compensated executive officers (other than the chief executive officer) exceeds $1 million in any one tax year. Among other criteria, awards only qualify as performance-based awards if at the time of grant the compensation committee is comprised solely of two or more “outside directors” (as this term is used in Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) and the regulations thereunder). In addition, we must obtain stockholder approval of material terms of performance goals for such performance-based compensation.

All stock options and certain stock awards, performance awards, cash awards and stock units granted under the Plan, and the compensation attributable to such awards, are intended to (i) qualify as performance-based awards or (ii) be otherwise exempt from the deduction limitation imposed by Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m). No options or other awards may be granted on or after the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the Plan (September 29, 2016).

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Since January 1, 2013, except as described below, there has not been any transaction, nor is there any proposed transaction, where we (or any of our subsidiaries) were or will be a party in which the amount involved exceeded or will exceed the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at year end for the last two fiscal years and in which any director, executive officer, holder of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

Todd Slater

On June 5, 2013, we paid Threadstone Advisors, LLC a fee of $280,000 for the placement of $4,000,000 of proceeds from an offering of our common stock. Todd Slater, one of our directors, was an officer and a greater than 5% owner of Threadstone at the time of the offering.

On December 22, 2014, we entered into an agreement with Young America Capital LLC, or Young America, pursuant to which we agreed to pay Young America a cash payment of 7% of the gross proceeds from a private offering of our equity securities, except with respect to $3,000,000 of common stock sold in the offering. We paid to Young America a fee of $474,600 in connection with the offering. Todd Slater is a director of Xcel and a registered representative and independent contractor to Young America, and he received $439,005 of the consideration paid to Young America.

Licensing Agent Agreement

On August 2, 2011, we entered into a licensing agent agreement with Adam Dweck, who is an Executive Vice President of Earthbound, LLC and the son of Jack Dweck (who is a principal of Earthbound, LLC and was on our board of directors until his resignation on June 26, 2014), pursuant to which Adam Dweck is entitled to a 5% commission on any royalties we receive under any new license agreements that he procures for us during the initial term of such license agreements.

We also issued to Mr. Dweck warrants to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share. These warrants are fully vested and expire on August 2, 2016. Additionally, Mr. Dweck shall be entitled to receive warrants to purchase an additional 25,000 shares of common stock priced at the fair market value at the time of issuance, subject to Mr. Dweck generating $2.0 million of accumulated royalties. These warrants would also expire on August 2, 2016.

We incurred direct licensing costs with Mr. Dweck of $25,000 and $13,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

IM Ready-Made, LLC

On December 24, 2013, Xcel, IM Brands, IM Ready, Isaac Mizrahi and Marisa Gardini, a director of Xcel from October 2011 through June 2, 2015, entered into the fifth amendment to the asset purchase agreement dated as of May 19, 2011. Pursuant to the amendment, IM Ready and the individual parties acknowledged and agreed that no earn-out shares were earned for the twelve month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2014, regardless of whether the criteria for the issuance of such shares was or should in the future be satisfied. As partial consideration for the execution of the amendment, the original promissory note issued pursuant to the asset purchase agreement was amended and restated as described below and the voting agreement entered into in connection with the asset purchase agreement was amended and restated as described below.

The promissory note was due as to $1,500,000 principal amount (of which $500,000 was prepaid on September 27, 2013 and the remaining $1,000,000 was paid upon execution of the amendment); and becomes due as to (i) $750,000 principal amount on January 31, 2015, referred to as the first interim payment, (ii) $750,000 principal amount on January 31, 2016, referred to as the second interim payment, and (iii) the remaining unpaid balance on September 30, 2016, subject to extension of such due date by IM Ready to the first business day following September 30, 2018. We have the right to make the interim payments in cash or in shares of common stock (except for $500,000 of the first interim payment, which must be paid in cash), provided that if we receive the consent of our senior lenders to make such payments in cash, we must make such payments in cash.

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At any time the promissory note is outstanding, we have the right to convert the promissory note, in whole or in part, into the number of shares of common stock obtained by dividing the principal amount to be converted by the average trading price of our common stock at the time of the conversion, so long as the average trading price of our common stock is at least $4.50 per share. In addition, we have the right to pay the outstanding balance of the promissory note at the maturity date or subsequent maturity date (if the maturity date of the promissory note is extended), in shares of common stock by dividing the outstanding principal amount of the promissory note by the average trading price. “Average trading price” means the average per share closing price of the common stock for the twenty consecutive trading days ending on the trading day immediately preceding the date of payment.

If we elect to make interim payments by issuing shares of common stock, the number of shares issuable will be obtained by dividing the principal amount of the promissory note then outstanding by the greater of (i) the average trading price on the date such interim payment is due, and (ii) $4.50, subject to certain adjustments; provided, however, that if the average trading price is less than $4.50 as adjusted, IM Ready will have the option to extend the date such interim payment is due until the maturity date. If an interim payment is so extended, IM Ready will have the option to convert the interim payment that was so extended into a number of shares of common stock as determined by dividing the principal amount by the interim payment that was so extended by $4.50, subject to certain adjustments.

Pursuant to the amended and restated voting agreement, each of IM Ready, Mr. Mizrahi and Ms. Gardini has agreed to appoint a person designated by the board of directors of the Company as their irrevocable proxy and attorney-in-fact with respect to the shares of the common stock received and which may be received by IM Ready, Mr. Mizrahi and/or Ms. Gardini in connection with our September 2011 acquisition of the Mizrahi brands, including shares which may be issued in satisfaction of the earn-out payments or the promissory note and the shares of common stock to be issued to Mr. Mizrahi and Ms. Gardini pursuant to those certain restricted stock agreements dated as of December 24, 2013. The proxy holder shall vote in favor of matters recommended or approved by the board of directors. The board of directors appointed Robert D’Loren as proxy and attorney-in-fact for such shares.

Xcel and IM Ready had balances owed between the companies relating to the transition of the Mizrahi business and certain payments assigned to the seller of such business by QVC under the IM QVC Agreement. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we owed IM Ready $0 and $459,000, respectively. As of March 31, 2015, neither Xcel nor IM Ready owed any amounts to the other. We did not earn any revenue or incur any expenses with IM Ready since the closing of the acquisition of the Mizrahi business.

Benjamin Malka

On December 22, 2014, we entered into (i) an asset purchase agreement with The H Company IP, LLC, or HIP, a wholly-owned subsidiary of House of Halston LLC, or HOH, and HOH, pursuant to which we acquired certain assets of HIP, including the “H by Halston” and “H Halston” trademarks and other intellectual property rights relating thereto and (ii) entered into with HIP a non-assignable exclusive sublicense to use the H Halston trademark in association with the manufacture, distribution, promotion, advertising and sale of products bearing the H Halston trademark and any related services thereto in all channels of distribution, excluding direct-response television and its related e-commerce and digital distribution. Benjamin Malka, a director of Xcel, is a 24% equity holder of HOH, and Chief Executive Officer of HOH and of HIP.

Mark DiSanto

On June 5, 2013, Mark X. DiSanto Investment Trust purchased from us 285,715 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 62,500 of our common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,000,003. Mark DiSanto, a director of the Company, is the trustee and has sole voting and dispositive power for the trust.

Edward Jones, III

On May 15, 2015, we entered into a consulting agreement, which we refer to as the Jones Texas Agreement, with Jones Texas, Inc., or Jones Texas, of which Edward Jones, III, a director of the Company, is the sole equity holder and an executive officer. Pursuant to the Jones Texas Agreement, Jones Texas agreed to

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assist us with our due diligence investigation relating to the C Wonder Acquisition and, in consideration for such assistance, received a fee of $12,500 upon execution of the Jones Texas Agreement and will receive an additional $12,500 upon and subject to the closing of the acquisition of the C Wonder brand, which we refer to as the Closing Fee. On June 24, 2015, we amended the Jones Texas Agreement to increase the Closing Fee due to Jones Texas upon closing of the acquisition of the C Wonder brand from $12,500 to $62,500.

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

The following table lists, as of June 30, 2015, the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by (i) each person or entity known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding common stock; (ii) each named executive officer and director of the Company, and (iii) all executive officers and directors as a group. Information relating to beneficial ownership of common stock by our principal stockholders and management is based upon information furnished by each person using “beneficial ownership” concepts under the rules of the SEC. Under these rules, a person is deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if that person has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or direct the voting of the security, or investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or direct the disposition of the security. The person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any security of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Under the SEC rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities, and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as to which he or she may not have any pecuniary beneficial interest. Except as noted below, each person has sole voting and investment power.

The percentages below are calculated based on 15,191,689 shares of common stock issued and outstanding on June 30, 2015 and, after the offering, include the issuance of 1,500,000 shares of common stock upon the consummation of this offering and the issuance of 1,000,000 shares of common stock as payment for a portion of the purchase price for the acquisition of the C Wonder brand. Unless otherwise stated, all addresses are c/o Xcel Brands, Inc. at 475 10^th Avenue, 4^th Floor, New York, NY 10018.

Name and Address		Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned				Percent of Class Beneficially Owned
						Before Offering				After Offering
Named executive officers and directors:
Robert D’Loren(1)			7,569,454				46.8	%			45.9	%
James Haran(2)			601,203				4.0	%			3.4	%
Michael R. Francis(3)			75,000					*				*
Seth Burroughs(4)			460,492				3.0	%			2.6	%
Todd Slater(5)			105,685					*				*
Howard Liebman(6)			114,643					*				*
Edward Jones, III(7)			108,382					*				*
Benjamin Malka(8)			35,000					*				*
Mark DiSanto(9)			1,479,653				9.6	%			8.3	%
All directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons)(10)(11)			10,851,899				68.5	%			64.6	%
5% Shareholders:
Isaac Mizrahi(12)			2,211,799				14.6	%			12.5	%
Buckingham Capital Management, Inc.(13) 485 Lexington Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10017			1,739,135				11.3	%			9.7	%
Hilco Trading, LLC(14) 5 Revere Drive, Suite 206, Northbrook, IL 60062			2,416,667				15.2	%			13.1	%
J. Christopher Burch(15) 840 First Avenue, Suite 200, King of Prussia, PA 19406			1,000,000					*			5.7	%

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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

The following information is a summary of our capital stock and provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws.

General

Our authorized capital stock consists of 35,000,000 shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock at a par value of $0.001 per share.

Common Stock

Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, including the election of directors, and subject to any contractual agreement entered into by any holder of shares. Generally, all matters to be voted on by stockholders must be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by all shares of our common stock that are present in person or represented by proxy. Holders of our common stock representing a majority of our capital stock issued, outstanding, and entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, are necessary to constitute a quorum at any meeting of our stockholders. A vote by the holders of a majority of our outstanding shares is required to effectuate certain fundamental corporate changes such as liquidation, merger or an amendment to our certificate of incorporation. Our certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.

The holders of shares of our common stock will be entitled to such cash dividends as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors from funds available therefore. Upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up, the holders of shares of our common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata all assets available for distribution to such holders. In the event of any merger or consolidation with or into another company in connection with which shares of our common stock are converted into or exchangeable for shares of stock, other securities, or property (including cash), all holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive the same kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property (including cash). Holders of our common stock have no pre-emptive rights and no conversion rights, and there are no redemption provisions applicable to our common stock.

Preferred Stock

As of the date hereof, there are no shares of preferred stock outstanding. Our board of directors, without further stockholder approval, may issue preferred stock in one or more classes or series as the board may determine from time to time. Each such class or series shall be distinctly designated. All shares of any one class or series of the preferred stock shall be alike in every particular, except that there may be different dates from which dividends thereon, if any, shall be cumulative, if made cumulative. The voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations, restrictions and relative rights thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series outstanding at any time. Our board of directors has express authority to fix (by resolutions adopted prior to the issuance of any shares of each particular class or series of preferred stock) the number of shares, voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations, restrictions and relative rights of each such class or series. The rights granted to the holders of any series of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of common stock and the issuance of preferred stock may delay, defer or prevent a change in our control.

Warrants

As of March 31, 2015, an aggregate of 2,219,543 shares of common stock are issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants, at a weighted average exercise price of $6.07 per share. The warrants expire between August 2016 and September 2021.

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Registration Rights

We agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to file a registration statement and cause such registration statement to become effective on or before February 20, 2016, covering the 1,000,000 shares of common stock and the 750,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants issued in the acquisition of the H Halston brands and the 666,667 shares of common stock purchased by Hilco Trading LLC in December 2014. In addition, we granted to the holders of warrants to purchase 463,750 shares of common stock piggy-back registration rights, including the right to participate in this offering, subject to reduction as determined by the underwriter. In addition, we granted to Hilco Trading LLC the right to include the 666,667 shares in an underwritten offering, subject to reduction. Additionally, in connection with the issuance of (i) the shares of common stock to Burch LLC at the closing of the acquisition of the C Wonder brand and (ii) any earn-out value paid in the form of shares of our common stock, we agreed, within 60 days after the expiration of an initial one-year term from the date of issuance of such shares, to use commercially reasonable efforts to file and cause to become effective a registration statement under the Securities Act. Each agreement provides that we shall not be obligated to register any shares of common stock that may be sold pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act.

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UNDERWRITING

We have entered into an underwriting agreement with Wunderlich Securities, Inc., or Wunderlich, with respect to this offering. Under the terms and subject to the conditions of the underwriting agreement, the underwriter has agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to the underwriter, the number of shares of common stock indicated below:

Underwriter		Number of Shares
Wunderlich Securities, Inc.
Total			1,500,000

The underwriter is offering the shares of common stock subject to its acceptance of the shares from us and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriter to pay for and accept delivery of the shares of common stock offered hereby are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by its counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriter is obligated to take and pay for all of the shares of common stock offered hereby if any such shares are taken. However, the underwriter is not required to take or pay for the shares of common stock covered by the underwriter’ over-allotment option described below.

The underwriter initially proposes to offer the shares of common stock to the public at the offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to certain dealers at such offering price less a selling concession not in excess of $     per share. After the initial offering of the shares of common stock, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the underwriter.

We have granted to the underwriter an over-allotment option, exercisable for 45 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to an additional     shares of common stock at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, less the underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriter may exercise this option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any.

The following table shows the public offering price, the underwriting discounts and commissions, and the proceeds to us, before expenses. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriter’s option to purchase up to an additional     shares of common stock to cover over-allotments.

Total

Per Share

Without Over-allotment

With Over-allotment

Public offering price

$

$

$

Underwriting discounts and commissions

Proceeds to us, before expenses

We have agreed to pay for all costs and expenses customarily borne by an issuer incident to the purchase, sale and delivery of the common stock offered by the underwriter, including all fees and expenses of filing with the SEC and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. and Blue Sky filing fees and expenses up to $5,000, and we will reimburse the underwriter for any such costs and expenses. Additionally, we have agreed to pay for up to $       in the aggregate of certain out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the underwriter, including fees and expenses of underwriter’s counsel. The estimated offering expenses payable by us, exclusive of the underwriting discounts and commissions, are approximately $    .

We have agreed that, subject to certain exceptions, we will not (i) offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise issue any shares of common stock or securities exchangeable or convertible into common stock or (ii) file any registration statement with the SEC relating to the offering of any shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of our common stock for a period of 90 days following the date of this prospectus, without the prior written consent of Wunderlich. Our directors, executive officers and certain of our stockholders have also agreed that, subject to certain exceptions, they will not, directly or indirectly, offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of or hedge any common

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stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock beneficially owned by them for a period of 90 days following the date of this prospectus, without the prior written consent of Wunderlich.

The 90-day restricted period described in the preceding paragraph will be extended if:

In order to facilitate the offering of the shares of common stock, the underwriter may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the shares of common stock. Specifically, the underwriter may sell more shares than they are obligated to purchase under the underwriting agreement, creating a short position. A short sale is covered if the short position is no greater than the number of shares available for purchase by the underwriter under the over-allotment option. The underwriter can close out a covered short sale by exercising the over-allotment option or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out a covered short sale, the underwriter will consider, among other things, the open market price of shares compared to the price available under the over-allotment option. The underwriter may also sell shares in excess of the over-allotment option, creating a naked short position. The underwriter must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriter is concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the shares of common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. As an additional means of facilitating this offering, the underwriter may bid for, and purchase, shares of common stock in the open market to stabilize the price of the common stock. These activities may raise or maintain the market price of the shares of common stock above independent market levels or prevent or retard a decline in the market price of the common stock. The underwriter is not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments that the underwriter may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the issuance of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for the Company by Blank Rome LLP, New York, New York. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriter by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Costa Mesa, California.

EXPERTS

The consolidated balance sheets of Xcel Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended have been included herein in reliance upon the report of CohnReznick LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere herein and in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file reports and other information with the SEC under the Exchange Act. Our filings are available to the public over the internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy documents we file with the SEC at its Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room, including any copy charges.

In connection with the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus, we have filed a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933 with the SEC. This prospectus, filed as part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement and the accompanying exhibits and schedules. For further information with respect to our shares of common stock, and us, you should refer to the registration statement and the accompanying exhibits. Statements contained in this prospectus regarding the contents of any contract or any other document are not necessarily complete, and you should refer to the copy of the contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each statement being qualified in all respects by the actual contents of the contract or other document referred to. You may read or obtain a copy of the registration statement and the accompanying exhibits at the SEC’s Public Reference Room and the SEC’s website referenced above.

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 (unaudited) and December 31, 2014			F-2
Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014			F-4
Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2015			F-5
Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014			F-6
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements			F-7
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm			F-22
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013			F-23
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013			F-24
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013			F-25
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013			F-26
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements			F-28

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Xcel Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
		(Unaudited)				(See Note 1)
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	6,208,000			$	8,531,000
Accounts receivable, net			4,883,000				3,641,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			699,000				532,000
Deferred tax asset			633,000				633,000
Current assets held for disposition from discontinued retail operations			425,000				503,000
Total current assets			12,848,000				13,840,000
Property and Equipment:
Property and equipment, net			834,000				833,000
Other Assets:
Trademarks and other intangibles, net			97,536,000				97,679,000
Goodwill			12,371,000				12,371,000
Deferred finance costs, net			595,000				624,000
Other assets			274,000				271,000
Long-term assets held for disposition from discontinued retail operations			—				123,000
Total non-current other assets			110,776,000				111,068,000
Total Assets		$	124,458,000			$	125,741,000
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	2,858,000			$	3,339,000
Deferred revenue			264,000				256,000
Installment obligations in connection with the acquisition of the Ripka Brand			1,290,000				2,190,000
Other current liabilities			104,000				190,000
Current portion of long-term debt			6,615,000				5,650,000
Current portion of long-term debt, contingent obligations			5,766,000				5,766,000
Current liabilities held for disposition from discontinued retail operations			261,000				218,000
Total current liabilities			17,158,000				17,609,000
Long-Term Liabilities:
Long-term debt, less current portion			36,044,000				39,648,000
Deferred tax liabilities			7,714,000				8,082,000
Other long-term liabilities			208,000				178,000
Total long-term liabilities			43,966,000				47,908,000
Total Liabilities			61,124,000				65,517,000

 
 
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Xcel Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – (continued)

		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
		(Unaudited)				(See Note 1)
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding			—				—
Common stock, $.001 par value, 35,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and 14,316,355 and 14,011,896 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively			14,000				14,000
Paid-in capital			60,159,000				56,718,000
Retained earnings			3,161,000				3,492,000
Total Stockholders' Equity			63,334,000				60,224,000
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity		$	124,458,000			$	125,741,000

 
 
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Xcel Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
Revenues
Net licensing revenue		$	6,524,000			$	3,540,000
Net e-commerce sales			67,000				—
Total revenues			6,591,000				3,540,000
Cost of goods sold			45,000				—
Gross profit			6,546,000				3,540,000
Operating expenses
Salaries, benefits and employment taxes			3,103,000				1,976,000
Other design and marketing costs			284,000				175,000
Other selling, general and administrative expenses			986,000				680,000
Stock-based compensation			1,013,000				1,565,000
Depreciation and amortization			262,000				224,000
Total operating expenses			5,648,000				4,620,000
Other expense
Loss on extinguishment of debt			611,000				—
Operating income (loss)			287,000				(1,080,000	)
Interest and finance expense
Interest expense – term debt			312,000				144,000
Other interest and finance charges			199,000				94,000
Total interest and finance expense			511,000				238,000
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes			(224,000	)			(1,318,000	)
Income tax benefit			(106,000	)			(494,000	)
Loss from continuing operations			(118,000	)			(824,000	)
Loss from discontinued operations, net			(213,000	)			(131,000	)
Net loss		$	(331,000	)		$	(955,000	)
Basic and diluted loss per share:
Continuing operations		$	(0.01	)		$	(0.08	)
Discontinued operations, net			(0.01	)			(0.01	)
Net loss		$	(0.02	)		$	(0.09	)
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding			14,069,419				10,830,312

 
 
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Xcel Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

		Common Stock								Paid-in Capital				Retained Earnings				Total
		Share				Amount
Balances, January 1, 2015			14,011,896			$	14,000			$	56,718,000			$	3,492,000			$	60,224,000
Shares issued to employees in connection with restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures			37,792				—				—				—				—
Compensation expense in connection with stock options, warrants and restricted stock			—				—				1,013,000				—				1,013,000
Issuance of Common Stock in connection with the extinguishment of Ripka Seller Notes			266,667				—				2,400,000				—				2,400,000
Tax benefit from vested stock grants and exercised options			—				—				28,000				—				28,000
Net loss for the period ended March 31, 2015			—				—				—				(331,000	)			(331,000	)
Balances, March 31, 2015			14,316,355			$	14,000			$	60,159,000			$	3,161,000			$	63,334,000

 
 
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Xcel Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss		$	(331,000	)		$	(955,000	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Loss from discontinued operations, net			213,000				131,000
Depreciation and amortization expense			262,000				224,000
Amortization of deferred finance costs			39,000				11,000
Stock-based compensation			1,013,000				1,565,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts			35,000				—
Amortization of note discount			155,000				78,000
Deferred income tax benefit			(340,000	)			(494,000	)
Tax benefit from vested stock grants and exercised options			(28,000	)			—
Loss on extinguishment of debt			611,000				—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable			(1,277,000	)			(152,000	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets			(175,000	)			(108,000	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			(483,000	)			(164,000	)
Deferred revenue			12,000				(114,000	)
Other liabilities			(57,000	)			(18,000	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations			(351,000	)			4,000
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations, net			(49,000	)			(110,000	)
Net cash used in operating activities			(400,000	)			(106,000	)
Cash flows used in investing activities
Cash consideration for asset acquisition of the H Halston Brands			(14,000	)			—
Purchase of property and equipment			(27,000	)			(112,000	)
Advance deposit related to trademark acquisition			—				(168,000	)
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations			(41,000	)			(280,000	)
Net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations			—				(194,000	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(41,000	)			(474,000	)
Cash flows provided by financing activities
Shares repurchased on vesting of restricted stock			—				(63,000	)
Tax benefit from vested stock grants and exercised options			28,000
Payment of contingent obligation			—				(315,000	)
Payment of deferred finance costs			(10,000	)			(35,000	)
Payment of long-term debt			(1,000,000	)			—
Payment of installment obligations related to the acquisition of the Ripka Brand			(900,000	)			—
Net cash used in financing activities			(1,882,000	)			(413,000	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents			(2,323,000	)			(993,000	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			8,531,000				7,461,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	6,208,000			$	6,468,000
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:
Issuance of common stock as payment for notes payable		$	2,400,000			$	—
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for income taxes		$	303,000			$	39,000
Cash paid during the period for interest		$	222,000			$	144,000

 
 
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2015

1. Nature of Operations, Background and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information or footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes necessary for a comprehensive presentation of financial position, results of operations or cash flows. It is Xcel Brands, Inc.’s, (the “Company’s”) opinion, however, that the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, operating results and cash flows for the periods presented.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 and notes thereto beginning on page F-23, together with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained elsewhere in this prospectus. The interim results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015 or for any future interim periods.

The Company is a brand development and media company engaged in the design, licensing, marketing and direct to consumer sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, jewelry and home goods, and the acquisition of additional high profile consumer lifestyle brands, including the Isaac Mizrahi brand (the “Isaac Mizrahi Brand”), the Judith Ripka brand (the “Ripka Brand”), certain rights of the Liz Claiborne New York brand (“LCNY Brand”), and the H by Halston and H Halston brands (collectively, the “H Halston Brands”).

The Company operates in a “working capital light” business model, wherein the Company licenses its brands to third parties, provides certain design services, and generates royalty and design and service fee revenues through licensing and other agreements with wholesale manufacturers, sourcing and design companies and retailers. This includes licensing its own brands for promotion and distribution through an omni-channel retail sales strategy, including distribution through direct-response television (i.e., QVC, Inc. (“QVC”) and The Shopping Channel), the internet and traditional brick-and-mortar retail channels. The Isaac Mizrahi Brand and LCNY Brand are licensed through the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, IM Brands, LLC (“IM Brands”) (the “Isaac Mizrahi Business”), the Ripka Brand is licensed through the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, JR Licensing, LLC (“JR Licensing”) and the H Halston Brands are licensed through the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, H Licensing, LLC (“H Licensing”).

From June 2013 through December 2014, the Company operated its retail business through its wholly-owned subsidiary, IMNY Retail Management, LLC. In December 2014, the Company discontinued its retail stores. Accordingly, the Company’s retail operations are treated as discontinued operations and prior periods presented have been reclassified to give effect to this change (see Note 8).

As a result of the Company’s discontinued operations, certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period condensed consolidated financial statements to conform to the current period presentation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 provides guidance for revenue recognition and affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is the recognition of revenue when a company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount

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XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2015

1. Nature of Operations, Background and Basis of Presentation  – (continued)

that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods therein, using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the method and impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In April 2015, the FASB proposed deferring the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for one year, and proposed some modifications to the original provisions. These proposals are pending.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Interest — Imputation of Interest” (“ASU 2015-03”). ASU 2015-03 simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts or premiums. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs would not be affected by the amendments of ASU 2015-03. For public business entities, ASU 2015-03 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, ASU 2015-03 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued.

2. Trademarks, Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Trademarks and other intangibles, net consist of the following:

		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
Trademarks		$	96,676,000			$	96,662,000
Licensing agreements			2,000,000				2,000,000
Non-compete agreement			562,000				562,000
Copyrights and other intellectual property			190,000				190,000
Accumulated amortization			(1,892,000	)			(1,735,000	)
Net carrying amount		$	97,536,000			$	97,679,000

Amortization expense for intangible assets for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 (the “Current Quarter”) and the quarter ended March 31, 2014 (the “Prior Year Quarter”) was $157,000 and $132,000, respectively. The trademarks of the Isaac Mizrahi Brand, the Ripka Brand and the H Halston Brands have been determined to have indefinite useful lives and accordingly, consistent with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350, no amortization has been recorded in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The Company has $12.37 million of goodwill that represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting relating to the acquisition of the Isaac Mizrahi Business. There was no change in goodwill during the Current Quarter.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2015

2. Trademarks, Goodwill and Other Intangibles  – (continued)

3. Significant Contracts

QVC Agreements

Under the Company’s agreements with QVC, QVC is required to pay the Company fees based primarily on a percentage of its net sales of Isaac Mizrahi, Ripka and H Halston branded merchandise. QVC royalty revenue represents a significant portion of the Company’s total revenues. Royalties from QVC totaled $5.15 million and $2.29 million for the Current Quarter and Prior Year Quarter, respectively, representing 79% and 65% of the Company’s total revenues, respectively. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had receivables from QVC of $3.58 million and $2.36 million, representing 73% and 65% of the Company’s receivables, respectively. The March 31, 2015 QVC receivables include $500,000 of earned revenue that had been accrued but not billed as of March 31, 2015.

4. Debt

The Company’s net carrying amount of debt is comprised of the following:

		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
IM Term Loan		$	12,500,000			$	12,750,000
JR Term Loan			9,000,000				9,000,000
H Term Loan			10,000,000				10,000,000
IM Seller Note			4,692,000				5,366,000
Ripka Seller Notes(*)			2,683,000				4,398,000
Contingent obligation – IM Seller(*)			5,766,000				5,766,000
Contingent obligation – JR Seller			3,784,000				3,784,000
Total			48,425,000				51,064,000
Current portion(*)			12,381,000				11,416,000
Total long-term debt		$	36,044,000			$	39,648,000

TABLE OF CONTENTS

XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2015

4. Debt  – (continued)

IM Term Loan

On August 1, 2013, IM Brands entered into a $13.0 million five year term loan with Bank of Hapoalim (“BHI”) (as amended, the “IM Term Loan”). The IM Term Loan is secured by all of the assets of IM Brands and the Company’s membership interest in IM Brands and bears interest at an annual fixed rate of 4.44%, payable quarterly in arrears each calendar quarter. The obligations under the IM Term Loan are also guaranteed by the Company. Scheduled principal payments are as follows:

Year Ending December 31,		Amount of Principal Payment
2015 (April 1 through December 31)		$	1,125,000
2016			2,625,000
2017			3,125,000
2018			5,625,000
Total		$	12,500,000

IM Brands is required to prepay the outstanding amount of the IM Term Loan from excess cash flow for each fiscal year commencing with the year ending December 31, 2015 in arrears in an amount equal to (i) fifty percent (50%) of the excess cash flow for such fiscal year, until such time as principal payments to BHI under the IM Term Loan and the JR Term Loan equals $1,000,000 in the aggregate, then twenty percent (20%) of the excess cash flow for such fiscal year. Excess cash flow means, for any fiscal period, cash provided by operating activities for such period less (a) capital expenditures not made through the incurrence of indebtedness less (b) all interest and principal (including indebtedness owed for the IM Term Loan) paid or payable during such period less (c) all income tax payments made during such period.

See “Financial Covenants” below for a summary of the financial covenants required under the IM Term Loan.

JR Term Loan

On April 3, 2014, the Company entered into a $9 million five year term loan with BHI (as amended, the “JR Term Loan”). The JR Term Loan is secured by all of the assets of JR Licensing and a guarantee from the Company secured by a pledge of the Company’s membership interest in JR Licensing and by a guarantee from IM Brands, secured by a pledge of all of IM Brands’ assets. The JR Term Loan bears interest at an annual variable rate of either LIBOR plus 3.5% or Prime plus 0.50%, at JR Licensing’s option, payable, if the JR Term Loan is bearing interest based on LIBOR, on the last business day of the applicable interest period and, if the JR Term Loan is bearing interest based on Prime, quarterly in arrears on the first day of each calendar quarter. Scheduled principal payments, which begin April 1, 2015, are as follows:

Year Ending December 31,		Amount of Principal Payment
2015 (April 1 through December 31)		$	1,125,000
2016			2,250,000
2017			2,875,000
2018			2,250,000
2019			500,000
Total		$	9,000,000

JR Licensing shall prepay the outstanding amount of the JR Term Loan from excess cash flow (the “JR Cash Flow Recapture”) for each fiscal year commencing with the year ending December 31, 2015 in arrears in an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of such JR Cash Flow Recapture. JR Cash Flow Recapture shall mean for any fiscal period, cash provided by operating activities for such period less (a) capital

TABLE OF CONTENTS

XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2015

4. Debt  – (continued)

expenditures not made through the incurrence of indebtedness less (b) all interest and principal (including indebtedness owed for the JR Term Loan) paid or payable during such period less (c) the portion of the holdback amount paid or payable pursuant to the asset purchase agreement dated April 1, 2014 by and between JR Licensing and Judith Ripka Berk (“Ms. Berk”) and certain companies owned by Ms. Berk (collectively “Ripka”) during such period less (d) payments made during such period by JR Licensing to the Company equal to the estimated tax liability of the Company resulting from any taxable income (net of losses, including for prior years to the extent permitted to be deducted) of JR Licensing. JR Licensing also executed a guaranty of the IM Term Loan, secured by a pledge of all of JR Licensing’s assets.

See “Financial Covenants” below for a summary of the financial covenants required under the JR Term Loan.

H Term Loan

On December 22, 2014, H Licensing entered into a $10 million, five year term loan with BHI (“H Term Loan”). The H Term Loan is secured by (i) all of the assets of H Licensing, (ii) a guarantee by the Company, secured by a pledge of the Company’s membership interest in H Licensing, (iii) a guarantee from IM Brands, secured by a pledge of all of the assets of IM Brands, and (iv) a guarantee from JR Licensing, secured by a pledge of all of the assets of JR Licensing.

The H Term Loan bears interest at an annual rate, as elected by H Licensing, of LIBOR plus 3.50% or Prime rate plus 0.50%. Interest on the H Term Loan accruing at a rate based on LIBOR is payable on the last business day of the applicable interest period and interest on the H Term Loan accruing at a rate based on the Prime rate is payable quarterly in arrears on the first day of each calendar quarter. Scheduled principal payments of the H Loan are as follows:

Year Ending December 31,		Amount of Principal Payment
2016		$	1,500,000
2017			2,500,000
2018			3,000,000
2019			3,000,000
Total		$	10,000,000

For any fiscal year commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015, H Licensing is required to prepay the outstanding amount of the H Term Loan from excess cash flow for the prior fiscal year in an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of such excess cash flow. Excess cash flow is defined as, for any fiscal period, cash provided by operating activities for such period less (a) capital expenditures not made through the incurrence of indebtedness less (b) all cash interest and principal (including the H Term Loan) paid or payable during such period less (c) all taxes paid or payable during such period less (d) payments made during such period by H Licensing to the Company equal to the estimated tax liability of the Company resulting from any taxable income (net of losses, including for prior years to the extent permitted to be deducted) of H Licensing. H Licensing also executed a guarantee of the Company’s outstanding term loans with BHI.

See “Financial Covenants” below for a summary of the financial covenants required under the H Term Loan.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2015

4. Debt  – (continued)

Financial Covenants — Term Loans

The Company is required to maintain minimum fixed charge ratio and liquidity covenants and other non-monetary covenants, including reporting requirements and trademark preservation in accordance with the terms and conditions of the IM Term Loan, the JR Term Loan, and the H Term Loan (collectively, the “Term Loans”). In addition:

As of March 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under the Term Loans.

For the Current Quarter and the Prior Year Quarter, the Company incurred interest expense of $312,000 and $144,000, respectively, related to the Term Loans.

IM Seller Note

On September 29, 2011, as part of the consideration for the purchase of the Isaac Mizrahi Business, the Company issued to IM Ready-Made, LLC (“IM Ready”) a promissory note in the principal amount of $7,377,000 (as amended, the “IM Seller Note”). The stated interest rate of the IM Seller Note is 0.25%. Management determined that this rate was below the Company’s expected borrowing rate, which was then estimated at 9.25% per annum. Therefore, the Company discounted the IM Seller Note by $1,740,000 using a 9.0% imputed annual interest rate, resulting in an initial value of $5,637,000. Also, on September 29, 2011, the Company prepaid $123,000 of interest on the IM Seller Note. The imputed interest amount is being amortized over the term of the IM Seller Note and recorded as other interest and finance expense on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2015

4. Debt  – (continued)

On December 24, 2013, the IM Seller Note was amended to (1) revise the maturity date to September 30, 2016 (the “Amended Maturity Date”), (2) revise the date to which the maturity date may be extended to September 30, 2018. The IM Seller Note also (1) provides the Company with a prepayment right with its Common Stock, subject to remitting in cash the required cash payments set forth below and a minimum Common Stock price of $4.50 per share, and (2) requires interim scheduled payments. The remaining scheduled principal payments (including amortization of imputed interest) are as follows: