McQueen to Launch Denim Collection

Alexander McQueen is building his brand at breakneck speed.

The designer, who in September unveiled a footwear line for Puma, will launch a second ready to wear collection called McQ - Alexander McQueen for fall 2006.

The denim based collection will be for men and women and will include accessories, McQueen said in a statement late Friday.

It will be produced by the Italian company SINV Spa.

'The focus of this collection will be younger and more renegade, but always signature McQueen,' the designer said in the statement.

'This partnership will add a new and inspiring dimension to the McQueen world.'

The new rtw line comes hot on the rubber heels of McQueen's new collaboration with Puma.

The Alexander McQueen Puma line will launch in 200 to 250 stores worldwide in January, including McQueen's flagships in London, New York and Milan.

McQueen parent Gucci Group has strongly encouraged its smaller brands to build their businesses by striking deals with outside companies.

Gucci wants the brands, which also include Stella McCartney and Balenciaga, to be profitable by 2007.

The new McQueen line will hit 600 shop floors worldwide in June.