In a statement released today, Beyoncé and Tina Knowles announced that the House of Deréon has signed a licensing agreement with Check Group LLC to handle the manufacturing and distribution of their new junior collection, to be simply called Deréon.

The collection, which will initially consist of denim, knits and fur jackets and vests, will launch for holiday 2006 in select specialty stores nationwide.

With fashion conscious teens up to early twenties as the main target market, the Deréon advertising campaign will feature Beyoncé sister and Tina's daughter Solange Knowles Smith.

According to Tina Knowles, launching a junior line has always been included in the company’s business plan.

"I am often approached by Beyoncé young fans asking when a junior line would be launched, so I felt now was the time for Deréon,’ Tina Knowles said in a statement.

Founded in May 2004 and debuted at retail for the Holiday 2005 season, the House of Deréon has become a fashion phenomenon since its inception.

Only two years old, the House of Deréon merchandise is available at better retail and specialty stores worldwide, featuring ready-to-wear, casual sportswear, and denim offerings along with furs, outerwear and accessories such as handbags and footwear.

With the addition of the junior line ‘Deréon,’ the company continues to expand to cater to its expanding market base.