PARIS, Feb 1, 2002/ --- French label Celine has signed a long-term tie license with Mantero, the famous Italian silk specialist that this year celebrates its 100th anniversary.

The new Celine ties, designed by Celine's creative director Michael Kors, will be unveiled at Pitti, Europe's biggest men's wear trade fair, in Florence in June.

The deal marks the latest expansion carried out by Celine's president Jean Marc Loubier and links the Paris-based house with one of Europe's most prestigious tie makers.

Mantero, based in the silk capital of Italy, produces ties for an A-list of international designers, including Gianfranco Ferre, Emanuel Ungaro, Christian Lacroix, Trussardi and Donna Karan.