International kisses.

Hot Kiss is going global.

The Los Angeles-based apparel manufacturer's first three retail stores in the Middle East are opening this month. The company also is launching junior apparel retail stores in China and Korea.

"We want to expand as much as possible all over. The products are suitable to any teen outside the United States," said Moshe Tsabag, the company's chief executive. "They all want to wear the same clothes. They all want to be hip."

Hot Kiss has agreements to open 30 retail stores in the Middle East in three years, 150 stores in China in five years and 100 stores in Korea in five years. The company, with revenues last year of $80 million according to Tsabag, has steered clear of opening its own stores in this country, selling its pants, shirts, dresses and swimwear instead to retailers like Nordstrom, Macy's and Robinsons-May.

Ilse Metchek, executive director of the California Fashion Association, said looking to the international market "is the only way for growth because our retail scene in the United Sates is imploding," she said.

Hot Kiss plans to expand its reach internationally also by moving into Europe, and is evolving into a "lifestyle brand" by developing new products such as bedding and lingerie.

Staff reporter Rachel Brown can be reached by phone at [phone], ext. 224, or by e-mail at [e-mail].