Rock & Republic files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

* Arranges $7.5 mln DIP loan from CIT

* Hires Geoffrey Lurie as chief restructuring officer

NEW YORK, April 1 (Reuters) - Premium denim company Rock & Republic on Thursday said it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The company, which sells its jeans and accessories in stores including Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdales, said it obtained $7.5 million in debtor-in-possession financing from CIT Group (CIT.N).

Rock & Republic has hired investment bank Atlas Strategic Advisors to help it recapitalize, subject to court approval, the company said.

Geoffrey Lurie, who previously headed The North Face's turnaround, will join Rock & Republic as chief restructuring officer, the company said. (Reporting by Elinor Comlay; Editing by Gary Hill)