Brian Atwood to Launch Contemporary Footwear and Accessory Line, 'B Brian Atwood,' With Jones Apparel Group

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Aug 31, 2010, 08:00 ET

NEW YORK, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Brian Atwood today announced that he has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Jones Apparel Group, Inc. ("Jones," the "Company") (NYSE: JNY). Atwood will collaborate with Jones to create, produce, market and distribute B Brian Atwood, a new footwear and accessory line that will be the contemporary counterpart to Brian Atwood's high-end, luxury shoe business.

B Brian Atwood will be marketed and sold in better department stores and specialty retailers. The initial launch is planned to commence in fall 2011, followed by the launches of B Brian Atwood handbags and jewelry slated for 2012. Footwear under the B Brian Atwood brand will retail for $200 to $400 for core items and up to $600 for boots. The initial term of the agreement is for five years, with a provision for further renewal.

Brian Atwood, Designer, stated: "When thinking about a partner and building my brand, Jones was an obvious choice. I look forward to translating my design aesthetic and guarantee of high-quality, sexy footwear for a larger audience through a new, contemporary line."

Richard Dickson, Chief Executive Officer of Branded Businesses at Jones Apparel Group, stated: "We are excited about our partnership with Brian Atwood, one of the most respected design talents in the industry. Brian has made his mark on the upscale footwear market by bringing a fresh, sexy and modern design to all of his products. As we look to build Jones design talent into a place that helps visionaries grow their brands, Brian is an ideal fit to further expand this strategy."

Since its founding in 2001, the Brian Atwood shoe label has developed a cult like following for its statement-making footwear. Brian Atwood uses the most elaborate skins, the longest fringe and the most glittering jewels in his fantasy footwear, which brilliantly illustrate the designer's principle that over the top truly begins at the bottom. The designer was recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, who awarded him the Swarovski's Perry Ellis Award for Accessory Design in 2003. Brian Atwood shoes are currently sold globally at luxury retailers, such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Intermix, Net-a-Porter, Jeffrey, as well as at numerous high-end boutiques nationwide.

About Jones Apparel Group, Inc.

Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (www.jonesapparel.com) is a leading designer, marketer and wholesaler of branded apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company also markets directly to consumers through its chain of specialty retail and value-based stores and through its e-commerce web sites. The Company's nationally recognized brands include Jones New York, Nine West, Anne Klein, Gloria Vanderbilt, Stuart Weitzman, Robert Rodriguez, Kasper, Bandolino, Easy Spirit, Evan-Picone, l.e.i., Energie, Enzo Angiolini, Joan & David, Mootsies Tootsies, Sam & Libby, Napier, Judith Jack, Albert Nipon and Le Suit. The Company also markets costume jewelry under the Givenchy brand licensed from Givenchy Corporation, women's footwear under the Dockers® and Dockers® Women brands and infants', toddlers' and boys' footwear (excluding girls' footwear) under the Dockers® and Dockers® Premium brands, licensed from Levi Strauss & Co., apparel and accessories under the Rachel Roy brand licensed from Rachel Roy IP Company, LLC, and Jessica Simpson jeanswear licensed from VCJS LLC. Each brand is differentiated by its own distinctive styling, pricing strategy, distribution channel and target consumer. The Company contracts for the manufacture of its products through a worldwide network of quality manufacturers. The Company has capitalized on its nationally known brand names by entering into various licenses for several of its trademarks, including Jones New York, Anne Klein New York, Nine West, Gloria Vanderbilt, l.e.i. and Evan-Picone, with select manufacturers of women's and men's products which the Company does not manufacture. For more than 35 years, the Company has built a reputation for excellence in product quality and value, and in operational execution.