COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- DSW Inc. (NYSE: DSW), a leading branded footwear and accessories retailer, announces the sponsorship and kickoff of "A Design Affair" with the Fashion Institute of Technology ("FIT").

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100325/DSWLOGO-a )

DSW Inc. Vice Chairman and Chief Merchandising Officer Debbie Ferree will kick off the contest with FIT students at the HH Brown showroom this evening. Over the next six weeks contestants will design a dress shoe and a boot. Five finalists will have their designs produced by one of five vendors: Mark Fisher, Nine West, Chinese Laundry, Vince Camuto and Highline United. The final samples will be judged by a panel composed of DSW leadership and the ultimate winner will receive an internship with his or her brand partner, a $1,500 cash prize and will see his or her shoes produced for a select number of DSW stores and DSW.com. In addition, the runner-up will win an internship with his or her brand partner and a $250 DSW gift card.

"We are very excited to partner with the Fashion Institute of Technology to sponsor 'A Design Affair,'" said Debbie Ferree, Vice Chairman and Chief Merchandising Officer, DSW Inc.  "We cannot wait to see the creative designs presented by the FIT students. It's possible that 'A Design Affair' might just give the fashion world its next big shoe designer!"

DSW is the destination for savvy shoe lovers everywhere. Customers experience a breathtaking assortment of designer brands, thousands of shoes and irresistible prices every day.  Aisles are filled with women's and men's designer dress, casual and athletic shoes in an easy, self-service shopping environment. From laid-back to sleek and chic, there are styles for everyone. For an even bigger selection, dsw.com offers more styles, extended sizes and kids' shoes.

In addition, DSW offers a free, award-winning loyalty program, DSW Rewards, where customers earn certificates toward future DSW purchases and receive special member-only offers. Customers can also participate in a lively shoe lover community on Facebook to receive exclusive offers and giveaways.

About DSW Inc.

DSW Inc. is a leading branded footwear and accessories retailer that offers a wide selection of brand name and designer dress, casual and athletic footwear and accessories for women, men and kids.  As of February 8, 2012, DSW operated 326 stores in 40 states and operated an e-commerce site, http://www.dsw.com, and a mobile website, http://m.dsw.com.  DSW also supplied footwear to 336 leased locations in the United States.  For store locations and additional information about DSW, visit http://www.dswinc.com. Follow DSW on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DSWShoeLovers and "like" DSW on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DSW.

 

SOURCE DSW Inc.

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