jcpenney Designer Takes Top Honors at DIFFA/Dallas Gala

PLANO, Texas, May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Reinforcing jcpenney's style authority, Geoffrey Henning, jcpenney's divisional vice president of design, took home the coveted Excellence in Design award from the Design Industry Foundation Fighting Aids (DIFFA) at the organization's Dallas Chapter's recent benefit gala.  A supporter of DIFFA/Dallas since 2003, jcpenney's participation in the gala not only emphasizes the brand's commitment to giving back to its local communities, it also served as a key opportunity to showcase its strong in-house design talent among the design community.

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"Geoffrey's recognition represents the exceptional talent of our in-house designers who create the high-quality, fashion-forward looks that make jcpenney a first-choice style destination," said Ken Mangone, executive vice president of product development, design and sourcing at jcpenney. "We are delighted to be a part of DIFFA/Dallas's cause in giving back and are pleased that Geoffrey's talent has been recognized by the design community."

Henning also designed two looks – a "Black Swan" and a "White Swan" jacket – which were showcased in the gala's silent auction. Additionally, a jacket designed by Henning and his team was the highest bid item during the gala's silent auction, helping to raise $9,000 for DIFFA/Dallas.

"As a designer, I'm honored to be recognized by such as inspiring organization as DIFFA/Dallas, who has long been the leader in mobilizing the immense resources of the design community to provide education and funding for treatment and care to those living with HIV/AIDS," said Henning.

Henning was just one of 15 designers representing jcpenney at the benefit gala in Dallas. Additional in-house jcpenney designers as well as jcpenney design partners Michele Bohbot, Nicole Miller and Charlotte Ronson also designed and submitted fashionable jackets for the auction. jcpenney's home design team also created a chic lounge for guests to mingle at the event.

For images from the event please visit http://www.jcpenney.net/about/jcpmedia/n3_comp_info/diffa/diffa.aspx

About J. C. Penney Company, Inc.

J. C. Penney Company, Inc., one of America's leading retailers, operates over 1,100 jcpenney department stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as one of the largest apparel and home furnishing sites on the Internet, jcp.com. Serving more than half of America's families each year, the jcpenney brand offers a wide array of private, exclusive and national brands which reflect the Company's vision to be America's shopping destination for discovering great styles at compelling prices. Traded as "JCP" on the New York Stock Exchange, the $17.8 billion retailer is transforming its organization to support its Long Range Plan strategies to build a sustainable, profitable enterprise that serves its customers, engages its associates and rewards its shareholders.  For more information visit, www.jcpenney.net.

jcpenney media contact:

Rebecca Winter and Kate Coultas; 972-431-3400; [email protected]

SOURCE jcpenney