Jessica Simpson Launches Maternity Apparel

NEW YORK, May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Jessica Simpson has expanded both her family and her fashion empire.  This Fall, Simpson will debut a full line of maternity apparel, through an exclusive licensing agreement between Camuto Group, the master licensee behind the Jessica Simpson® Collection, and Destination Maternity, the world's leading maternity apparel retailer. The agreement to design, develop, produce and distribute the collection marks the 24th product classification for Simpson's eponymous collection.

Full of breezy, everyday pieces, the collection is aimed at the modern mom-to-be who wants to maintain her fashion edge throughout her pregnancy.  Finding the perfect balance between comfort and style is something Simpson, who just welcomed her first child, daughter Maxwell Drew, knows well.

"I'm so excited to partner with Destination Maternity to design a collection of fashionable styles that make you look and feel great!" Simpson has said, "You want to wear clothes that are flattering to your baby bump; you want to show your bump off."

The collection has a vintage 70s feel.  Mixing patterns and textures gives the debut collection a cool, relaxed vibe.  Parallel to the core collection, the maternity line contains signature denim in a variety of washes and leggings.  Vintage print tops, flowing maxis and form-fitting jersey knit dresses channel Simpson's carefree casual side.  Contemporary separates including jackets, blazers and chunky relaxed sweaters and essential knits round out the offering.  The styles are designed to accentuate the baby bump, while maintaining the ultimate in stylish comfort.

"We are thrilled to join the Jessica Simpson brand family," said Ed Krell, Chief Executive Officer of Destination Maternity Corporation.  "As the world's leading maternity apparel retailer, we are dedicated to being the first to bring what's new and exciting in maternity fashion to our customers.  The Jessica Simpson® Maternity line is a natural partnership between one of the most important style icons for young women around the world and the leader in maternity apparel."

In stores this Fall, Jessica Simpson® Maternity will be exclusively available in over 700 retail locations including Motherhood Maternity stores, Destination Maternity stores, as well as Macy's.  These great looks start at $36.

About the Jessica Simpson Collection The Jessica Simpson® Collection is inspired by and designed in collaboration with Jessica Simpson, entertainment, music and style icon.  This lifestyle collection reflects all that is modern Americana: it is iconic, fashion-forward, accessible, comfortable, timeless and affordable.  The product offering spans 24 classifications -- including footwear, outerwear, sunglasses, optical frames, handbags and handbag accessories, swimwear, perfume, belts, legwear, scarves/hats/wraps, jewelry, intimates, slippers, cold weather accessories, luggage, dresses, jeanswear, sportswear, fine diamond jewelry, tween footwear, coats and apparel and maternity apparel.  The collection, like Jessica herself, is classically familiar, approachable yet inspirational, sexy yet sweet, flirtatious and whimsical, vintage at times, but always of-the-moment.  The Jessica Simpson® Collection is currently available in over 2,500 points of distribution globally and also online at www.JessicaSimpson.com.

About Camuto Group The Camuto Group is a leading organization for design, development and distribution of women's fashion footwear and is renowned for its ability to build women's lifestyle brands on a global scale.  Camuto Group products are sold in over 5400 doors worldwide.  The Camuto Group is the owner of the Vince Camuto® and Arturo Chiang® brands and is the master licensee for the Jessica Simpson® Collection.  The company also develops and manages several exclusive brands for Dillard's, and holds the footwear license for BCBGeneration®, BCBG Max Azria®, and Lucky Brand®. The company's portfolio also includes the design and sourcing of footwear for Tory Burch® as well as a partnership with the apparel lifestyle brand Sanctuary Clothing®.

About Destination Maternity Corporation Destination Maternity Corporation (Nasdaq: DEST) is the world's largest designer and retailer of maternity apparel.  In the United States and Canada, as of March 31, 2012, Destination Maternity operates 2,027 retail locations, including 643 stores, predominantly under the tradenames Motherhood Maternity®, A Pea in the Pod®, and Destination Maternity®, and 1,384 leased department locations, and sells on the web through its DestinationMaternity.com and brand-specific websites.  Destination Maternity also distributes its Oh Baby by Motherhood® collection through a licensed arrangement at over 1,100 Kohl's® stores throughout the United States and on Kohls.com.  In addition, Destination Maternity is expanding internationally and has exclusive store franchise and product supply relationships in India, the Middle East and South Korea.  As of March 31, 2012, Destination Maternity has 94 international franchised locations, including 80 shop-in-shop locations and 14 Destination Maternity branded stores.

SOURCE Destination Maternity Corporation