Nine West and CFDA's Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Kick-Off Second Year of Nine West Runway Relief Program

NEW YORK, Aug. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nine West, a division of The Jones Group (NYSE: JNY) ("Jones"), is taking the next step in New York City for Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Week to continue to raise funds and awareness for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC), The Council of Fashion Designers of America's (CFDA) charitable organization, through the Nine West Runway Relief Program. The program, which is now in its second year, aims to marshal the forces of the fashion and modeling industries to step out for a cause. Since the creation of QVC Presents FFANY Shoes on Sale in 1994, Nine West has been committed to raising funds for breast cancer awareness and prevention.

For the second consecutive year, Nine West's Runway Relief Program has enlisted top fashion models participating in New York Fashion Week, including Chrissy Teigen, to wear a limited edition, Nine West boot. These unique boots are equipped with The Fitbit Wireless Activity Tracker, a pedometer that will track the number of steps each model takes during Fashion Week - from castings and fittings to post-fashion show fetes. For every mile that a Runway Relief model walks in the boot, Nine West will donate $1 directly to FTBC along with a designated donation. Model Carolyn Murphy, who serves as the main spokesmodel for the campaign has donated not only her time but has made a financial contribution to the program.

Building on the success of the Runway Relief Program, Nine West will become the exclusive brand partner for FTBC starting in 2012. Nine West will be responsible for the creation of all FTBC merchandise.

Stacy Lastrina, Chief Marketing Officer of The Jones Group and creator of the program said, "We are thrilled to see the Nine West Runway Relief Program return for the second year in a row.  This program and our exclusive partnership with The CFDA reaffirms Nine West's dedication to raising money for breast cancer awareness and prevention, a cause that is embedded in the brand's DNA. We are confident that the fashion community will join us once again in giving back, and supporting this powerful movement."

"We are excited to take our partnership with Nine West to the next level by making it the exclusive destination for all Fashion Targets Breast Cancer branded products," said Steven Kolb, Chief Executive Officer of the CFDA. "Last year, Nine West's Runway Relief Program garnered a tremendous amount of support for FTBC, and we couldn't think of a better partner to join us in our efforts to increase awareness of breast cancer."

Starting August 1st, the Nine West limited edition boot will be available for $199 nationwide at Nine West stores, www.ninewest.com/runwayrelief, on Nine West's Facebook page, at select Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com. Nine West has also created a limited number of messenger bags, which will be signed by renowned photographer Nigel Barker, celebrity stylist Leslie Fremar, top fashion models and designers. The Nine West messenger bag will be available nationwide at Nine West stores and on www.ninewest.com/runwayrelief for $59.

In addition, Nine West has collaborated with Leslie Fremar to create a limited edition Fruit of the Loom tank top for the cause. The chic and comfortable tank top will be available for $25 nationwide at Nine West stores and on www.ninewest.com/runwayrelief.

Proceeds from sales of the messenger bag and tank top will be donated directly to FTBC. Consumers will also have the option to support the cause by making a dollar donation during checkout from August 15th through October 31st at Nine West stores nationwide.

To kick off Nine West's Runway Relief Program, Nigel Barker will photograph the models from IMG, Women and Elite modeling agencies, capturing fashion giving back on camera. Nigel, alongside Chrissy Teigen and Leslie Fremar, will host a fun and interactive event during Fashion's Night Out on September 8th at Nine West's Rockefeller Center location to encourage the community to participate in the Nine West Runway Relief Program. Columbia Records has created a compilation soundtrack for the program including tracks from John Legend, Peter Bjorn and John, Foster the People, Cults and more. The compilation will be available for sale starting August 30th through Fashion Week with a percentage of the proceeds going to FTBC.

Modelinia.com will give insider access to Nine West's Runway Relief Program. Visitors can follow models step-by-step throughout Fashion Week, as well as check out exclusive articles from each of the participating models. Fashion fans can also participate in Nine West's Runway Relief Program by choosing a model to sponsor on the microsite. Go to www.modelinia.com/nwrunwayrelief.com to sponsor your favorite model, donate or for a chance to win a pair of the boots.

Twitter members can follow Nine West's Runway Relief Program's hashtag, #RunwayRelief to get minute-by-minute updates.

About The Jones Group Inc.

The Jones Group Inc. (www.jonesgroupinc.com) is a leading global designer, marketer and wholesaler of over 35 brands with best-in-class product expertise across five divisions: apparel, footwear, jeanswear, jewelry and handbags.  The Jones Group has a reputation for innovation, excellence in product quality and value, operational execution and talent.  The Company also markets directly to consumers through branded specialty retail and outlet stores and through its e commerce sites.

The Company's internationally recognized brands and licensing agreements (L) include: Nine West, Jones New York, Anne Klein, Kurt Geiger, Rachel Roy (L), Robert Rodriguez, Robbi & Nikki, Stuart Weitzman, B Brian Atwood (L), KG by Kurt Geiger, Boutique 9, Easy Spirit, Carvela, Gloria Vanderbilt, l.e.i., Bandolino, Enzo Angiolini, Nine & Co., GLO, Joan & David, Miss KG, Jones Wear, Andrew Marc/Marc Moto (L), Kasper, Energie, Evan-Picone, Le Suit, Mootsies Tootsies, Grane, Erika, Napier, Jessica Simpson (L), Dockers (L), Sam & Libby, Givenchy (L), Judith Jack, Albert Nipon and Pappagallo.  

About Fashion Targets Breast Cancer

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC) is a charitable initiative of the Council of Fashion Designers of America/CFDA Foundation. Through FTBC, the CFDA enlists the support of designers, models, retailers and other creative energies within the fashion industry to raise public awareness and funds for the breast cancer cause, in the U.S. and internationally. The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc, (CFDA) is a not-for-profit trade association that leads industry-wide initiatives and whose membership consists of more than 370 of America's foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessory designers.  

About MODELINIA

MODELINIA connects women to fashion, beauty and lifestyle through the eyes and experiences of the world's supermodels.  Launched in February 2009, the only multi-platform media brand creates compelling content that inspires, informs and entertains. At Modelinia, supermodels reveal their secrets, ordinary and extraordinary, to help our audience gain the "style confidence" to look and feel their best.  Modelinia: Because models don't get enough attention.

About Fitbit

Founded in 2008 in San Francisco, CA, Fitbit creates simple, innovative products and services that engage people to lead healthier, more active lives. Our tools help people become more aware, more motivated and more fit every day. 

Fitbit products can be purchased online or through any one of our many retail partners, like Best Buy, REI, Amazon and 24 Hour Fitness.  For more information and to order the Fitbit Tracker, please visit www.fitbit.com. Like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/fitbit and follow us on Twitter @fitbit.com. Fitbit is funded by the Foundry Group, True Ventures, and SoftTech VC.

About Columbia Records

One of the most respected and successful record labels in the world, Columbia Records is home to established superstars and exciting new talent. Columbia Records is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment. Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.  

SOURCE The Jones Group