Fashion Force Richard Lowe III Appointed International Creative Director of Spiegel

NEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Lynn Tilton, Founder and CEO of Patriarch Partners LLC, a New York based investment firm and holding company, announced today that Richard Lowe III has been named International Creative Director for the Spiegel® family of women's apparel brands.  In this capacity, Mr. Lowe will be responsible for the design and creative direction of all in-house brands (Spiegel Collection, Newport News and Shape FX) in the U.S. and abroad.  He will also oversee all online development, merchandising and R&D.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130204/CG53066)

Lynn Tilton said, "I truly believe Richard to be both a prolific artist and design prodigy. Rarely do I rebuild a company centered on the talents of one individual and never have I hired someone within minutes of meeting them. With Richard, I have done both.  I believe that Richard will truly bring the Spiegel family of apparel back to the forefront in the hearts and minds of American women."

Lowe, 28 years old, comes to Spiegel with an impressive ten-year track record in the fashion industry.  Just one year after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2007, he became the Creative Director of Bagir in the U.S. where, in addition to designing for brands Balmain and Nicole Miller, he created private label designs for Brooks Brothers and Macy's. Moreover, Lowe was instrumental in developing a revolutionary eco-fabric made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. This global initiative led to the creation of Eco-Gir, a high-tech brand that specialized in producing apparel made from recycled waste materials. Lowe also established partnerships with Dockers and Cintas. Under his creative direction, Bagir's profits increased significantly.

Lowe has also designed fashion collections for Rebecca Minkoff and Juicy Couture; managed fashion shows for Oscar de la Renta, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Rosa Cha, and provided personal wardrobe services for Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Michael Jackson. He has also appeared as a fashion expert on The View, Good Morning America, The Early Show, The Doctors and The Learning Channel's (TLC) sensation, Breaking Amish.

For his first collection, Richard has taken many cues from Spiegel's rich and illustrious fashion heritage.  He has designed the Spring 2013 collection with an even more vibrant color palette, high-fashion fit, and youthful appeal. Says Lowe, "For spring 2013, I am infusing shades of teal, fuchsia and reds paired with whites, silvers and navies creating an exotic, adventurous and endlessly chic collection." And he adds with a provocative grin, "a tantalizing undercurrent of flirty fun."

About Patriarch Partners:

Patriarch Partners, LLC, is an investment firm and holding company managing 75 companies with annual revenues in excess of $8 billion. Founded by Wall Street veteran Lynn Tilton in 2000, Patriarch is dedicated to saving American manufacturing jobs by saving American companies that have fallen from economic favor. Since inception, the Patriarch family of funds have bought more than 150 companies, and in so doing have saved over 250,000 jobs. Patriarch's platform includes a broad range of industrial concerns including Dura Automotive, Oasis Water and American LaFrance, in addition to iconic American brands such as Rand McNally, MD Helicopters, Stila Cosmetics and Spiegel Catalogs. Under Ms. Tilton's leadership, Patriarch has become the largest woman-owned business in America with companies in its platform providing employment to more than 120,000 persons. For more information, please visit: www.patriarchpartners.com.

About Spiegel LLC:

Spiegel LLC is a multi-channel, direct-to-consumer retailer of women's fashion apparel through its three primary brands: Spiegel, Newport News and Shape FX. Each brand reaches its customer base through a combination of specialty catalogs sent to customers throughout the year, as well as offerings via the Internet.

Spiegel has been a household name for almost 150 years and has continued to evolve its positioning to stay relevant to the new and ageless modern woman. Newport News is a 30-year old brand that appeals to women seeking stylish, yet affordable casual fashions. Shape FX is a revolutionary body-enhancing concept that offers apparel and intimates for women to help them achieve their ideal body type.

Spiegel and its business units are headquartered in New York City. For more information please visit:  www.spiegel.com

SOURCE Patriarch Partners, LLC