Joss Stone and Nine West Announce Collaboration For Vintage America Collection Fall 2010

NEW YORK, April 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Nine West, a division of Jones Apparel Group (NYSE: JNY) ("Jones"), today announced an exclusive design collaboration with multi-platinum recording artist Joss Stone for the Nine West Vintage America Collection Fall 2010.  Spearheaded by Nine West Creative Director Fred Allard, the limited-edition footwear collaboration will embody Stone's personal inspirations and whimsical style to seamlessly fit with the Vintage America Collection's rich craftsmanship and authentic charm.  The stylish new looks are slated to debut worldwide at select Nine West retailers at the end of August, with pre-order sales available in late July via the collection's microsite at www.ninewest.com/vintageamerica.

"I am excited to collaborate with Fred and pair my artistic vision with his fabulous design sensibility," said Stone.  "My style is constantly evolving and is shaped by my love of art and endless imagination. It is extremely fulfilling to bring these thoughts and ideas to life and incorporate them into a capsule collection of stylish footwear."

Known across the world for her amazing voice and independent spirit, Stone has been a hands-on partner with Allard on all aspects of the design process from day one.  Together, they have been hard at work creating a series of looks that showcase the laid back confidence and Bohemian style of the Nine West Vintage America Collection as envisioned through Stone's imaginative eyes.  The duo also drew a great deal of inspiration from the singer's personal tattoos and this influence is evident throughout the collection—from the footwear designs to the logo and packaging.

"Each of my tattoos holds a very special meaning for me," added Stone.  "I love that the Nine West Vintage America Collection Fall 2010 will incorporate some of my unique tattoo designs to give the line an even more personal connection."

Nine West Creative Director Fred Allard said, "I am constantly enamored by people's personal sense of style in all aspects of their life. Taking inspiration from Joss' unique free-spirit, effortless creativity and beautifully-designed tattoos, this collection will incorporate her mind, body and soul to create some wonderfully imaginative footwear."

With a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and details, the Nine West Vintage America Collection evokes a nostalgic heritage feel with styles that have a relaxed, worn-in, and aged aesthetic.  Incorporating metalwork, fringe, embossing, patchwork, and plaid in many of the designs, Allard also uses distressed leathers and fabrications throughout the collection.

To produce a lasting global impact through this collaboration, a portion of all proceeds from the collection will be donated to Soles4Souls, a non-profit charity organization that facilitates the donation of shoes to aid those in need worldwide.  More information about Joss' and Nine West's work with Soles4Souls—and how you can help—will be available with launch of the collection's microsite in July at www.ninewest.com/vintageamerica and at www.soles4souls.com.  

Fans can also be a part of the collaborative process now and join the conversation by following Joss Stone and Fred Allard on Twitter @JossStone and @NineWest_Fred, and becoming a fan of Joss Stone and Nine West on Facebook and MySpace.

About Jones Apparel Group, Inc.

Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (www.jonesapparel.com) is a leading designer, marketer and wholesaler of branded apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company also markets directly to consumers through its chain of specialty retail and value-based stores and through its e-commerce web sites. The Company's nationally recognized brands include Jones New York, Nine West, Anne Klein, Gloria Vanderbilt, Kasper, Robert Rodriguez, Bandolino, Easy Spirit, Evan-Picone, l.e.i., Energie, Enzo Angiolini, Joan & David, Mootsies Tootsies, Sam & Libby, Napier, Judith Jack, Albert Nipon and Le Suit. The Company also markets costume jewelry under the Givenchy brand licensed from Givenchy Corporation, women's footwear under the Dockers® and Dockers® Women brands and infants', toddlers' and boys' footwear (excluding girls' footwear) under the Dockers® and Dockers® Premium brands, licensed from Levi Strauss & Co., apparel and accessories under the Rachel Roy brand licensed from Rachel Roy IP Company, LLC, and Jessica Simpson jeanswear licensed from VCJS LLC.  Each brand is differentiated by its own distinctive styling, pricing strategy, distribution channel and target consumer. The Company contracts for the manufacture of its products through a worldwide network of quality manufacturers. The Company has capitalized on its nationally known brand names by entering into various licenses for several of its trademarks, including Jones New York, Anne Klein New York, Nine West, Gloria Vanderbilt, l.e.i. and Evan-Picone, with select manufacturers of women's and men's products which the Company does not manufacture. For more than 30 years, the Company has built a reputation for excellence in product quality and value, and in operational execution.

SOURCE Nine West