NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- He's been called the King of the Red Carpet, and now he's the Prince of the Pump. Stuart Weitzman has been named the official designer of the glass slipper being worn in the first-ever Broadway production of Rodgers + Hammerstein's CINDERELLA: his one-of-a-kind creation makes its dazzling debut in the musical set for an official opening on March 3 at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway) in New York City.  Weitzman will also bring the fairytale to life for consumers with the launch of his "Clearly Timeless" capsule collection inspired by the lush, romantic musical.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130211/NY57229-a )
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130211/NY57229-b )   

Stuart Weitzman has been creating fantasy-worthy footwear for real life royalty -- and women with real lives -- for over 26 years. His philosophy of form and function also proves a perfect fit for CINDERELLA star Laura Osnes, whose role in the show requires a shoe that both enchants audiences and allows her to dance effortlessly onstage. The result is a stunning transparent vinyl silhouette encrusted with more than five thousand iridescent Swarovski crystals. 

The glass slippers are the ideal accessory for the CINDERELLA costumes designed by the renowned, five-time Tony Award-winning designer William Ivey Long. 

"What is every girl's first memory of shoes? Cinderella's glass slipper. Something as simple and accessible as a beautiful shoe can make a woman feel like a princess," says Weitzman. "Who wouldn't want to be Cinderella for a night? When asked to re-create the iconic slipper for the new Broadway production, I jumped at the chance."

The magic of CINDERELLA continues for all women with Weitzman's "Clearly Timeless" capsule collection, featuring a glass-slipper-inspired pump, a peep-toe slingback and a strappy sandal. The vinyl silhouettes and Lucite heels -- all bedecked with Swarovski crystals -- are right in step with spring's seductive wave of see-through shoes. The fantastical creations will be sold in Stuart Weitzman boutiques in New York City and at www.stuartweitzman.com.

Stuart Weitzman is a division of The Jones Group Inc. (NYSE: JNY).

ABOUT STUART WEITZMAN HOLDINGS LLC
A little obsessed with shoes.

Stuart Weitzman Holdings LLC, a global leader in designer footwear, operates 40 retail stores across the United States, including New York, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Boston and Las Vegas.  The company also has 48 international stores and is sold in more than 70 countries.

A luxury brand built upon the idea of creating a beautifully constructed shoe, founder and designer Stuart Weitzman's main objective has always been to merge fashion and function. The first thing a woman puts on in the morning and the last thing she takes off at night, his shoes are designed to feel as good as they look and to look as good as they feel.

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 product expertise in 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, through concessions at upscale department 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, Brian Atwood (L), Boutique 9, Easy Spirit, Carvela, Gloria Vanderbilt, l.e.i., Bandolino, Enzo Angiolini, Nine & Co., GLO, Joan & David, Miss KG, Kasper, Energie, Evan-Picone, Le Suit, Mootsies Tootsies, Grane, Erika, Napier, Jessica Simpson (L), Givenchy (L), Judith Jack, Albert Nipon, Pappagallo and Rafe (L). 

ABOUT RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA

Written for television in 1957 by the legendary musical theatre duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, this new production of RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA marks the musical's Broadway debut, with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, a new book by Douglas Carter Beane and original book by Oscar Hammerstein II. CINDERELLA on Broadway adds a new romantic twist to the beloved fairytale.  In previews at the Broadway Theatre.  Telecharge 212 239 6200.  www.cinderellaonbroadway.com

RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA is produced by Robyn Goodman, Jill Furman, Stephen Kocis, Edward Walson, Venetian Glass Productions, The Araca Group, Roy Furman, Luigi Caiola & Rose Caiola, Walt Grossman, Glass Slipper Productions/Eric Schmidt, Ted Liebowitz/James Spry, Peter May/Sanford Robertson and is produced in association with Center Theatre Group. Charles Salameno is associate producer.

CONTACT: Karen Ferko, +1-212-287-0671

SOURCE Stuart Weitzman Holdings LLC