William Rast to be Honored as Brand of the Year at the 33rd Annual American Image Awards

LOS ANGELES, March 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- William Rast, the "New America" denim culture brand, founded by Justin Timberlake in 2005, will be recognized by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) as Brand of the Year on April 27, 2011 at the 33rd Annual American Image Awards.  The award recognizes the continued evolution and growth that has launched William Rast into a popular, multi-faceted label.

"We are truly honored to be recognized by our peers in the fashion community," says CEO Colin Dyne.  "The past six years of building William Rast into a full lifestyle brand has been an incredible journey for us.  We think a key factor to our success and recognition in the fashion community has been the focus on creating a comprehensive brand platform, instead of going down the road of a traditional celebrity branding.  Authenticity and credibility have been key drivers for all of us involved.  Receiving this award now, just when we just have taken significant investments in strengthening our denim business and having launched the best American made contemporary denim collection the company has ever put out, makes the recognition even more meaningful."

Originally comprised of only denim, the brand has expanded into a complete lifestyle collection.  The brand launched to the fashion community during LA Fashion Week in October 2006 but shortly thereafter moved to show its contemporary men's and women's ready-to-wear collections during New York fashion week where the brand continues to wow the fashion community with it's star studded, high fashion events.  William Rast has found its home on the floors of top-tier department stores and boutiques across the globe, and has become a staple for denim fans worldwide.

The brand is known for delivering on-trend design, impeccable fit and modern American styling and has, through its branding and marketing initiatives, solidified William Rast as a name beyond celebrity.

Recently, the brand has expanded into eyewear and footwear.  The eyewear collection, consisting of optical and sun, recently launched for Spring 2011 with global license partner Viva International Group.  The capsule collection for women's footwear launched for Fall 2010.  The brand is also known for its innovative and out of the box branding and marketing initiatives, ranging from viral films and social media strategies, to inclusive and inspirational events and parties.  The Company also operates it's own free standing William Rast retail stores in Los Angeles, Miami, San Jose and Palm Springs.

The AAFA hosts the American Image Awards each year to honor individuals and companies in fashion and retail whose career and industry achievements, charitable activities and records of outstanding service set industry standards.  The event, which is attended by over 700 industry, retail, and media leaders, as well as celebrities, will benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Kevin Burke, President and CEO of AAFA says: "We are thrilled to honor such a dynamic, exciting brand as William Rast.  They along with our other honorees represent the best in leadership and innovation within the industry."  

ABOUT WILLIAM RAST

William Rast, the 'New America' denim culture brand, was conceptualized and founded by Justin Timberlake in 2005.  The company is operated through subsidiaries of People's Liberation, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: PPLB), under management of CEO, Colin Dyne.  Originally comprised of only denim, the brand has expanded into a complete lifestyle collection, including leathers, outerwear, wovens and knits; known for delivering quality, fashion forward design, and premium fit.  Grounded in the iconography of American denim heritage and biker culture, yet re-packaged and presented in a contemporary context, William Rast has found its place on the floors of top-tier department stores and boutiques across the globe, and has become a staple for denim fans worldwide.  The company operates William Rast retail stores at Century City Mall in Los Angeles, Aventura Mall in Miami, Valley Fair Mall in San Jose and Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Palm Springs; as well as its webshop at www.williamrast.com.

ABOUT PEOPLE'S LIBERATION, INC.

Los Angeles-based People's Liberation Inc. (OTCBB: PPLB), designs and distributes high-end casual apparel under the brand names "People's Liberation" "William Rast" and, in the United States, "J.Lindeberg."  The majority of the merchandise the Company offers consists of premium denim, knits, wovens, leather goods, golf wear and outerwear for men and women.  In the United States, William Rast and J.Lindeberg branded products are distributed to boutiques, specialty stores and better department stores, such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.  The Company also markets and sells J.Lindeberg branded collection and golf apparel through its retail stores in New York City, Los Angeles and Miami, and J.Lindeberg golf wear to green grass golf stores and boutiques in the United States.  Internationally, in select countries, William Rast products are sold to better department stores and boutiques throughout the world, and in it's own free standing William Rast retail stores.  The Company also sells merchandise on its websites, www.williamrast.com and the America section of www.jlindebergusa.com.

SOURCE William Rast