USA : Nine West Group welcomes back Patrick McLaughlin

March 1, 2008

Nine West Group, a division of Jones Apparel Group Inc announced that Richard Paterno, 50, has been appointed President, Wholesale Better Footwear Brands, effective March 31, 2008.

In this newly created role, Mr. Paterno will oversee sales management and business strategy for Nine West's better wholesale footwear business, including Nine West, Bandolino, Enzo Angiolini, Circa Joan & David, AK Anne Klein, Boutique 9 and Easy Spirit. Mr. Paterno will report to Andrew Cohen, Chief Executive Officer, Wholesale Footwear and Accessories.

Mr. Paterno has more than 30 years of industry experience. He most recently served as President and CEO of Rockport, which experienced significant growth under his leadership. Previously, he served as President of Easy Spirit, which Nine West Group acquired in 1995.

Andrew Cohen, Chief Executive Officer, Wholesale Footwear and Accessories, said, "Rick is an experienced and talented merchant, and I am pleased to welcome him back to Nine West Group. I am confident that our highly qualified team will benefit from his leadership and expertise.

Our better brands enjoy strong department store penetration, and by unifying those brands under the guidance of an industry veteran we will ensure ongoing brand and product differentiation, as well as further enhance our relationships with our wholesale partners."

In addition, Nine West Group welcomes back Patrick McLaughlin, who has been appointed President, Nine West and Boutique 9 Wholesale, effective March 3, 2008. Mr. McLaughlin, along with the other wholesale better footwear division heads, will report to Mr. Paterno.

Nine West Group

Read the rest of this entry »

USA : Red carpet nominees hope for Gold Havaianas Flip Flops

March 1, 2008

More than the stars shone during Hollywood's festive awards season! Sparkling crystal and gold Havaianas flip flops were awarded to Oscar nominees during this year's star-studded red carpet events.

Each hand-stitched, Swarovski crystal encrusted sandal gleamed from inside a golden presentation package, standing tall on a richly polished base of black and gold.

These exclusive sandals went to each nominee as part of the Distinctive Assets "Everybody Wins at the Oscars Nominee Gift Basket" that were sent to each star who is nominated yet does not win on the big night.

Filled with custom-made and specialty products, the basket is valued at over $50,000.00 (Note that there is no affiliation with A.M.P.A.S. of the official Academy Awards).

To keep the celebration going, the stars who actually won on Sunday night will receive their pair of special Havaianas directly from Elaine Sugimura, President of Alpargatas US / Havaianas.

This is all part of a tradition begun six years ago by Alpargatas SA. Each awards season, the Brazilian design team works to create new and exciting pairs and packaging for their celebrity fans.

"This year's Swarovski and gold straps give a spectacular flair and sparkle to the sandal that celebrities call the 'must have flip flop,'" said Sugimura. "These sandals are designed to be very chic yet very comfortable – the perfect complement for day or evening," she added.

While for the past five years, each special design was limited to red carpet events, "We are excited that this year, we will make these custom designed sandals available for purchase," said Glen Lagerstrom, Executive Vice President of Alpargatas US/Havaianas. "They will be carried at select retailers as part of our spring/summer 2008 collection."

Read Full News Click Here

Read the rest of this entry »

USA : Havaianas-Elle to host ultra chic lounge at Independent Spirit Awards

March 1, 2008

On Saturday Havaianas joined Elle Magazine to create and host an ultra swanky backstage lounge for this past weekend's Independent Spirit Awards held on the beach in Santa Monica,
California.

Designed by Larry Abel, the lounge provided a cool comfort zone for the stars to unwind before and after the show. On the outside, giant 15 foot seahorses, created out of the famous Brazilian flip flops, greeted celebrities and their guests as they entered the tented enclosure.

Inside, the mood was one of casual elegance, with draped white walls and white leather furniture accented by touches of green, blue and purple.

Havaianas offered stars such as Marisa Tomei, Josh Hartnett, and Lisa Kudrow the season's most glittering sandals, the Swarovski crystal encrusted Slim in gold or silver.

"We are excited to be a part of an event that honors talented people with cutting edge ideas and an enthusiasm for artistic expression," said Elaine Sugimura, President of Alpargatas US/Havaianas. "Havaianas fit the mood as they represent authenticity, freedom and joy."

"Havaianas have always been a favorite with celebrities and fashion influencers," added Glen Lagerstrom, Executive Vice President of Alpargatas US/Havaianas. "They like nothing better than to kick off their heels and slip their feet into our unbeatable comfort and great style."

The Independent Spirit Awards lounge will kick off the 2008 season for Havaianas. In partnership with Elle and other top fashion, lifestyle and music magazines, the Brazilian brand will highlight its uniqueness as a beloved footwear staple.

Offering ease, style and comfort, these sandals may be worn on the red carpet or at the mall, at the nightclub or on the beach.

More and more, Americans are demanding the super-soft cushioning of these colorful and affordable flip flops, making Havaianas available at the top retailers nationwide including Nordstrom, Macy's, Dillard's, Scoop, Ron Herman, Fred Segal and Kitson.

Havaianas

Read the rest of this entry »