Germany : GDS, key force for shoe & leather goods industry

March 1, 2008

From March 14 - 16, 2008 the trade fair trio GDS/GLS - International Event for Shoes, Leather Goods & More, and global shoes & accessories will bring together approximately 1,400 exhibitors from 45 countries in Dusseldorf, Germany to present their new shoe and bag collections for Autumn/Winter 2008/2009 as well as trends for the current season on about 645,800 square feet of exhibit space.

Due to the new concepts, optimized exhibit category segments and expanded ancillary program introduced at previous events, GDS now has a more fashion-driven style and is a key force for the international shoe and leather goods industry. GDS will continue this positive trend at the March 2008 event.

Exhibitors especially from Italy, Great Britain and the U.S. are increasingly interested in the event and companies such as Calvin Klein, Belle by Sigerson Morisson, Nebuloni, Ruggeri, Shubiz, Shoto, Ska Italia and Panzarasa will either participate for the first time or return to GDS after a long absence.

The success of GDS' improved exhibit category segmentation is apparent in the Exclusivity Area comprising the concept areas "prime square – value & tradition" and "white cubes -- contemporary design".

These segments will be enlarged again for the coming season in order to meet the continuously rising demand from prime brands.

The "white cubes" concept with the special "agents only" zone will function as one big showroom and was developed in close cooperation with exhibitors.

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USA : Paco Rabanne & Veronika Jeanvie for MBFW at Smashbox Studios

March 1, 2008

World-renowned master couturier, Paco Rabanne and emerging Ukrainian designer, Veronika Jeanvie, have been chosen as the "Mercedes-Benz Presents" Designers for the Fall/Winter 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios from March 9-13.

The acclaimed Rabanne came out of retirement to mentor 28-year old Veronika Jeanvie, who has fused Rabanne's revolutionary techniques with her own silhouettes and shapes to create edgy feminine designs.

Their couture collection will be presented on Monday, March 10 at 8:00 PM on the Main Tent. Additionally, the Mercedes-Benz Newsgroup Web site will once again offer convenient information regarding all of the designers' collections, including Paco Rabanne and Veronika Jeanvie, as well as complimentary runway photographs following each show.

The collaboration between Rabanne and Jeanvie began in Kiev, Ukraine in 2006, when Rabanne was struck by Jeanvie's fresh sense of fashion.

An experienced fashion atelier in the Ukraine, Jeanvie was anxious to gain international acclaim, and when Rabanne offered to mentor her, Jeanvie gladly accepted.

Although Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios marks the debut of the designers' collections in the United States, they have shown in Moscow, Kiev and in July 2007, Jeanvie became the first Ukrainian designer to showcase a Paris Couture collection at Paris Fashion Week.

"Mercedes-Benz is committed to innovative design in a range of disciplines, so we are pleased to have Paco Rabanne and Veronika Jeanvie as the 'Mercedes-Benz Presents' Designers this season at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios," says Lisa Holladay, National Events Manager, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

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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

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