Nine West Launches the 'Shoelaborations' Design Platform

Nine West, a division of The Jones Group Inc. (NYSE: JNY), announces the launch of "Shoelaborations^TM," a creative platform that seeks talented individuals doing original work in their unique artistic areas and allows them the opportunity to collaborate on a rotating basis with Nine West. Through this collaboration, Nine West will be able to bring the visions of these choice international trendsetters, artists and designers to consumers worldwide.

Stacy Lastrina, Chief Marketing Officer of The Jones Group, said: "Through Shoelaborations^TM Nine West is lending over 33 years of expertise in footwear to up-and-coming designers, artists and musicians. This new platform will serve as a springboard for discovery and recognition of emerging talent, bringing a constant source of fresh product offerings to the marketplace."

Shoelaborations^TM is already well underway and will feature collections from Sophie Theallet for spring/summer 2011 and Giles Deacon for fall 2011. The first offering will be revealed with a collection in partnership with CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner Sophie Theallet. The "Sophie Theallet for Nine West" collection will tell the story of "Sophie from Paris Takes a Trip to NYC" and include uniquely designed pieces that are Sophie's take on summer essentials: a ballet flat, a double platform sandal, a raffia wedge, two satchels, as well as a charm necklace and bracelet. Texturally rich, colorful and feminine, the pieces are an expression of Sophie's design aesthetic and French sensibility.

Nine West Creative Director Fred Allard, who will be working closely with each collaborator, said: "I love the couture creations Sophie Theallet is so well-known for, and am thrilled to be working alongside a fellow French designer to create this imaginative collection. Our collaboration resulted in utterly chic pieces that will visually transport our customer to the French Riviera and are destined to become the ‘it' items of the season."

Designer Sophie Theallet said: "Partnering with a well-established footwear and accessories business such as Nine West has given me the opportunity to live out my life-long dream of designing on a larger scale. I was able to take one of my favorite patterns and create a collection that captures both my design aesthetic and the spirit of the Nine West brand."

Nine West's Shoelaborations^TM will be available globally, in limited distribution at the top Nine West retail stores, www.ninewest.com and the Nine West Facebook Fan Shop. The "Sophie Theallet for Nine West" footwear collection will retail for approximately $79 for flats to $109 for a double platform sandal or espadrille.

Nine West plans to continue the journey into fall 2011 with acclaimed British Designer Giles Deacon, best known for his avant-garde designs with a pop culture influence. The "Giles Deacon for Nine West" collection will be cutting-edge in its incorporation of technology in a fashion-forward way.

Please visit the Sophie Theallet Shop-in-Shop at www.ninewest.com/sophietheallet for more details on the collection.