Rose Wears Diamond Dream Shoe at Oscars; Lines Up Films

Stuart Weitzman announced today that award-winning actress Anika Noni Rose, who co-starred in 2006's hit film Dreamgirls, will wear the Stuart Weitzman Diamond Dream Shoe to the 79th Annual Academy Awards(R).  At the Awards, Noni Rose will perform "Patience" -- one of three Best Original Song nominations from the film.

The Diamond Dream Shoe, created exclusively for the actress, is a silver evening shoe with a stiletto heel, adorned with 1,420 individual brilliant cut Kwiat diamonds, weighing over 30 carats.  The diamonds are set in platinum circles, inspired by Kwiat's timeless Circles Collection.  The spectacular shoe is worth half a million dollars.

"As Anika pursues and accomplishes her dream, I wanted to recognize this young actress by creating a luxuriously glamorous shoe for her to wear down the red carpet on Hollywood's most celebrated evening," said designer Stuart Weitzman.

The Tony Award-winning actress Anika Noni Rose is best known for her work on stage, starring in such widely acclaimed Broadway productions as Caroline, or Change.  Most recently, she starred opposite Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson in the year's most anticipated film, Dreamgirls.  The actress will soon be seen co-starring with Danny DeVito in the upcoming comedy feature One Part Sugar and has been filming The Starter Wife with Debra Messing, Joe Mantegna, and Miranda Otto to air on USA Networks in May of 2007.

"Kwiat shares in Stuart Weitzman's passion for the excitement and glamour of the red carpet," said Greg Kwiat of Kwiat Diamonds.  "Anika is an incredible talent with a brilliant future and we are honored that we can enhance her presence on Hollywood's big night."

"Stuart Weitzman Holdings LLC. is one of the leading global luxury fashion footwear and accessories brands.  Key customers include stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Harrods. Currently Stuart Weitzman operates retail stores across the country including New York, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Costa Mesa, King of Prussia, McClean, San Antonio, San Francisco, Atlantic City and White Plains.  Stuart Weitzman also has more than 15 Stuart Weitzman branded stores outside of the United States. The brand is sold in more than 50 countries," state press notes.

"The company, which is run by Stuart Weitzman (founder and chief designer), has built a reputation for its creative use of unique materials in footwear and for its attention to quality.  Stuart Weitzman's dedication to fusing fashion, fit and comfort has earned him accolades from both the design world and legions of diverse fans, including some of the top celebrities across the globe.  His shoes are a familiar sight at events like the Oscars and the Emmys and his bridal collections have won awards of their own.

Founded in 1907, Kwiat, the New York based diamond jewelry company has a century of experience in the diamond industry and a reputation as one of the world's leading diamond and diamond jewelry companies.  Kwiat is dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship and sets the standard for brilliance.  Kwiat. Simply Brilliant."

Visit www.stuartweitzman.com for more information.

Photo of Anika Noni Rose by Retna Ltd.