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2021 Mr. Olympia Results: Big Ramy Wins 2nd Title in Dramatic Fashion

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Big Ramy, Mamdouh Mohammed Hassan Elssbiay, the bodybuilder from Egypt, has won his the 2021 Mr. Olympia bodybuilding title in back to back fashion.

It was dramatic because the chatter had been, on multiple insider sites, that the pre-judging from the day before was that Big Ramy had lost a step to competitors such as Brandon Cury or Hadi the Persian Wolf.

Big Ramy wins 2021 Mr. Olympia, his second consecutive crown. Big Ramy and Enhanced continue to rapidly ascend.

But on Saturday night Ramy came back better, and made it almost impossible for the judges to claim any other champion.

This comes after the Olympia weekend in which Enhanced Labs, the main sponsor of Big Ramy, rocked the exposition and runup with the largest two-story booth, over 15 athletes in residence, and giving away full-size supplements to many attendees.

Enhanced Labs has continued to make major gains in the supplement and body building industry over the past twelve months. Releasing EAA+ with 11x Mr. Olympia competitor Dennis James which sold out 3 production batches within the first 120 days on the market, becoming trade partners with Bodybuilding.com the largest distributor of online supplements, and launching protein and pre-workout products with Big Ramy.

Big Ramy leads the other athletes of Enhanced Labs including Big Dennis James, Rodrigue Chesnier, Casey Delong, Melissa Brodsky, Craig Golias, Minna Pajulahti, Noora Mahonen, Juliana Silva, Gisele Machado, Devyn Cambre, Carolyne Marquez, Paul James, Brian Andraos, and Dillon Salva.

As Big Ramy was winning his second, back to back, Mr. Olympia title, Gisele Machado was delivering knock out punches at a show in Mexico City, and Melissa Brodsky was prepping for her show just five days later in Kentucky.

Enhanced Labs has continued its pace of 10% monthly growth since inception in November of 2019, continuous, by building products that focus on quality and science over discounts and flavor variety. By focusing on quality and science, it is a natural landing place for high performing athletes of all sorts, from body builders, to MMA fighters, personal trainers, and individuals who take their fitness, health, and supplementation very seriously.

The products can be found at www.getenhanced.shop.

Next up for Big Ramy: The Dubai Muscle show, where again Enhanced Labs has a two-story booth and rolling out their new GCC, Dubai, and Middle East distribution chain. Catch him at the Dubai Muscle show booth for another opportunity to meet the reigning, two-time, champion of all body builders.

Winter is here. And its very, very cold.

Contact: Enhanced@GetEnhanced.shop

60 Percent Of ATHLETA’S Materials Are Now Made From Sustainable Fibers

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – One year after becoming a certified B Corporation, Athleta continues as a leader in sustainable performance apparel, sharing in its April catalog that 60 percent of its materials are now made with sustainable fibers. The brand has worked aggressively to increase the sustainability in its line by sourcing materials including recycled polyester and nylon, TENCEL® Modal, TENCEL® Lyocell, and organic cotton; and using more efficient fabric dyeing and finishing techniques. Recycled polyester alone diverted the equivalent of more than 38 million plastic bottles from landfills since 2014. Sustainable materials have also carried into Athleta Girls, reaching 69 percent of the styles in the upcoming Summer collection.

The milestone includes a 2019 Spring/Summer swimwear assortment featuring 85 percent of styles made from sustainable materials including the launch of two new fabrics: H2Eco, which saved 72,264 kilograms of waste from hitting landfills, the equivalent of 2.4 humpback whales and AquaRib, which uses ECONYL®, a material 100 percent made from regenerated nylon fiber sourced from abandoned fishing nets and other discarded nylon.  

Athleta set its first public sustainability goals in 2017, with four key targets centered on reducing its impact on the planet and supporting the women around the world who make its clothes. The brand announced its progress against these goals including:

· 60 percent of materials made with sustainable fibers (2020 Goal: 80 percent)

· 4 percent of products made using techniques that save water (2020 Goal: 25 percent)

· 70 percent of waste from shipping packaging has been diverted from landfills (2020 Goal: 80 percent)

· 3,212 women empowered through P.A.C.E., a career and life skills education program that helps participants in factories making products for Athleta, create a better future for themselves, their families and their communities, and at Fair Trade Certified factories. (2020 Goal: 10,000 women)

“We believe that with Athleta’s growth comes even greater responsibility to lead as a force for good and protect our planet for the next generation,” said Nancy Green, CEO and President of Athleta. “At our size, we know we can make a big impact– whether diverting waste by converting our beloved Trekkie hike collection to recycled nylon or reaching millions of women through the stories we tell in our catalog. We can show women they don’t have to compromise on performance or beauty to do right by our planet.”

In addition to sustainable innovation in its product, Athleta has established partnerships to help make impact at scale. Earlier this year, the company announced its participation in a first-of its-kind partnership beginning in 2020 that will, once at capacity, fully offset the energy consumption of all its 160+ stores and San Francisco headquarters. In addition to bringing

new renewable power to the grid, this power purchase agreement with The Corporate Renewable Energy Aggregation Group created an original, cost-effective and replicable model that will open up the renewable power market to companies seeking to purchase smaller volume.

Last year, Athleta became a member of Fashion Positive PLUS initiative, to collaborate with industry leaders to identify, create, and certify inputs for circular fashion. As part of Gap Inc., the brand is also a partner of the Make Fashion Circular initiative, led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which recently launched a campaign with other retail brands and the City of New York. Between Earth Day and mid-June, participating Athleta stores in New York City will host drop off points where New Yorkers can bring clothing they no longer wear to ensure it will be diverted from landfills through recycling or repurposing.

“Building a sustainable business is a journey and we’re constantly working to improve. We’ve set some very aggressive goals and have made some incredible progress, but we don’t take success for granted. We still have a long way to go,” explained Green. “The ability to impact at scale is critical to protecting the planet. Scale also means collaboration. We are happy to sit down with others in the space that might otherwise be considered competitors and get real about what it takes to move our industry toward less impact in a meaningful way.”

To celebrate Earth Day, Athleta stores across the country are hosting beach and community clean-ups throughout the month of April. To find a local event, visit https://athletaearthday2019.splashthat.com/. Further information about Athleta’s commitment to sustainability, including the brand’s 2020 sustainability goals can be found at www.Athleta.Gap.com/.

About Athleta
A certified B Corporation, Athleta creates versatile and sustainable premium performance apparel designed by women athletes to inspire a community of active, confident women and girls to reach their limitless potential. Founded in 1998, Athleta integrates performance and technical features across its collection to carry a woman through her life in motion – from yoga and training to commuting and travel. In 2016 the company launched Athleta Girl mirroring its signature performance in styles for the next generation. Based in San Francisco, CA and a Gap Inc. brand (NYSE:GPS), Athleta apparel is available at its 160+ retail stores across the country, through its catalog, and at www.athleta.com

Adidas Group Acquires Runtastic

The adidas Group and runtastic GmbH today announced that adidas AG has acquired all outstanding shares of runtastic GmbH. The transaction values Runtastic at an enterprise value of € 220 million.

In line with the Group’s strategic business plan ‘Creating the New’, this acquisition reinforces the adidas Group’s commitment to inspire and enable athletes of all levels to harness the power of sport in their lives. Runtastic’s vision for 2020 that every individual lives a more aware and active lifestyle leading to a longer, happier life means the adidas Group has found a perfect partner that fully understands the potential of the convergence of sport, digital and data in an always connected and always on-demand world.

The adidas brand was the first in the industry to comprehensively bring data analytics to the athlete. With decades of continuous investment in sports science, sensor technology, wearables and digital communication platforms, there is no other sports company that has done more to innovate sports and change the game through technology. adidas’ variety of digitally enabled products such as balls, wrist devices, apparel, shoes, web and phone apps goes unmatched. No other sports company has the diversity of sports and fitness activity coverage and understanding of data related to athletes’ physiology and motion in play – from pro athletes, world record holders, professional sports and college teams to athletes of all levels right down to kids in gym class.

Combining Runtastic’s and the adidas Group’s capabilities brings the adidas Group in a prime position to unleash its knowledge of sport. Runtastic’s fast pace, dynamism and high energy will speed up the adidas Group’s ability to reach both partners’ combined vision to make sport inspiring and part of everyone’s lives – creating unexpected sports experiences that will resonate and clearly stand out in a crowded and constantly changing landscape.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Pasching near Linz, Austria, Runtastic has shown tremendous growth in a short period of time. With more than 140 million downloads and around 70 million registered users, Runtastic has a strong and unique industry position. Available in 18 languages, Runtastic is already one of the most diverse global players in the health and fitness app market, operating a multi-app strategy with over 20 apps covering a wide variety of endurance, health and fitness activities. Through a highly engaged and active user base, the company has already established solid revenue and earnings streams. With high user satisfaction, an impressive pipeline of innovative concepts and relentless speed to market, momentum is expected to remain robust in the coming years.

With 50.1% ownership, Axel Springer SE through its subsidiary Axel Springer Digital Ventures GmbH was the major shareholder of runtastic GmbH. Other main shareholders were Austrian business angel Dr. Johann Hansmann and company founders Florian Gschwandtner, Alfred Luger, René Giretzlehner and Christian Kaar who will continue to run Runtastic within the adidas Group.

Digital technologies are providing new capabilities and insights to help athletes of all levels take control of their sporting destiny – whether improving their performance, sharing their experiences, or creating their own great social moments of sport.
HERBERT HAINER, CEO OF THE ADIDAS GROUP
“This investment will add considerable value on our journey to deliver new world-class sports experiences. In addition, it offers the opportunity to grow a highly engaged athlete user base and leverage the power of our broad product portfolio. Therefore, I am very happy to welcome Runtastic’s passionate employees and their 70 million active athletes and sports lovers to the adidas Group family.”

adidas is the perfect strategic partner for Runtastic and we are very eager to leverage our business in new and unique ways in the future.
FLORIAN GSCHWANDTNER, RUNTASTIC CEO AND CO-FOUNDER
“By bringing cutting-edge input from our leading position in the digital space to one of the great world leaders in the sports and fitness industry, I am personally looking forward to pleasing and surprising new and loyal users with the best products in the world. Together, we will make exceptional and unexpected things happen.”

Signing and closing of the transaction have both taken place simultaneously, today. In connection with the transaction, Deutsche Bank is acting as financial advisor to the adidas Group, and Ashurst LLP and Schoenherr are serving as legal counsel. Allen & Company LLC is acting as financial advisor to Runtastic and Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy LLP and 42law are serving as legal counsel.

Affiliates of Apollo Global Management and NIKE, Inc. Announce Strategic Partnership for Apparel Manufacturing in the Americas

NEW YORK and BEAVERTON, Ore. – Funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management, LLC (NYSE: APO) (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Apollo”) and NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) today announced that Nike and affiliates of Apollo have entered into a strategic partnership regarding the
apparel supply chain in the Americas. This innovative strategic partnership will increase regional manufacturing capabilities, enable quicker delivery of more customized product to consumers, and drive investment in sustainability.

To establish the strategic partnership, a new apparel supply chain company has acquired existing apparel suppliers in North and Central America and plans to invest in advancing their manufacturing operations and expertise to produce innovative, technical and customized apparel. In addition, this new company expects to acquire additional textile and apparel suppliers in the Americas in order to broaden and diversify its capabilities and product offerings. This will create a more vertically-integrated apparel ecosystem – from materials suppliers and apparel manufacturers, to final
embellishment, warehousing and logistics.

“We are excited to be working with Apollo to rethink a new supply chain model to revolutionize apparel manufacturing in the Americas,” said Nike Chief Operating Officer, Eric Sprunk. “The new company, under Apollo’s leadership, is committed to embedding sustainability and transparency into the business, investing in new technology, vertically integrating critical elements of the supply chain and delivering the best Nike
performance product to our retail and sports partners.”

Josh Harris, Co-Founder and Senior Managing Director of Apollo, said, “We see a tremendous opportunity to meet the rising demand for responsive apparel manufacturing to serve increasing consumer expectations for products delivered when and where they want them. We intend to work with management to develop a regional supplier capable of servicing the needs of a wide variety of customers, and we are particularly enthusiastic to be working with such an iconic brand as Nike. While Nike has not made a capital investment in the company, this strategic partnership is a testament
to Nike’s commitment to increasing regional manufacturing capabilities, driving investment in innovation and creating long-term growth.”

While terms of the agreements were not disclosed, Apollo today announced the new supply chain company has acquired two businesses to form the cornerstone of this strategy: the apparel manufacturer, New Holland; and the embellishment, warehousing and logistics operator, ArtFX. The investment is made by the Apollo-managed Special Situations I fund.

About NIKE, Inc.
NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiary brands include Converse, which designs, distributes and licenses casual sneakers, apparel and accessories; and Hurley, which designs and distributes a line of action sports and youth lifestyle apparel and accessories. For more information, NIKE, Inc.’s earnings releases and other financial information are available on the Internet at http://investors.NIKE.com and individuals can follow @NIKE.

About Apollo Global Management LLC
Apollo Global Management, LLC (NYSE: APO) (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Apollo”) is a leading global alternative investment manager with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Bethesda, Toronto, London, Frankfurt, Madrid, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Delhi, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Apollo had assets under management of approximately $186 billion as of June 30, 2016 in private equity, credit and real estate funds invested across a core group of nine industries where Apollo has considerable knowledge and resources. For more information about
Apollo, please visit www.agm.com.

Affordable Footwear Act

Arlington, VA – The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) today welcomed the U.S. Senate introduction of the Affordable Footwear Act, common sense legislation that would eliminate the hidden and regressive tax on most low-cost and children’s shoes. The Affordable Footwear Act (S. 1633) was introduced today in the U.S. Senate by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), and co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of Senators Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Mike Johanns (R-NE).

“If there was ever an opportunity for Washington to improve its public image with the American people, the Affordable Footwear Act is it,” said AAFA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “With today’s introduction, the Senate and House now have a valuable opportunity to work together in a bipartisan way and offer hardworking American families a real cost savings at the cash register.”

The Affordable Footwear Act will ease the tax burden on American consumers who unknowingly pay more than 25 percent beyond the cost of a pair of shoes at retail to cover the import duty, or shoe tax, on shoes made outside of the United States. In 2012, more than 98 percent of the shoes purchased in the United States were produced outside the United States, so there is no way for hardworking American families to avoid this out dated tax.

“Once passed by both chambers and signed into law, the Affordable Footwear Act will eliminate the hidden taxes on low-cost and children’s shoes and create valuable footwear jobs right here in the United States,” Burke said. “We will continue working to pass this common sense legislation as soon as possible.”

American families in the market for affordable and low-cost shoes for themselves and their children pay a higher import duty, as high as 65.7 percent, than if they were to purchase luxury brand shoes.

After its passage, the Affordable Footwear Act would eliminate about $800 million in duties on children’s and low-cost shoes out of the $2.3 billion in total duties collected on imported shoes in 2012. Undeniably, shoes are a life necessity, and the hidden and regressive shoe tax places too high a burden on hardworking American families at a time when they can least afford it.

While the Affordable Footwear Act eliminates the import duties on low-cost and children’s footwear no longer made in the United States, AAFA recognizes that there remains a small, but vibrant, U.S. footwear manufacturing industry. The Affordable Footwear Act protects this industry while helping U.S. consumers.

Quick passage of the Affordable Footwear Act will be a positive step towards restoring consumer confidence, increasing retail sales, and protecting vital jobs in the U.S. footwear industry.
COURTESY OF AMERICAN APPAREL AND FOOTWEAR ASSOCIATION

Agreement Will Increase Coty’s Footprint in the Emerging Market, and Bolster Avon’s Fragrance Offering in Brazil

NEW YORK, — Coty Inc. and Avon Products, Inc. have entered into a partnership by which select Coty fragrances will be marketed and sold through Avon Brazil’s network of 1.5 million independent sales Representatives.

Brazil, Avon’s largest market, is also the largest fragrance market globally. The deal brings together Avon’s extensive network of Representatives in Brazil and Coty’s portfolio of celebrity and lifestyle fragrance brands in an effort to increase both companies’ global fragrance market share, consumer loyalty and brand appeal in Brazil.

“This commercial partnership allows Coty to expand its geographical reach and strengthen our footprint in the emerging markets, with Brazil being a key driver in our growth strategy,” said Renato Semerari, President, Coty Beauty. “Avon’s extensive experience in Brazil makes the company an ideal partner, and we look forward to working together.”

“We are pleased to enter into this marketing arrangement with Coty as part of our growth strategy in Brazil,” said David Legher, President, Avon Brazil. “Coty’s celebrity and lifestyle fragrances further expand our portfolio of high quality fragrances here, which will help our Representatives increase their earnings and reach a broader consumer base.”

About Coty Inc.
Coty is a leading global beauty company with net revenues of $4.6 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013. Founded in Paris in 1904, Coty is a pure play beauty company with a portfolio of well-known fragrances, color cosmetics and skin & body care products sold in over 130 countries and territories. Coty’s product offerings include such global brands as adidas, Calvin Klein, Chloé, Davidoff, Marc Jacobs, OPI, philosophy, Playboy, Rimmel and Sally Hansen.

About Avon Products, Inc.
Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with $10 billion in annual revenue. As one of the world’s largest direct sellers, Avon is sold through more than 6 million active independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon products are available in over 100 countries, and the product line includes color cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and fashion and home products, featuring such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, ANEW, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, and mark.

This news is courtesy of www.avoncompany.com

Air Products Launches OxyForce™ Cellular Active at In-Cosmetics 2014

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today introduced its new OxyForce™ cellular active at In-Cosmetics in Hamburg, Germany. OxyForce cellular active is a high-performance energizing solution formulated to enhance the supply of molecular oxygen to skin cells.

The upper skin layers rely on, and are almost exclusively supplied by, atmospheric molecular oxygen. OxyForce cellular active can promote the supply of oxygen to those skin cells to reduce wrinkle depth while enhancing skin smoothness and supporting natural collagen production.

”OxyForce cellular active demonstrates how Air Products can leverage its unique portfolio of delivery technologies to achieve meaningful skin care benefits – in this case to enable measurable results by nourishing the skin with something as basic but key-to-life as oxygen,” said Solomon Lemma, global business manager for Personal Care at Air Products.

OxyForce cellular active is part of Air Products’ personal care platform that was launched in 2006. Since that time, the business has grown to be acknowledged as a specialist in delivery systems technology for cosmetic applications. Its proprietary technology platforms are able to target skin sites that range from the skin surface to within skin cells. Leveraging these technologies, the business offers over 80 active and functional commercial ingredients to the personal care industry, including those under the ROVISOME®, Cellular Actives™, Intelimer®, and Deposilk® brands. These technologies are also employed in customer-specific solutions.

About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) provides atmospheric, process and specialty gases; performance materials; equipment; and technology. For over 70 years, the company has enabled customers to become more productive, energy efficient and sustainable. Recognized as one of the world’s most innovative companies by both Thomson Reuters and Forbes magazine, more than 21,000 employees in over 50 countries supply effective solutions to the energy, environment and emerging markets. These include semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, coal gasification, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. In fiscal 2013, Air Products had sales of $10.2 billion. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

This news is courtesy of www.airproducts.com

Amazon Fashion Celebrates the Next Generation of Fashion Talent with Studio Sessions Competition

NEW YORK– Today, five participating schools – Fashion Institute of Technology, LIM College, Parsons The New School for Design, Pratt Institute, and the School of Visual Arts – sent two teams of five students to Amazon Fashion’s 40,000-square foot photography studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Mentored by a group of top industry professionals, the student teams were challenged to conceptualize, style and shoot a captivating editorial campaign, with the winning images to be featured as part of Amazon Fashion’s Fall 2014 on-site editorial.

The creative challenge required students to apply their skills in graphic design, styling, editing, fashion photography, and art direction, while working in their own dedicated photography bay. Industry experts – including Amy Odell, Editor at Cosmopolitan.com; Eric Wilson, Fashion News Director at InStyle; Kate Dimmock, Fashion Director at People StyleWatch; and Lori Goldstein, Fashion Stylist and Fashion Editor at Large at ELLE – served as mentors throughout the day-long competition, providing guidance and feedback to student teams as they worked to produce a campaign that speaks to the Amazon Fashion customer.

Students were given access to state-of-the-art photography equipment, models, wardrobe, hair and makeup services, and props. YouTube beauty expert and entrepreneur Michelle Phan counseled teams on creating beauty looks that complement their campaign messages, using makeup from her namesake line, em Cosmetics.

“We continue to be impressed by the student talent and industry support we see during our Studio Sessions competition, and we were thrilled to be able to host the challenge again this year. The students’ exceptional creativity and professionalism shine through in their beautiful campaign images. We know Amazon Fashion customers will be just as inspired by their work as we are,” said Cathy Beaudoin, President of Amazon Fashion.

The challenge concluded with individual team presentations to a panel of Amazon Fashion executives including Cathy Beaudoin, President, Amazon Fashion; Dennis Leggett, Creative Director, Amazon Fashion; Gina Tovar, Fashion Director, Amazon Fashion; Muge Erdirik Dogan, Director, Amazon Beauty; and Darcy Penick, Chief Merchant, Shopbop, who selected the winning womenswear and menswear images. Each team was judged on wardrobe styling, composition, photography, art direction, set design, fashion editing, and their ability to compose a fresh and creative image that is consistent with Amazon Fashion branding.

The School of Visual Arts’ womenswear and Pratt Institute’s menswear winning images will be featured on Amazon.com/StudioSessions, reaching Amazon’s 35 million fashion customers.

A total of over $100,000 was awarded: each first-place team received $25,000 for their work and an additional $15,000 for their school; LIM College’s womenswear and Fashion Institute of Technology’s menswear teams were awarded the second-place prize of $10,000 per team. In addition, all team entries can be found on the Amazon Fashion Facebook page (Facebook.com/AmazonFashion) where the public will vote for the “Fan Favorite” to award $5,000 in Amazon.com Gift Cards to the winning team.

About Amazon Fashion

Amazon Fashion, a fast-growing division of Seattle-based Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), is a one-stop destination for head-to-toe style, offering clothing, shoes, jewelry, timepieces, handbags, and accessories from a wide range of iconic, designer, contemporary, and classic brands. Amazon Fashion aims to reinvent the online fashion shopping experience and to support Amazon.com’s corporate mission to be the Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online. In true Amazon style, trying things on—and sending them back—is easy with free shipping and free returns on eligible items.

At Amazon Fashion, we carry the newest and most-wanted pieces of the season, along with the classics and basics that make up the foundation of every wardrobe, including must-have denim from Hudson Jeans, True Religion, and Seven for All Mankind. Amazon Fashion also has one of the largest selections of shoes for the whole family, from designer to athletic, including favorite brands like Kate Spade New York, Steve Madden, Cole Haan, New Balance, Timberland, and so many more. Amazon Fashion also carries a vast array of handbags, jewelry, and must-have accessories—as well as an impressive watch selection, including GUCCI, Ferragamo, and Versace.

From tried-and-true heritage brands like Levi’s, Lucky Brand, and Pendleton to contemporary designers like Rebecca Minkoff, Rachel Roy, Steven Alan, and Tracy Reese, Amazon Fashion offers options for just about everyone. Amazon Fashion also provides how-to-wear-it ideas and style inspiration to make shopping that much easier and more enjoyable. Amazon Fashion editorials highlight the latest trends and newest arrivals, while designer spotlights and other special content take you behind the scenes with industry tastemakers.

About Amazon

Amazon.com opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, and Fire TV are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.

Amazon Introduces Style Code Live

SEATTLE- (NASDAQ: AMZN) — Amazon today announced the premiere of its first daily, live show, Style Code Live. The show is dedicated to fashion and beauty, featuring useful tips from style experts and viewers, looks the audience can easily shop, and an interactive viewing experience that includes live chat. Style Code Live is a 30-minute show, free to all viewers, and streams weeknights at 9 ET/6 PT at www.amazon.com/stylecodelive. Viewers can also follow Style Code Live for show updates on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat (StyleCodeLive).

The Style Code Live team is led by hosts Lyndsey Rodrigues, Rachel Smith, and Frankie Grande. Together they bring three unique styles—and one shared style-obsession. Lyndsey has hosted shows including MTV’s Total Request Live and has interviewed a range of film and music stars. Her style code is edgy yet totally approachable. She is influenced by NYC, where there is no wrong answer in fashion. Rachel is a correspondent at ABC News for Good Morning America and Nightline. Her style code is classic and feminine—though she admits to loving a gutsy look and spending her weekends in harem pants. Frankie is a television personality and theatre actor. He is best known for his appearance on CBS’s Big Brother 16 and his role in Rock of Ages on Broadway. His style code is glam—inspiring people to step out of the background and into the spotlight.

“I’m so thrilled to be a part of Style Code Live. Live TV is my greatest passion, and to be able to work on such an original and interactive show really is a dream come true,” said host Lyndsey Rodrigues. “Bring on the live premiere!”

“Our customers love fashion, and have wanted a place to keep up with new trends and get expert tips. We created Style Code Live for them, and we are just getting started with this show,” said Munira Rahemtulla, head of Style Code Live. “The team can’t wait for tonight’s premiere—come watch with us at 9 p.m. Eastern.”

“Style Code Live gives viewers a first-of-its-kind daily style and entertainment experience. We’re live, interactive, and covering the latest trends in fashion and beauty each weeknight—with guest experts, celebrities, and viewer tips,” added Terence Noonan, Style Code Live’s Executive Producer. “We are building a community and are super excited for our viewers to be part of it.”

On tonight’s live premiere, guest Danielle Bernstein, founder of fashion blog WeWoreWhat, shares her top three must-haves for spring. Also this week Grammy winner Meghan Trainor talks fashion and beauty and shares the inside scoop on her new single “No,” Frankie talks with actress Keri Russell on the red carpet of her TV series premiere, and YouTube star Tati Westbrook reveals her beauty pick of the week.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be on this new adventure hosting Style Code Live! It’s been exciting cultivating the show’s fresh take on programming and the viewing experience,” said host Rachel Smith. “Anyone who loves fashion and beauty can watch, weigh-in on the conversation, and take away something valuable.”

Every weeknight the Style Code Live team and expert guests will help viewers discover products to achieve the looks they want. They will style and model on-trend looks such as print mixing, debate style do’s-and-don’ts, and share beauty hacks like how to use a bold red lipstick as concealer.

Style Code Live has interactive features which involve the audience in every live show. Examples include:

Live Chat: The audience can join the Style Code Live conversation via live chat at any time during the show, ask questions, and share their own perspectives and tips.
Style Carousel: A Style Carousel directly under the Style Code Live player dynamically updates to highlight products available on Amazon as they are featured in the show.
Style Links: A running list of links captures products and topics discussed, including those that viewers can find off of Amazon.
Chat Host: Our show hosts will participate in live chat, chiming in frequently to respond to viewer questions and comments.
Style Code Love Bag: Viewers can click on the Style Code Love Bag to “applaud” segments and products throughout the show. They’ll see the bag fill as viewers click and release virtual confetti once it’s full.
“I am BEYOND excited about Style Code Live! It is a fun, informative, and energetic show where we will be able to interact with our audience in ways never done before,” said host Frankie Grande. “I am very proud to be a part of it!”

Style Code Live streams live Monday through Thursday at 9 PT/6 ET, with a “best of” show on Friday. Today viewers can watch on their computers at www.amazon.com/stylecodelive, with mobile coming soon. Anyone can follow Style Code Live via Instagram (@StyleCodeLive), Facebook (www.facebook.com/StyleCodeLive), Snapchat (StyleCodeLive), and Twitter (@StyleCodeLive), and subscribe to receive Style Code Live email notifications.

About Style Code Live
Style Code Live – Amazon’s first daily, live show – is dedicated to fashion and beauty, featuring useful tips from style experts and viewers, looks the audience can easily shop, and an interactive viewing experience that includes live chat. The show is free to all viewers and streams live Monday through Thursday at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, with a “best of” show on Friday. Viewers can watch on their computers, with mobile coming soon. To follow the show via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat (StyleCodeLive), and sign up to receive email notifications with Style Code Live news, visit www.amazon.com/stylecodelive.

About Amazon
Amazon.com opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.amazon.com/about.

ANN INC. and Vital Voices Global Partnership Announce 2015 ANNpower Fellows

NEW YORK, – ANN INC., the parent Company of Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Lou & Grey, and Vital Voices Global Partnership are proud to announce the 2015 ANNpower Fellows.

The incoming class of 2015 ANNpower Fellows come from 29 states and Puerto Rico, and have demonstrated a commitment to creating positive change in their communities. These 50 young women represent a diverse group who aspire to build cross-cultural exchange, inspire engagement in the arts and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), advance critical conversations on health issues, or combat serious societal issues. An example is Amanda, a high school junior, who hopes to tackle low literacy rates in her community by implementing a program for disadvantaged youth. She plans to teach writing, reading and spoken-word poetry to youth to increase literacy skills while also raising awareness for social justice in her hometown of Los Angeles. Meet Amanda and all of the 2015 ANNpower Fellows by visiting ANNpower.org.

“This year’s ANNpower Fellows represent an exceptional group of young women,” said Kay Krill, President and CEO of ANN INC. “They are breaking down barriers, redefining societal roles and paving the way for real impact in our communities. ANN INC. is thrilled to invest in these women to help unlock their potential and empower them to become our future leaders.”

In January 2015, Ann Taylor and LOFT launched a nationwide campaign in-stores and online to identify the next generation of global trailblazers and invite them to apply to become ANNpower Fellows. With an unprecedented level of competition this year, ANN INC., in partnership with Vital Voices, selected 50 accomplished young women, all current high school sophomores and juniors, to become ANNpower Fellows. Fellows will participate in the 2015 ANNpower Vital Voices Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., June 14-17.

During the Leadership Forum, the Fellows will participate in three days of comprehensive leadership training and mentorship. The young women will meet and be mentored by influential and celebrated women leaders in business, politics and media from across the globe, as well as executives from ANN INC., including the Company’s President and CEO, Kay Krill. Using the knowledge and tools gained at the Forum, Fellows will implement innovative community projects that will move the needle on important issues at the local and national level.

“Each year, we are inspired and energized by the talented young women selected to join the ANNpower Initiative. Our program affords these girls a unique opportunity to develop their own leadership skills and learn from women leaders in the Vital Voices network and ANN INC. senior leadership. These incredible young leaders use this opportunity to create sustainable change in their own communities and make their mark on the world,” said Vital Voices President and CEO, Alyse Nelson.

Following the ANNpower Leadership Forum, the Fellows will return to their communities to implement their projects. Each Fellow will be eligible to receive an ANNpower Project Grant to put her ideas into action. To date, ANNpower Fellows have positively impacted 45,000 people in 15 countries around the world.

To learn more about the ANNpower Initiative, visit ANNpower.org.

About the ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative
The ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative is a groundbreaking partnership between ANN INC. and Vital Voices Global Partnership to empower young women from across the U.S. with the leadership skills they need to affect global progress, invest in their communities and begin their journeys as the next generation of leaders. The ANNpower Initiative aims to provide leadership skills and mentorship to 50 ANNpower Fellows annually and is designed to positively impact more than 5,500 people in their collective communities and around the world each year. Visit annpower.org for more information.

About ANN INC.
ANN INC. is the parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, two of the leading women’s specialty retail fashion brands in North America. As of January 31, 2015, the Company operated 1,030 Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, LOFT, LOFT Outlet and Lou & Grey stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada. Our Ann Taylor and LOFT brands are also available online in more than 100 countries worldwide at AnnTaylor.com and LOFT.com or at our LOFT franchise stores in Mexico. Visit ANNINC.com for more information (NYSE: ANN).

About Vital Voices Global Partnership
Vital Voices Global Partnership is a leading non-governmental organization that identifies, invests in and brings visibility to extraordinary women around the world by unleashing their leadership potential to transform lives and accelerate peace and prosperity in their communities. Founded by Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 1997, the organization trains and mentors women leaders as agents of transformative change in economic development, human rights and political participation. The Vital Voices Global Leadership Network includes more than 14,000 leaders representing 144 countries who have trained and mentored 500,000 additional women and girls in their communities. Visit vitalvoices.org to learn more.

ANNpower Launches Annual Search For Next Generation of Female Leaders

NEW YORK, – The ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative announced today that it is launching a search in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada to identify the next generation of female leaders. Now through March 1, 2014, high school sophomores and juniors can apply at ANNpower.org for the opportunity to become an ANNpower Fellow and receive leadership training and mentorship by global women leaders. ANNpower is a partnership between ANN INC. (NYSE: ANN), the parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, and Vital Voices Global Partnership.

50 young women will be selected and invited to the ANNpower Vital Voices Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., June 16 – 19, 2014, where they will receive leadership training from influential women leaders who are part of the Vital Voices Global Leadership Network, as well as executives from ANN INC., including the Company’s President and CEO, Kay Krill. The Forum’s curriculum equips these aspiring young leaders with the training and mentorship they need to realize their full potential as future leaders. Armed with these new skills, the Fellows will then return to their communities to create projects to affect change and apply for project grants to put their ideas into action. ANNpower Grants will be awarded in the Fall of 2014, and winning Fellows will spend the school year implementing their projects and receiving mentoring from ANN INC. associates.

“We look forward to welcoming our next class of ANNpower Fellows,” said Kay Krill, President and CEO, ANN INC. “These girls are so committed to making a difference in their communities and the world. I have so much confidence in the Fellows we have seen come through the program and cannot wait to be further inspired by this next group of young women.”

“ANNpower Fellows are passionate and innovative trailblazers implementing truly effective and sustainable programs in their communities,” said Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership. “We are proud to partner with ANN INC., together providing unique and life-changing opportunities for these young women leaders.”

Selected Fellows will also have the opportunity to participate in high profile global leadership events throughout the year. This past year, six ANNpower Fellows were given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness history in the making and travel to Burma to attend the Women’s Forum Myanmar, the first of its kind in the country. During the nine-day trip, the Fellows engaged with global women leaders while immersing themselves in the Burmese culture, a country which is undergoing rapid transformation as it opens up to dialogue and exchange both domestically and regionally.

“Being an ANNpower Fellow has been an amazing opportunity that has shaped who I am today. I learned so much by participating in this historic event, hearing stories from influential world leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi and Melanne Verveer. The experience was extremely powerful and I left inspired to do more with the project I’m implementing in my community.” – Emily Kosse, 2012 ANNpower Fellow and Grantee.

During the months of January and February, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, LOFT and LOFT Outlet stores across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada will support the search for the next generation of leaders in store with the ANNpower call-to-action: “Know a girl who wants to change the world?” Additionally, the 50 young women selected will received a special discount card redeemable for two years at Ann Taylor and LOFT.

For more information about the ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative or to apply to become an ANNpower Fellow, please visit ANNpower.org.

This Press Release is courtesy of www.anninc.com

ascena Retail Group, Inc. To Acquire ANN INC. For $47 Per Share In Accretive Transaction

MAHWAH, N.J. and NEW YORK, May 18, 2015 – ascena retail group, inc. (NASDAQ: ASNA) and ANN INC. (NYSE: ANN) today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which ascena will acquire ANN INC. for a combination of cash and stock in an accretive transaction.

Upon closing, ANN INC. stockholders will receive $37.34 in cash and 0.68 of a share of ascena common stock in exchange for each share of ANN common stock. Based upon the closing price of ascena stock on May 15, 2015, this implies a price per share of $47.00, a 21.4% premium over the closing price of ANN shares on Friday, May 15, 2015. At closing, ANN stockholders will own approximately 16% of ascena.

The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, is expected to close in the second half of 2015, subject to customary closing conditions, including, among other things: the expiration or early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and approval of the merger by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of ANN. The transaction does not require approval by ascena stockholders.

David Jaffe, ascena’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “This powerful transaction joins two strong and highly complementary organizations and management teams and dramatically reinforces our leadership position in women’s specialty apparel retailing. We are excited to further leverage our uniquely capable operating platform and exceptional combined talent to drive immediate, significant and ongoing value for our stockholders. With the addition of the Ann Taylor and LOFT brands, ascena will become one of North America’s largest and most diversified specialty apparel retailers, with a tremendous set of opportunities to continue to expand its leadership position in the women’s apparel market.”

ascena has identified $150 million in annualized run rate synergies in the combination that it expects to generate over a three-year period. The transaction aligns seamlessly with ascena’s platform strategy and shared services model, designed to enable an effective, rapid and comprehensive back office integration process. Synergies include sourcing and procurement, distribution, logistics and other efficiencies. Excluding transaction and integration expenses, the acquisition is expected to be significantly accretive to EPS in the first year post closing, accelerating to greater than 20% accretion to EPS thereafter. Additionally, ascena expects the combination to generate significant cash flow while both maintaining appropriate levels of capital expenditures and enabling rapid deleveraging.

Ronald Hovsepian, Non-Executive Chairman of ANN INC.’s Board of Directors, said, “Based on our Board’s thorough and wide-ranging review process, we are confident that this agreement with ascena is in the best interests of ANN INC.’s stockholders. Our stockholders will receive approximately 80% of the purchase price in cash, providing immediate and certain value, and also have the opportunity to participate in the upside of the combined company as a result of the stock portion of the purchase price. We are delighted with this outcome for ANN INC.’s stockholders.”

Kay Krill, President and Chief Executive Officer of ANN INC., added, “I am very proud of all we have accomplished and confident that combining with ascena is the right next step for ANN INC. The transaction will make us part of a larger organization with a diversified portfolio of brands focused on the women’s apparel market, a strong operating platform and a powerful financial base. I have tremendous respect and admiration for ascena’s CEO David Jaffe, and our management team and I look forward to working alongside him and other senior members of the ascena team. As a member of the ascena family, ANN will be poised to further enhance and grow our business as we continue to take steps to better strategically and operationally position our brands for the dynamics that are redefining the landscape of the women’s specialty retailing industry. At the same time, we look forward to continuing to meet our clients’ wardrobing needs by delivering great product and a seamless brand experience across our multiple touchpoints.”

Transaction Details

Under the terms of the transaction, upon closing, ANN INC. stockholders will receive $37.34 in cash and 0.68 of a share of ascena common stock for each share of ANN INC. common stock, implying a price per share of $47.00 based on the closing price of ascena stock on May 15, 2015. The transaction gives ANN INC. an enterprise value of approximately $2.0 billion.

ascena intends to finance the acquisition through bank debt. Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Guggenheim Securities have arranged committed financing for the transaction.

Guggenheim Securities and Goldman, Sachs & Co. acted as financial advisors to ascena. Proskauer Rose LLP acted as legal counsel to ascena in connection with the transaction. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor to ANN in connection with the strategic review process and the transaction. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz acted as legal counsel to ANN INC. in connection with the strategic review process and the transaction.

About ascena retail group, inc.
ascena retail group, inc. is a leading specialty retailer offering clothing, shoes, and accessories for missy and plus-size women under the Lane Bryant, Cacique, maurices, dressbarn and Catherines brands; and for tween girls under the Justice brand. ascena Retail Group, Inc. operates through its subsidiaries approximately 3,900 stores throughout the United States and Canada.

About ANN INC.
ANN INC. is the parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, two of the leading women’s specialty retail fashion brands in North America. As of January 31, 2015, the Company operated 1,030 Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, LOFT, LOFT Outlet and Lou & Grey stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada. The Company’s Ann Taylor and LOFT brands are also available online in more than 100 countries worldwide at AnnTaylor.com and LOFT.com or at our LOFT franchise stores in Mexico.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed transaction, ascena intends to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 that will include a proxy statement of ANN that also constitutes a prospectus of ascena. Investors and security holders are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed with the SEC, when they become available, because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction.

Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents, when they become available, and other documents filed with the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by ascena by contacting ascena Investor Relations at (551) 777-6895, or by e-mail at asc-ascenainvestorrelations@ascenaretail.com. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by ANN by contacting ANN Investor Relations at (212) 541-3445, or by e-mail at investor_relations@ANNinc.com.

ascena and ANN and their respective directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information about ascena’s directors and executive officers is available in ascena’s proxy statement for its 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the SEC on November 3, 2014. Information about directors and executive officers of ANN is available in the proxy statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of ANN filed with the SEC on April 2, 2015. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the Merger when they become available. Investors should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from ascena or ANN using the sources indicated above.

This document and the information contained herein shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Athleta Announces Launch of Girls’ Clothing Line

PETALUMA, Calif. – Athleta announced it is launching a new girls’ clothing line called “Athleta Girl.” The collection, which will include both performance and lifestyle clothing, launches online and in select Athleta stores across the U.S. this summer.

According to NPD data, the women’s active wear category is continuing to grow at a fast pace, with overall sales increasing 20 percent to $19.6 billion in 2015*. A portion of this growth can be attributed to younger customers, including pre-teens and teens.

“Sporty is how girls are dressing today. Just like their moms, sisters, aunts and friends, they are living more active lives,” said Nancy Green, president, Athleta. “We see Athleta Girl as an opportunity to offer her clothes that are comfortable, stylish, high-quality, built to move and will perform for her.”

At launch, Athleta Girl product offerings will cover a range of sports, including running, soccer, dance, gymnastics and basketball as well as swim. It will also include an active lifestyle category with products that can transition throughout her entire day.

“Similar to our women’s line, we wanted to create pieces that are rooted in performance, but are versatile enough to be worn at any time in a girl’s day,” continued Green. “Her style is already all about sport, even if she’s not playing a sport. The collection will be the go-to pieces for her wardrobe.”

The line is for girls aged 6 to 14 years and will include key styles from Athleta’s women’s collection, including run shorts, capris and tops, along with new styles designed specifically for a younger customer.

The girls’ category is a natural fit for Athleta as the brand has been active in empowering both women and girls through fitness since its founding in 1998. In 2011, the brand became the national sponsor of Girls on the Run, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping girls build confidence through fitness.

“Athleta Girl is perfectly aligned with our brand mission and values,” said Elisabeth Charles, SVP of Marketing, Athleta. “Our mission is to ignite a community of active, healthy, confident women and girls who empower each other to realize their limitless potential. Our new girls’ clothing line allows us to encourage healthy, active lifestyles and instill a strong sense of confidence with the next generation of girls.”

In select stores, Athleta will create a unique shopping experience for its Athleta Girl customers with tailored bags, clothing tags and mannequins.

ABOUT ATHLETA
Athleta has been the premier fitness apparel brand exclusively for women since 1998. With female athletes as its designers, Athleta creates versatile and fashionable performance and lifestyle apparel for the fitness-minded woman who lives life on the go. Offering products that move with her throughout the day, Athleta strives to help her look as amazing as she feels. Athleta offers apparel and gear for a range of activities from yoga and spin to strength training and run as well as seasonal sports, including ski and tennis. Athleta apparel is sold in retail stores across the country and online at www.athleta.com.

Avon and KORRES Enter into Strategic Alliance in Latin America

NEW YORK, – Avon Products, Inc. (NYSE: AVP) today announced that it has entered into an agreement through which KORRES has granted Avon exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and market KORRES products in Latin America. Created by Greek pharmacist George Korres, KORRES is a Greek skincare brand established for its highly efficacious natural formulations.

This long-term strategic alliance includes all major markets where Avon operates in Latin America, and provides Avon the option to purchase all of the intellectual property rights to the KORRES products in that region.

“Latin America is a growing beauty market and a major component of the Avon portfolio. I’m very pleased that through this strategic alliance, we can leverage Avon’s extensive network and capabilities to bring the KORRES brand and products to more women across Latin America,” said Sheri McCoy, Chief Executive Officer, Avon Products, Inc.

“Latin America has always been of interest to us. We feel there is a unique opportunity to reach consumers who share our values and philosophy; Avon is a strategic partner that can help us start this wonderful journey,” said KORRES Founder George Korres.

“We are delighted to be partnering with KORRES. It is the perfect fit to Avon’s business in Latin America. KORRES is a beauty brand that is passionate about the power of natural extracts and ingredients,” said Fernando Acosta, Senior Vice President and President, Latin America, Avon Products, Inc. “This alliance brings some fabulous, highly efficacious products that our consumers will love. We look forward to a successful relationship with KORRES.”

Latin America is Avon’s largest business unit, accounting for nearly half of the company’s revenues.

Born out of Greece’s oldest herbal pharmacy, the brainchild of a pharmacist and a chemical engineer, KORRES is a natural skincare brand with over 400 products sold in 30 countries worldwide. Its philosophy remains the same as in its pharmacy days, rooted in the use of natural and/or certified organic ingredients of the highest quality; skin- and environmentally-friendly products with clinically tested efficacy; products that are affordable for everyday use yet of interesting aesthetics that can ‘inspire & make us happy.’

About Avon
Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with nearly $11 billion in annual revenue. As one of the world’s largest direct sellers, Avon is sold through more than 6 million active independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon products are available in over 100 countries, and the product line includes color cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, fashion and home products, featuring such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, ANEW, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, and mark. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avoncompany.com.

About KORRES
KORRES is a Greek skincare brand established in 1996 out of the oldest homeopathy pharmacy in Athens. The first KORRES product was an aromatic herbal syrup with honey and aniseed, a recipe inspired by rakomelon, a warming spirit-with-honey concoction, which George’s grandfather used to favor in his hometown on the island of Naxos. Learn more at www.korres.com.

This Press Release is courtesy of www.avoncompany.com

Awaken Your Senses with Outspoken Fresh by Fergie – 4th Fragrance with Avon

The Scent: Outspoken Fresh is original and awe-inspiring, like the vibrant woman behind it.

The Inspiration: Whether she’s on screen, on stage, or in the studio, multi-platinum recording artist and icon Fergie is renowned for her energizing, exciting performances. New Avon Outspoken Fresh by Fergie captures the pure energy of the artist’s presence, awakening the senses with an invigorating fragrance as original as Fergie herself. The third fragrance from the wildly successful “Outspoken” collection, Outspoken Fresh pays homage to Fergie’s exhilarating, bold and confident vibe. Feel the energy of Fergie’s fresh lifestyle with the artist’s latest scent from Avon.

The Face: As a singer, songwriter, actress, designer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Fergie has done it all. But no matter what she puts her creative energy into, she brings a fresh, exciting perspective time after time. Whether she’s bringing down the house with a powerful, inspiring musical performance or walking the red carpet in her signature bold style, Fergie is constantly reinventing. With Outspoken Fresh, Fergie empowers her fans to reinvent and rediscover themselves.

“I’m thrilled to continue partnering with Avon on my Outspoken fragrances,” says Fergie. “Outspoken Fresh is a bolder, vibrant fragrance that makes you feel energized and alive. It’s about having fearless confidence with a fresh and colorful twist.”

Since 2009, Fergie has partnered with Avon, creating fragrances such as Outspoken, Outspoken Intense and Viva and supporting the causes of the Avon Foundation for Women. Fergie’s debut scent, Outspoken, remains the number one fragrance launch in Avon history. In 2011, Fergie was selected by the Fragrance Foundation’s Board of Directors as the Fifi Award winner, New Fragrance Celebrity of the Year. This award recognizes a celebrity whose very first fragrance has enjoyed instant success with the consumer and brought recognition to the fragrance category.

The Notes: Exotic, bold and voluptuous, the intoxicating fragrance opens with a blend of sparkling citrus notes and crisp orange flower, enlivened with lush lychee-rose flower. The heart reveals delicate jasmine notes intertwined with velvety magnolia and vibrant blackcurrant flowers to transport you to a lush, exotic escape. Warm vetiver brings depth and sensuality to the fragrance as precious white iris and creamy sandalwood add an addictive, lasting signature.

The Ingredients:
Sparkling Citrus Accord: A combination of bergamot, grapefruit, blood orange and mandarin gives the fragrance its invigorating brightness and fresh energy
Blackcurrant Flower Accord: This lush flower blossoms in spring to reveal a fresh yet intense, sweet and fruity fragrance combined with lush magnolia blossom and jasmine
Sandalwood: Rich and sweet with a delicate, woody floral tone, smooth, creamy sandalwood envelops the wearer in warmth for a luxurious, sensual finish
Where to Buy: Available exclusively through Avon Representatives. To locate an Avon Representative (in the U.S.) call 1-800-FOR-AVON FREE or visit www.avon.com. To find a Representative outside the U.S., visit www.avoncompany.com and click on “Buy Avon” at the bottom of the page.

About Avon
Avon is the company that for more than 125 years has stood for beauty, innovation, optimism and, above all, for women. With nearly $9 billion in annual revenue, Avon products are sold through 6 million active independent Avon Sales Representatives worldwide. Avon products include color cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and fashion and home, featuring such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, ANEW, Avon Care, Skin-So-Soft, and Advance Techniques. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avoncompany.com.

Banana Republic And Jared Goff Introduce New Fall 2019 Campaign, A Cheeky Nod To Goff’s California Style Roots

NEW YORK, NY – Banana Republic and Jared Goff, a two-time NFL Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl contender, are proud to introduce their latest collaborative campaign hitting September 2019, just in time for football season. Banana Republic’s new campaign offers a humorous take on the duality of Goff’s California style roots – NorCal (Northern California) vs. SoCal (Southern California) – with a disruptive meme-driven social media approach full of playful GIFs, images and site experience that launch today.

Inspired by Goff as his own style wingman and alter ego, the Fall 2019 campaign is an amusing product-driven style story with a twist of situational humor. In the creative, Goff comically faces off against himself, spoofing his own body double in a bromance that shines a spotlight on the fashion and versatility of Banana Republic product through Goff’s style playbook.

The campaign is a personal one for Goff given it was shot in his Los Angeles home and revolves around some of his favorite activities off the field – from playing golf and poker to cannonballing in the pool, among other shenanigans. In each scenario, Goff works it, wearing key Banana Republic pieces that showcase Fall fashion and premium fabrics, including new smart-weight wool suiting separates, iconic outerwear, and modern classics like a vegan suede utility coat and cashmere hoodie.

“Jared’s confident personal style allowed us to feature the range of our most iconic products in a new way,” says Banana Republic Chief Marketing Officer Mary Alderete. “This new campaign may be unexpected for the brand in that it’s built around social media memes, which is disruptive for the fashion category. It’s exciting to push the media mix in ways that are most relevant to Jared’s fans and our customers who want to see how Banana Republic pieces work in Jared’s lifestyle – and in this case, with a comic twist.”

Goff is a dynamic athlete who defies limits and was named the fastest number one overall draft pick in the history of the League to advance to the Super Bowl. BR first identified the rising star in the 2018 season and then announced the three-year veteran as the company’s latest men’s style ambassador in March 2019. Goff was recently awarded the highest guaranteed salary in the NFL for a new four-year contract agreement. As partners, Goff brings the energy of the new NFL to represent the Banana Republic men’s modern merchandise mix by appearing in advertising creative and championing key product through public appearances and media activations.

“These style memes of me goofing off, or should I say Goff-ing off, were hilarious to shoot,” says Goff. “Most fashion campaigns are really serious, but my style is more effortless, so the humor of using me as a cast of characters opposite myself makes fashion fun.”

Follow the journey @BananaRepublicMens #BRMens @jaredgoff

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About Banana Republic @bananarepublic
Banana Republic is a global apparel and accessories brand focused on delivering modern, versatile classics designed for a life with no boundaries. Curious, connected and out in the world, Banana Republic provides a wardrobe of favorites – clothing, eyewear, jewelry, shoes, handbags and fragrances – all made for a life in motion with the finest materials and fabric innovations. Founded in San Francisco, Banana Republic is located in more than 650 company-operated and franchise retail locations worldwide.

About Jared Goff @jaredgoff
In three short years, Jared Goff has established himself as one of the young superstars of the NFL. In 2019, he became the fastest No. 1 overall pick in the history of the League to advance to the Super Bowl. Born and raised in the Bay area, Goff is a graduate of Marin Catholic High School where he earned a scholarship to play quarterback at the University of California at Berkeley. After three years at Cal, Goff declared for the 2016 NFL Draft and was selected as the top pick by the LA Rams.

Banana Republic and Marimekko Announce Limited-Edition Capsule Collection for Summer 2014

New York, NY – Banana Republic and Finnish fashion and design house Marimekko announce the Banana Republic Marimekko Collection – a limited-edition capsule that uniquely marries Banana Republic’s modern, American style with some of Marimekko’s most iconic textile designs – offering a spirited collection of dresses, separates and accessories for women that will make her summer wardrobe “pop.” The women’s capsule collection launches exclusively at select Banana Republic locations worldwide and online beginning in late May 2014.

Marimekko first made headlines in the United States when Jacqueline Kennedy donned a number of the brand’s iconic printed dresses during the 1960 U.S. presidential campaign. Today, Marimekko’s vibrant designs still resonate with celebrity tastemakers and consumers alike.

The Marimekko brand has become world-renowned for an artistic approach to print-making. Marimekko’s team of artists juxtapose cheerful, fresh prints, creating whimsical patterns and textiles that are rich in variation, yet timeless in design.

“Marimekko’s unique design of pattern and color has always inspired me as a designer,” says Banana Republic Vice President of Women’s Design, Melloney Birkett. “With this summer capsule, we wanted to create a collection that marries Marimekko’s iconic prints with our signature silhouettes. We were inspired by Marimekko founder Armi Ratia’s motto of, ‘Stand out from the rest,’ and we designed a collection of must-have summer standouts.”

The near 25 piece apparel and accessories women’s collection blends some of the most signature items from both brands, including Banana Republic’s iconic Hampton pant in Marimekko’s heroic black and white polka dot print. Items range from an architecturally designed cotton tunic with a plunging neckline, to a billowing maxi dress, to a dramatic full skirt – offering a versatile summer capsule that marries culture with style.

The collection’s featured patterns, created by three of Marimekko’s storied designers, each tell a unique story through distinctive prints. From intriguing landscapes and folk-inspired art, to circular dots that dance in a single file, the prints splash the capsule with bright hues alongside classic black and white.

“At Marimekko, we are inspired by emotions. Life springs from opposing forces, and the desire to contradict emotions – happy with sad, energetic with relaxed – is what makes our prints so unique,” says Marimekko Creative Director, Minna Kemell-Kutvonen. “It was a delight to know Banana Republic finds our designs as striking as we do. Each of the iconic prints selected has a wonderful, joyful story – and with Banana Republic we are excited to continue to bring that joy to countless people around the world.”

Apparel includes petites and will range in price from $39.50 (tank top) – $140 (dress); accessories range from $39.50 (clutch) – $98 (shoes).

This Press Release is courtesy www.gapinc.com

Banana Republic Announces Exclusive Collection With Peter Do To Drop This Fall

Banana Republic, announces today that it will be releasing an exclusive capsule collection in collaboration with New York-based fashion designer, Peter Do, this Fall. As two American brands who believe there is significance in the approach to dressing, Banana Republic and Peter Do come together to create a collection grounded in versatile, high-quality pieces celebrating impeccable tailoring and craftsmanship, which are at the core of both brands’ design codes.

Designed by Peter Do with inspiration pulled from the Banana Republic archives, the capsule includes transformational and genderful ready-to-wear pieces and accessories in Peter Do’s signature neutral color palette, brought to life in Banana Republic’s classic silhouettes. Featuring a range of utility silk shirting, soft knitwear, tailored outerwear, and premium special detailing—this is a modern collection designed for people living multi-faceted lives.

This partnership is the next step in Banana Republic’s brand transformation, referencing the BR that people have nostalgia for and reimagined through Peter’s fresh perspective. BR x Peter Do celebrates contemporary quality and thoughtful design through the use of the finest fabrics and impeccable tailoring and craftsmanship.

BR x Peter Do will officially launch in select BR stores and online in October. Preview the collection and sign up for alerts here, and follow @bananarepublic with hashtag #BRxPD to discover the collection and more.

Banana Republic Celebrates 40 Years

NEW YORK – Banana Republic celebrates 40 years of iconic, modern American style, designed for a life with no boundaries. Fueled by the brand’s explorer spirit, Banana Republic visited its archives to inspire its Fall 2018 collection. Launching today, the women’s and men’s collections feature some of Banana Republic’s most signature looks, reimagined and styled for now. Key pieces range from signature trenches, utility jackets, a flight suit and cargo pants to suits, cable sweaters and graphic tees – all designed with thoughtful details and treasured fabrics, which have long been a mainstay of the brand.

“The entrepreneurial and explorer spirit of the brand continues to fuel our creativity and innovation today,” said Mark Breitbard, Banana Republic President and CEO. “It’s all in the details – from fabric innovation to design to customer experience – Banana Republic’s collections are created for the journey and those living a life with no boundaries.”

The Fall 2018 advertising campaign, conceived in-house by Banana Republic Creative Director Len Peltier, hits digital media platforms today to coincide with the collection launch. Shot by Zoey Grossman in New York and Los Angeles, the campaign spotlights signature silhouettes, fabrics and details that define iconic Banana Republic styled for now. A cinematic short film, directed by Keenan Newman in San Francisco and Tokyo, augments the brand’s storytelling and positioning.

“We really wanted to capture the spirit of being curious, connected and out in the world,” said Mary Alderete, Banana Republic Chief Marketing Officer. “Our Fall creative truly reflects a life in motion and the limitless possibilities of a life with no boundaries.”

In celebration of the brand’s 40 years, Banana Republic is partnering with Bumble to host a Bumble Hive NYC at the Banana Republic’s Flatiron flagship store September 6 – 12 during New York Fashion Week. As the only Bumble Hive meet-up destination in NYC this Fall, Banana Republic will kick off the pop-up opening on September 6 with a panel about living a life with no boundaries, hosted by Bumble Heads of Creative, Erin and Sara Foster, and presented by PopSugar. The Foster sisters will discuss the personal and professional experiences that shaped their journeys.

In addition, PopSugar is extending their media partnership with Banana Republic through its original It Takes Two video series. In this installment, presented by Banana Republic, the videos spotlight Erin and Sara Foster to further the narrative of living a life with no boundaries, and will debut on PopSugar and BananaRepublic.com in September.

Follow the journey: @bananarepublic @bananarepublicmens #BRNoBoundaries #itsbanana

About Banana Republic
Banana Republic is a global apparel and accessories brand focused on delivering modern, versatile classics designed for a life with no boundaries. Curious, connected and out in the world, Banana Republic provides a wardrobe of favorites – clothing, eyewear, jewelry, shoes, handbags and fragrances – all made for a life in motion with the finest materials and fabric innovations. Founded in San Francisco, Banana Republic is located in about 700 company-operated and franchise retail locations worldwide.

Banana Republic Expands Partnership With Style Ambassador Kevin Love And Announces Fall Debut Of Limited-Edition Men’s Capsule Collection

NEW YORK — Banana Republic and pro basketball power forward Kevin Love are excited to expand their partnership in 2018 to include a design collaboration, BR/K.LOVE-18 – a limited-edition men’s capsule of clothing and accessories, launching on September 18, 2018.

As a build to the three-year partnership, Banana Republic will release a first-ever Fall 2018 capsule collection designed in collaboration with Love. BR/K.LOVE-18 is inspired by Banana Republic’s utility heritage with a twist of Love’s favorite tailored performance pieces, highlighting his personal style grounded in American sportswear.

“I jumped at the opportunity to evolve my partnership with Banana Republic and was honored to team up with them to create a Fall collection,” says Kevin Love. “This is an incredible opportunity for me to express myself and reflect my personal fashion sense, which I describe as classic, tailored and versatile.”

Building up to Fall’s highly-anticipated collection launch, Love’s role as Banana Republic’s men’s style ambassador continues this month at All-Star Weekend with Love meeting customers in Los Angeles, his old University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) home turf.

To kick off All-Star weekend, Banana Republic will host an in-store event at The Grove. Fans can meet, get autographs and take photos with Love on Thursday, February 15 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. PT.

“Kevin has been the pinnacle expression of our tailored performance innovation and we’re excited to push that further with a collaboration that’s true to Kevin and Banana Republic,” said Banana Republic Chief Marketing Officer Mary Alderete. “From February’s All-Star event to Fall’s capsule collection launch, it’s been a truly collaborative partnership with Kevin, and we look forward to seeing everyone sporting their BR/K.LOVE-18 this year.”

Love will continue starring in Banana Republic’s seasonal men’s advertising campaigns, including Spring 2018 which breaks during All Star Weekend, and will personally launch his Fall capsule collection in September 2018.

About Banana Republic
Banana Republic is a global apparel and accessories brand focused on delivering versatile, contemporary classics, designed for today with style that endures. Through thoughtful design, Banana Republic provides a wardrobe of favorites to style and wear time and time again in new ways. Banana Republic offers fragrances, clothing, eyewear, jewelry, shoes and handbags with detailed craftsmanship and luxurious materials. Founded in San Francisco, Banana Republic is located in about 740 company-operated and franchise retail locations worldwide.

Banana Republic Re-issues the Original “Dissent Collar” Necklace to Promote Equality

NEW YORK – Banana Republic is re-issuing the original “dissent collar” necklace in limited edition to support the work of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Women’s Rights Project — the non-profit’s arm of the ACLU co-founded by Ruth Bader Ginsburg early in her career, to advocate for gender equality and women’s economic rights through systematic legal reform.

Banana Republic’s commitment to equality has been core to the brand since the beginning – starting as an explorer brand co-founded by a husband and wife team, whose partnership laid a strong foundation of equality. To this day, equality remains woven into the fabric of the business as well as within that of parent company Gap Inc, which was also co-founded by a husband-wife team who invested equal amounts to start their business. In 2014, Gap Inc. became the first Fortune 500 company to announce equal work for equal pay, with its methodology and data independently validated by a leading gender and diversity firm. The company conducts an annual global pay equality review across its brands using this methodology.

“Banana Republic is designed for life with no boundaries and equality has always been a part of our brand DNA. We value the opportunity to support women’s rights and the ACLU Women’s Rights Project,” says Mary Alderete, Banana Republic Chief Marketing Officer. “As a brand co-founded by a woman and a company that continues to empower strong women, we want to show our appreciation and support to those who are using their voices to champion equality every day.”

Banana Republic will re-issue the original “dissent collar” necklace and donate 50% of the purchase price to the ACLU Women’s Rights Project. This limited-edition glass stone and brass jeweled black bib necklace with velvet tie is available on bananarepublic.com for pre-order on January 7, before its January 15 on sale date.

Follow the journey: @bananarepublic #BRNoBoundaries @aclu

About the American Civil Liberties Union
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and their Women’s Rights Project have made progress by establishing essential protections for women and challenging cultural norms that dictate traditional roles according to gender. Today the ACLU continues to lead litigation and advocacy work that ensures women have equal rights in every realm of life – in the workplace, in education, in the criminal justice system, in the home, and in public.

Beauty Changes Lives Foundation Announces Opening of Spring 2014 Beauty Education Scholarship

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.-The Beauty Changes Lives Foundation in partnership with Wella’s Hairdressers at Heart will begin accepting applications for the Spring 2014 Vidal Sassoon Professional Beauty Education Scholarship Program at www.beautychangeslives.org/scholarships. Twenty scholarships will be awarded, including 10 basic scholarships for individuals pursuing a beauty and wellness career and 10 advanced scholarships for licensed professionals who want to take their career to a new level.

Since launching the first competition in 2013, the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation has awarded nearly $200,000 in scholarships, funded by Wella, the salon professional division of P&G. Wella has committed to funding $1.5M in scholarships, administered by the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation, through 2017.

Basic scholarships fund 50 percent of tuition (up to $10,000) at qualified cosmetology schools (http://beautycareerlink.beautyschools.org). Advanced scholarships cover travel, lodging, and fees for a five-day course at a Sassoon Academy in North America. A judging panel of beauty industry experts will evaluate each applicant’s 500-word essay or three-minute video submission.

The Vidal Sassoon Professional Beauty Scholarship Program honors the late Vidal Sassoon’s legacy as a visionary, entrepreneur and advocate for lifelong professional learning. Scholarships are awarded to individuals who embody Sassoon’s heritage of creativity, craftsmanship, professional drive and love of learning. A non-profit arm of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools, the Beauty Changes Lives foundation serves as the administering body and coordination liaison for the scholarship program.

The application window for the spring competition closes on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 and winners will be announced in May. In 2014, the first recipients of Vidal Sassoon Professional Beauty Education Scholarship Programs will begin graduating beauty school. “It is amazing to see how individuals can change their career and transform their life in about a year via the gift of education,” said Lynelle Lynch, president of the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation.

This Press Release is courtesy www.pg.com

Beautycounter, the Industry Leading Clean Beauty Brand, Partners with The Carlyle Group to Fast-Track Growth

NEW YORK, April 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Counter Brands, LLC, parent company of Beautycounter, the leader in clean beauty, and global investment firm The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) today announced that Carlyle has acquired a majority stake in Beautycounter. The partnership will allow Beautycounter to accelerate its strategic initiatives, including increasing brand awareness as well as bolstering the company’s innovative, integrated, omni-channel business model. The transaction values the company at $1 billion.

Beautycounter is a mission driven, digitally native, clean beauty brand that has continued to lead and define the future of the global beauty industry since its launch in 2013. The company’s efforts have led the way for ingredient innovation and transparency, having introduced The Never List™ to ensure 1,800 questionable or potentially harmful ingredients are never used in its product formulations as part of its Blueprint for Clean; achieved clinically-proven product efficacy, creating award-winning makeup and skincare driving consumer loyalty; and prioritized advocacy, passing nine pieces of legislation to advance personal care product safety in the United States. This consumer-first combination is what Beautycounter strives to consistently deliver for its community and is what sets it apart as a leader in the beauty industry.

“In 2013, I launched Beautycounter with the simple mission to get safer products into the hands of everyone,” said Beautycounter Founder and CEO Gregg Renfrew. “Today marks an exciting and important milestone for our company and I am so proud to partner with Carlyle as we continue to work toward achieving that mission. I have long admired Jay and the team at Carlyle for their experience working with brands at the intersection of cultural relevance and consumer demand and believe that our combined vision will be instrumental in accelerating Beautycounter as the leader in clean beauty, and in the beauty industry as a whole.”

“We are so excited to partner with Gregg and her outstanding executive team to support Beautycounter’s movement to bring safer products to consumers,” said Jay Sammons, Head of Global Consumer, Media & Retail, The Carlyle Group. “Beautycounter is a pioneer and leader in the fast-growing clean beauty industry, and we see an opportunity to support a talented, founder-led team in amplifying the brand’s mission to change beauty forever.”

The investment in Beautycounter builds on Carlyle’s long-term focus on partnering with founder-led brands focused on growth. Equity capital for the investment came from Carlyle Partners VII, an $18.5 billion fund that makes majority and strategic minority investments primarily in the U.S. in targeted industries, including Consumer, Media & Retail.

Evercore acted as lead financial advisor, and Goldman Sachs acted as financial advisor to Beautycounter, and Latham & Watkins served as legal counsel. Kirkland & Ellis acted as legal counsel to Carlyle. Mousse Partners also participated in this round of financing, having previously invested in the company in 2018.

To learn more, visit beautycounter.com.

About Beautycounter

Founded by Gregg Renfrew in 2011 and launched in 2013, Beautycounter is the leader in clean skincare and cosmetics whose mission is to get safer products into the hands of everyone. The Santa Monica, CA-based brand leads the way for improved transparency and accountability in the beauty industry, including advocacy efforts that update federal regulations that have stood largely unchanged since 1938.

Beautycounter is an omni-channel brand and is available today online, in physical retail stores, through strategic partnerships, and through its community of more than 65,000 independent sellers across North America.

Beautycounter offers more than 100 products that have earned numerous awards, including Fast Company’s Most Innovative, Allure’s Best of Beauty, Glamour’s Beauty Awards, Refinery29’s Innovators List, WWD’s 2019 Best-Performing Beauty Company, and CNBC’s Disruptor 50. For more information, visit www.beautycounter.com, follow on Instagram @beautycounter, Twitter @beautycounterhq, Facebook @beautycounterhq, and YouTube @beautycounter.

About The Carlyle Group

The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit and Investment Solutions. With $246 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2020, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. The Carlyle Group employs 1,825 people in 29 offices across five continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow The Carlyle Group on Twitter @OneCarlyle.

SOURCE Beautycounter

CONTACT: Brittany Berliner, +1 (212) 813-4839, brittany.berliner@carlyle.com; Meaghan Curcio, +1 (917) 353-3001, meaghan.curcio@beautycounter.com

Benjamin Moore Collaborates With The Council Of Fashion Designers Of America To Promote Design In America

Montvale, NJ – Benjamin Moore, North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand, today announced it will collaborate with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), the leading not-for-profit trade association of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry and accessory designers, to promote design in America. This partnership marks the first time the CFDA has teamed up with a home décor brand to spotlight the influences of color, design and entrepreneurship in America.

“Benjamin Moore and the CFDA will work together to celebrate the aesthetic impact and transformative power of color, one of the most important and essential tools of design,” said Carl Minchew, Vice President of Color Innovation & Design of Benjamin Moore. “There are many synergies between our two worlds and with the help of the CFDA, we will bring together the architectural design and fashion communities to advance our trade and encourage entrepreneurship in this industry.”

“The creation of the inaugural CFDA Trail Blazer Award is a testament to Benjamin Moore’s continuing support of American Fashion,” said Steven Kolb, Chief Executive Officer of the CFDA. “The CFDA is proud to partner with Benjamin Moore throughout the year to celebrate the use of color in the American Fashion Industry.”

To kick off the effort, Benjamin Moore will honor California-based fashion designer Trina Turk with its inaugural CFDA Trailblazer Award at the HUE® Awards in New York City. Benjamin Moore also looked to the fashion industry to tap the host for this year’s event and named Simon Doonan, the Creative Ambassador-at-Large of Barneys New York to serve as the master of ceremonies on September 29. Since its inception in 2008, the HUE® Awards has been Benjamin Moore’s signature event recognizing exceptional use of color in architectural design.

“Benjamin Moore and CFDA are excited to present this award to Trina Turk to recognize her trailblazing career that crosses over from the world of fashion and design with her colorful and bold designs across women’s ready-to-wear and accessories, menswear, swimwear, residential décor and textiles,” added Minchew.

During the next year, Benjamin Moore and the CFDA will organize various events, programs and collaborations for CFDA members as well as the larger design community.

About Benjamin Moore & Co.
Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883. One of the North America’s leading manufacturers of premium quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and continues to develop the most eco-responsible formulations possible. In 2012, the company’s Natura® paint received the Green Good Housekeeping Seal, acknowledging its high degree of sustainability plus rigorously tested performance. Other superior products in the Benjamin Moore Green Promise® portfolio include Aura®, Regal® Select, ben® and Ultra Spec® 500 paint for commercial interiors – all built upon our patented Gennex® platform that has changed the industry and earned the passion and loyalty of homeowners and professional painters by delivering extremely low-VOC and peerless beauty and performance. J.D. Power and Associates 2014 Interior Paint Satisfaction Study ranked Benjamin Moore highest in consumer satisfaction, marking the fourth consecutive year and fifth time the company has earned this rating. Benjamin Moore paints deliver authentic Benjamin Moore colors and are available exclusively from Benjamin Moore’s more than 5,000 paint and decorating dealers.

About the CFDA
The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc, (CFDA) is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 1962 that leads industry-wide initiatives and whose membership consists of more than 480 of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessory designers. In addition to hosting the annual CFDA Fashion Awards, which recognize the top creative talent in the industry, the organization offers programs which support professional development and scholarships, including the CFDA {Fashion Incubator}, the CFDAVogue Fashion Fund, the Geoffrey Beene Design Scholar Award, the Liz Claiborne Design Scholarship Award and the CFDATeen Vogue Scholarship. In 2013, the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative was created to nurture, elevate and preserve garment production in New York City. Member support is provided through the Strategic Partnerships Group, a high-profile group of companies offering designers strategic opportunities. The CFDA Foundation, Inc. is a separate, not-for-profit organized to mobilize the membership to raise funds for charitable causes. Through the Foundation, the CFDA created and manages the worldwide Fashion Targets Breast Cancer initiative; raises funds for HIVAIDS organizations with events such as Fashion’s Night Out and 7th on Sale and addresses the issue of model health with The CFDA Health Initiative.

BMW of North America Returns to New York Fashion Week as Official Automotive Partner

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – February 11, 2021… BMW of North America returns as the Official Automotive Partner of New York Fashion Week: The Shows for the FW ‘21 season. In this latest chapter of their partnership, BMW and IMG will join in support of New York Fashion Week (NYFW) to celebrate fashion, culture, design and economic development. The highlight of this year’s activation is a custom content series with luxury womenswear fashion designer – and New York City’s own – LaQuan Smith. The content will showcase the intersection of the fashion and automotive industries, as well as highlight how Smith and his team have continued to innovate, inspire and persevere throughout the past year.

“Over the past two years, New York Fashion Week has become an important platform for BMW, one on which we can not only showcase, but also celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of the fashion community,” said Uwe Dreher, vice president of marketing, BMW of North America. “The natural connection between high fashion and a premium automotive company such as BMW extends beyond design and style to include a spirit of innovation and performance, which is what makes this partnership with LaQuan Smith so authentic.”

The content series will illustrate the parallels between the fashion and automotive creative processes, and how visionary design takes time, perseverance and authenticity. Smith’s Queens roots, unapologetically glamorous collections and larger-than-life energy make him the perfect partner to show how creativity and determination come together to create power, which is not only visible in Smith’s creations, but also in the designs of the BMW X5 M and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles that are featured in the series.

“I am thrilled to have partnered with BMW of North America on this special content series in celebration of NYFW,” said LaQuan Smith. “There has been a genuine synergy between both brands from the onset, which has highlighted the parallels of luxury craft and design between the fashion and automotive industries, as both have continued to innovate and persevere through these challenging times.”

BMW of North America’s role as Official Automotive Partner of New York Fashion Week underscores the brand’s decades-long commitment to the arts and culture, a cornerstone of its efforts to engage diverse audiences in new and innovative ways. The custom content series serves as a notable kickoff to BMW of North America’s partnership and debuts on February 13, 2021.

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Follow BMW of North America on Instagram @BMWUSA, Twitter @BMWUSA and Like BMWUSA on Facebook.

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BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; technology offices in Silicon Valley and Chicago, and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 349 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 117 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Cadillac And The Council Of Fashion Designers Of America Launch Retail Lab

Cadillac and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) announced the launch of the Retail Lab, an innovative program providing tangible value to designers who are driving the fashion industry forward. The main component of Retail Lab will be a custom retail shop located on the ground floor of Cadillac’s global headquarters in New York. Participating designers, selected through a competitive application process, will gain valuable retail experience under the tutelage of fashion industry experts.

Six designers will be part of the 2016/2017 term, each opening their respective retail shop for three months while under the mentorship program. The inaugural fashion designer is Timo Weiland, whose shop will open to the public in early July.

Since Timo Weiland launched the brand with Alan Eckstein and Donna Kang in 2010, the collection, which is built around the ethos of clothes to live in, has developed a following with celebrities like Kerry Washington, Elizabeth Banks, Elijah Wood, and Andrew Garfield.

“Our ongoing partnership with the CFDA represents Cadillac’s unwavering commitment to the fashion community and its growth,” said Melody Lee, Director, Brand Strategy & Planning at Cadillac. “Retail Lab will give designers a space in the heart of Cadillac’s headquarters, along with the tools, training and inspiration to take their business to the next level.”

The Retail Lab program is funded by Cadillac and features key elements integral to success in retail, including business development, marketing and PR. In addition to covering costs associated with a retail space, such as real estate, display units, mannequins, signage and point of sale system, Cadillac will provide each designer with a $75,000 grant to put towards wholesale buys, sales support and marketing.

The CFDA and Cadillac have assembled a team of experts across fashion, retail, business and technology to comprise the Advisory Board, who will curate the program curriculum, develop a Retail Lab handbook and provide valuable mentorship guidance throughout. The Advisory Board consists of Billy Reid; Bobby Schuessler, Who What Wear; Darcy Penick, Shopbop /East Dane; Jan-Hendrik Schlottmann, Derek Lam; Jay Silver, CBiz; Josh Peskowitz, Magasin; Julie Gilhart; Kelli Adams, Redscout; Liz Rodbell, Hudson Bay Company; Marigay McKee, MM Luxe Consulting; Matt Marcotte; Melody Lee, Cadillac; Rachel Besser, Market Editor, Refinery29; Rachel Shechtman, STORY; Reed Krakoff; Robin Kramer, Kramer Design Group; Robin Zendell, Robin Zendell LLC; Simon Doonan, Barneys New York; Stacey Bendet Eisner, Alice + Olivia, and Steven Alan.

“The CFDA is always looking for meaningful programs that help strengthen the impact of American Fashion,” said Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA. “Every designer aspires to a freestanding retail experience that allows them to tell their brand story and connect directly with consumers. Cadillac’s commitment to the industry will help the selected designers make this a reality.”

The Retail Lab application process will be open from April 6th through May 6th. Five designers will be chosen by the Advisory Board and announced at the end of May for the 2016/2017 term. Eligible designer will need to meet the following criteria:

Must be 18 years of age or older
Be American or have established a primary design business in the United States
Be in business for a minimum of 3 years
Be a designer of demonstrable talent, i.e. have garnered substantial editorial coverage
Have support (orders) from notable wholesale retailers
Be able to demonstrate sales growth during their time in business
Does not have current stand-alone retail location
Be able to occupy the Retail Lab space for a maximum of 3 months, inclusive of producing and providing inventory for the store
Open to womenswear, menswear, or accessory designers
Open to both CFDA and non-CFDA members
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ABOUT CADILLAC
Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. Today Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio featuring distinctive design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at www.cadillac.com. Cadillac’s media website with information, images and video can be found at media.cadillac.com.

ABOUT THE CFDA
The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc, (CFDA) was founded in 1962 and aims to strengthen the impact of American Fashion in the global economy. In addition to hosting the CFDA Fashion Awards, the organization owns the Fashion Calendar and stages the bi-annual New York Fashion Week: Men’s. Other initiatives include the CFDA {Fashion Incubator} and the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund as well as several Scholarship and charitable programs. For more information, please visit www.CFDA.com, facebook.com/cfda, twitter.com/cfda, cfda.tumblr.com, and youtube.com/cfdatv.

ABOUT TIMO WEILAND
Co-founded in 2010 by Timo Weiland, Alan Eckstein and Donna Kang, Timo Weiland is a New York based Womens and Menswear brand. Built around the ethos of creating clothes to live in, the collections are inspired by the multifaceted lifestyles of the designers and those around them. Drawing from a shared love of music, travel and contemporary culture, Timo Weiland presents an updated take on classic American sensibilities. Known for eclectic combinations of fabrics and detailing, the collection places focus on quality and wearability, while injecting touches of the designers’ distinct brand of playfulness. Modern prep meets streetwear, with a touch of romance, the brand encompasses the adventurous spirit of New York City.

Changing The Wholesale Landscape To Support Minority-owned Businesses

On Wednesday, the CFDA hosted the third and final session of its new webinar series, “Changing the Fashion Wholesale Landscape to Support Minority-Owned Businesses,” a virtual conversation providing insights into opportunities and resources that minority-owned businesses can utilize to navigate the challenges of the wholesale market.

The webinar was moderated by Felita Harris, Chief Revenue Officer and Co-Founder of Raisefashion. Panelists included Charles Harbison, CEO and Creative Director, Harbison Studio; Edwina Kulego, VP, International & Men’s Fashion, Informa Markets; Busayo Olupona, Esq., Founder & Creative Director, Busayo; Amira Rasool, Founder and CEO of The Folklore, and Ibada Wadud, Assistant Professor, Strategic Design & Management at Parsons as well as Executive Consultant, Sustainability & Equity, Founder & Head of Impact of LULAH.

The conversation discussed the progression of the wholesale business to support BIPOC brands, the benefits of launching with a wholesale partner, the complexities brands still face getting buyers to review their collections, as well as provided ways in which brands can get wholesale ready.

Coach, Inc. to Acquire Kate Spade & Company for $18.50 Per Share in Cash

NEW YORK– Coach, Inc. (NYSE:COH) (SEHK:6388), a leading New York design house of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle brands, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Kate Spade & Company (NYSE:KATE). Under the terms of the transaction Kate Spade shareholders will receive $18.50 per share in cash for a total transaction value of $2.4 billion. The transaction represents a 27.5% percent premium to the unaffected closing price of Kate Spade’s shares as of December 27, 2016, the last trading day prior to media speculation of a transaction. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of Kate Spade & Company and Coach, Inc.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170508005427/en/

Victor Luis, Chief Executive Officer of Coach, Inc. said, “Kate Spade has a truly unique and differentiated brand positioning with a broad lifestyle assortment and strong awareness among consumers, especially millennials. Through this acquisition, we will create the first New York-based house of modern luxury lifestyle brands, defined by authentic, distinctive products and fashion innovation. In addition, we believe Coach’s extensive experience in opening and operating specialty retail stores globally, and brand building in international markets, can unlock Kate Spade’s largely untapped global growth potential. We are confident that this combination will strengthen our overall platform and provide an additional vehicle for driving long-term, sustainable growth.”

Craig A. Leavitt, Chief Executive Officer of Kate Spade & Company, said, “Following a thorough review of strategic alternatives, reaching an agreement to join Coach’s portfolio of global brands will maximize value for our shareholders and positions Kate Spade for long-term success as we continue our evolution into a powerful, global, multi-channel lifestyle brand. We look forward to working with Coach’s leadership team to leverage their expertise across the business as we continue to innovate and build long-term loyalty with consumers and expand across our product category and geographic axes of growth.”

Kevin Wills, Coach’s Chief Financial Officer added, “Due to the complementary nature of our respective businesses, we believe that we can realize a run rate of approximately $50 million in synergies within three years of the deal closing. These cost synergies will be realized through operational efficiencies, improved scale and inventory management, and the optimization of Kate Spade’s supply chain network. At the same time, to ensure the long-term viability and health of the Kate Spade brand, and similar to the steps Coach has itself taken over the last three years, we plan to reduce sales in Kate Spade’s wholesale disposition and online flash sales channels. Therefore, the reduction in profitability from the pullback in these channels will be offset by the realization of these substantial synergies. As a result, we expect that the acquisition will be accretive in fiscal 2018 on a non-GAAP basis, and will reach double-digit accretion by fiscal 2019, also on a non-GAAP basis.”

Mr. Luis concluded, “The acquisition of Kate Spade is an important step in Coach’s evolution as a customer-focused, multi-brand organization. The combination enhances our position in the attractive global premium handbag and accessories, footwear and outerwear categories, bringing product, brand positioning and customer diversification to the portfolio, and establishing scale in key functions with the resources to invest in talent and innovation. In addition, we believe the Kate Spade brand will benefit from our best-in-class supply chain and strong corporate infrastructure.”

Strategic Rationale
The combination of Coach, Inc. and Kate Spade & Company will create a leading luxury lifestyle company with a more diverse multi-brand portfolio supported by significant expertise in handbag design, merchandising, supply chain and retail operations as well as solid financial acumen. Coach’s history and heritage, multi-channel, international distribution model, and seasoned leadership team uniquely position it to drive long-term sustainable growth for Kate Spade. Coach is focused on preserving Kate Spade’s brand independence as well as retaining key talent, ensuring a smooth transition to Coach, Inc.’s ownership.

Transaction Details
The transaction is not subject to a financing condition. Coach has secured committed bridge financing from BofA Merrill Lynch. The $2.4 billion purchase price is expected to be funded by a combination of senior notes, bank term loans and approximately $1.2 billion of excess Coach cash, a portion of which will be used to repay an expected $800 million 6-month term loan. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of calendar 2017, subject to customary closing conditions, including the tender of a majority of the outstanding Kate Spade & Company shares pursuant to the offer and receipt of required regulatory approvals.

Advisors
Coach’s financial advisor is Evercore Group L.L.C. and its legal advisor is Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP. Kate Spade & Company’s financial advisor is Perella Weinberg Partners LP and its legal advisor is Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.

A telephone replay will be available starting at 12:00 p.m. EDT today, for a period of five business days. To access the telephone replay, call 1-800-585-8367 or 1-404-537-3406 and enter the Conference ID 20303086. A webcast replay of the conference call will also be available for five business days.

About Coach
Coach, Inc. is a leading New York design house of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle brands. The Coach brand was established in New York City in 1941, and has a rich heritage of pairing exceptional leathers and materials with innovative design. Coach is sold worldwide through Coach stores, select department stores and specialty stores, and through Coach’s website at www.coach.com. In 2015, Coach acquired Stuart Weitzman, a global leader in designer footwear, sold in more than 70 countries and through its website at www.stuartweitzman.com. Coach, Inc.’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol COH and Coach’s Hong Kong Depositary Receipts are traded on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the symbol 6388.

About Kate Spade & Company
Kate Spade & Company (NYSE:KATE) operates principally under two global, multichannel lifestyle brands: kate spade new york and Jack Spade New York™. The Company’s four category pillars – women’s, men’s, children’s and home – span demographics, genders and geographies. Known for crisp color, graphic prints and playful sophistication, kate spade new york aims to inspire a more interesting life. The kate spade new york collection includes the Madison Avenue, Broome Street and on purpose labels. Jack Spade New York offers a timeless and versatile assortment of bags, sportswear and tailored clothing founded on the aesthetic of simple, purposeful design. The Company also owns Adelington Design Group, a private brand jewelry design and development group. Visit www.katespadeandcompany.com for more information.

Condé Nast Entertainment and Allure Launch New Digital Channel and Series

New York, NY – Today, Allure, the beauty expert, launches its dedicated digital video channel, with four new original series featuring makeovers, expert beauty advice, and the inside stories behind the most memorable celebrity beauty looks. The channel extends the reach of Allure’s video library which includes the Backstage Beauty series of trend reports from fashion shows, behind-the-scenes of celebrity cover shoots, and beauty how-to’s.

The content will be widely distributed across all platforms including Allure’s video site on video.allure.com and YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/Allure as well as through syndicated partnerships.

“Beauty is one of the fastest growing categories in video,” said Linda Wells, editor in chief of Allure. “It is a great platform for a mix of entertainment and information. It is an important frontier for beauty and the audience is passionate, opinionated and involved.”

In 2013, beauty-related videos on YouTube garnered 700 million views per month — a 133% increase from 2010’s average of 300 million views per month.

Condé Nast Entertainment’s digital audience grew by 761% in unique visitors from 2012 to 2013.

“The Allure digital channel brings to life the expertise, passion and loyalty that the brand has always shared with its consumers,” said Dawn Ostroff, President, Condé Nast Entertainment. “Premium content for the beauty category’s engaged audiences is a key component of the continued growth of CNE’s digital network.”

New series from Allure include:

Hair Tyrant with Ashley Javier

Ashley Javier operates an invitation-only salon where his customers agree to submit to his vision—and his brutal honesty. In his show, Ashley gives women dramatic makeovers that push them out of their comfort zone for a fresh start. His roster of clients includes Proenza Schouler designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, artist Julian Schnabel, and socialite Lauren Bush Lauren.
• Watch the series trailer here: http://video.allure.com/watch/hair-tyrant-series-trailer
• Watch “The Consultation: Putting Your College Style Behind You” here: http://video.allure.com/watch/hair-tyrant-the-consultation-putting-your-college-style-behind-you
• Watch “The Final Look: A Warmer Professional Style” here: http://video.allure.com/watch/hair-tyrant-the-final-look-a-warmer-professional-style

Cassandra to the Rescue

Model Cassandra Bankson became a YouTube sensation after posting a video in which she removed all of her makeup to reveal her severe acne. In her series, Cassandra helps women with varying skin problems use makeup to help them prepare for a big event. In addition to being a talented self-taught makeup artist, Cassandra knows firsthand the emotional impact of having severe skin problems and the positive psychological impact of beautiful makeup.

Beauty Evolution

An extension of a classic, popular in-book franchise feature, Beauty Evolution delves into some of the best (and not-so-best) beauty looks of favorite celebrities, why they’re inspiring, and what lessons viewers can take from their missteps and successes.

Beauty Basics

A new take on the classic how-to, Beauty Basics features tips and techniques that teach women how to recreate popular hair and makeup looks on themselves.
• Watch the series trailer here: http://video.allure.com/watch/beauty-basics-series-trailer
• Watch “How To Do a Smoky Eye” here: http://video.allure.com/watch/beauty-basics-how-to-do-a-smoky-eye

Visit the all-new Allure channel for more video: video.allure.com
Subscribe to the Allure YouTube channel here: www.youtube.com/Allure
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Allure_magazine
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allure
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Allure
Instagram: http://instagram.com/allure_magazine
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/alluremagazine

About Allure
Allure launched in 1991 as the first and only magazine devoted to beauty. Today, Allure’s print audience is 6.4 million and its average monthly online audience is 2.8 million. Allure has a strong social media presence, tablet editions, mobile apps, content licensing, books, and special issues. Allure is published by Condé Nast. Follow Allure at facebook.com/allure and @Allure_magazine on Twitter and Instagram.

About Condé Nast Entertainment (CNÉ)
Condé Nast creates the world’s best content for the world’s most influential audiences. The company attracts more than 164 million consumers across its twenty industry-leading print and digital media brands: Vogue, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Brides, Self, GQ, The New Yorker, Condé Nast Traveler, Details, Allure, Architectural Digest, Bon Appétit, Epicurious, Wired, W, Lucky, Golf Digest, Golf World, Teen Vogue and Ars Technica.

The company launched Condé Nast Entertainment in 2011 to develop film, television and digital video programming. Condé Nast also owns Fairchild Fashion Media (FFM) and its portfolio of comprehensive fashion journalism brands: WWD, Style.com, Footwear News, NowManifest, Beauty Inc., M and Fairchild Summits.

For more information, visit www.condenast.com

Coty Announces Acquisition of Hypermarca’s Beauty and Personal Care Business

NEW YORK, Nov. 2, 2015– Coty Inc. (NYSE:COTY) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the personal care and beauty business (the “Beauty Business”) of Hypermarcas S.A. (BM&FBovespa:HYPE3) for approximately $1.0 billion (R$3.8 billion) in cash. The transaction will be funded with a combination of cash on hand and available debt facilities.

The Beauty Business is a $253.5 million (R$977.5 million) net revenue business as of 2014, with an offering of brands that hold leading positions in the highly competitive Brazilian beauty and personal care market, which is the third largest in the world. Brands that Coty would acquire include:

Monange – a multi-category personal care brand (body care, hair care, female deodorant)
Risqué – the market leader in nail polish in Brazil
Bozzano – the market leader in men’s care in Brazil
Paixão – largest skin care brand in Brazil
Biocolor – a best-selling hair colorant in Brazil
The Beauty Business comprises state of the art manufacturing and distribution facilities in the state of Goias, with critical mass go to market capabilities complemented by a proven management team. As a result, it provides an excellent platform to integrate the existing small Coty business as well as the larger Procter & Gamble Specialty Beauty business in Brazil. The latter is expected to be merged into Coty in the second half of calendar 2016, subject to regulatory clearances and other customary closing conditions.

Bart Becht, Interim CEO and Chairman of Coty, commented: “We are excited to announce the acquisition of the Beauty Business of Hypermarcas, a leading beauty and personal care business in one of the world’s most important retail markets. We expect that the strength of the brands, the impressive leadership team and its robust infrastructure will enhance Coty’s competitive position and very much complement our contemplated merger with the P&G Specialty Beauty Business. Today’s announcement is another step in our progression towards creating a pure-play global leader and challenger in Beauty.”

The transaction is subject to regulatory clearances and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to be closed in two stages by end of March 2016.

As a reminder, Coty will release fiscal 2016 first quarter financial results before the open of the U.S. equity markets on the morning of Thursday, November 5, 2015. On that date, at 9:00 a.m. ET, Coty will webcast live its conference call discussing its results, business outlook and recent corporate developments, including the Beauty Business acquisition. Bart Becht and Patrice de Talhouët, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will host the call. Those wishing to access the webcast can do so at http://investors.coty.com. The webcast will also be archived on the website.

About Coty Inc.

Coty is a leading global beauty company with net revenues of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015. Founded in Paris in 1904, Coty is a pure play beauty company with a portfolio of well-known fragrances, color cosmetics and skin & body care products sold in over 130 countries and territories. Coty’s product offerings include such leading power brands as Adidas, Calvin Klein, Chloé, DAVIDOFF, Marc Jacobs, OPI, philosophy, Playboy, Rimmel and Sally Hansen.

For additional information about Coty Inc., please visit www.coty.com.

About Hypermarcas

Founded in 2001, Hypermarcas is Brazil’s national champion in pharmaceutical products. The company has 14% market share in units, ranking #1 in the market. It competes in all relevant segments of the sector, with leadership positioning in several of them.

The company is #1 in OTC drugs, with about 13% market share. It has leadership in segments such as flu symptoms, pain relief, antacids, among others. Its brands are widely traditional, established in the market for many years. In some cases, they are category icons, such as Benegrip, Engov, Rinosoro, Epocler, Estomazil, Atroveran, Alivium, Tamarine, among others.

In addition, the company is #1 in branded generics, with the Neo Química brand, which also ranks #3 in pure generics.

In RX drugs, the company has a portfolio of well-established brands in several markets, such as Predsim, Celestamine, Maxsulid, Diprospan, Mioflex-A. This segment is supported by a field team which visits more than 150,000 doctors monthly.

Hypermarcas also has leadership in other Consumer Health markets, such as #1 in condoms, with about 55% market share, under brands Jontex, Olla and Lovetex; #1 in nutritionals, with more than 50% market share, under brands Zero-Cal, Finn and Adocyl; #2 in dermocosmetics, sharing the leadership, under the Mantecorp Skincare brand.

The strength in the pharmaceutical market is based upon large-scale, low-cost operations, with one of the biggest drug manufacturing plants in the world. In addition, the company has robust distribution, both in the drugstore chains channel, as well as in traditional stores, reached by means of unique, exclusive distributors. This operating platform is supported by high marketing investments and an aggressive innovation policy, with continuous launches of new products.

For more information on Hypermarcas, please visit www.hypermarcas.com.br.

Cynthia Rowley: The Adventure-Seeker Of Art And Fashion

Last Friday, CFDA kicked off a new series in collaboration with the National Arts Club centering arts and fashion, with CFDA member Cynthia Rowley as the program’s first designer in conversation with CFDA Editorial and Communications Director Marc Karimzadeh.

In a word, the Cynthia Rowley brand is joyful. A combination of adventure, arts, sport, and prettiness. Her life’s trajectory and career has been exactly that, too.

The designer hails from a small town in Illinois, born to a family of artists. She studied at the Art Institute of Chicago where, as a graduating senior, she won a fellowship award with $2,000 that she used to rent a U-Haul and move to her first New York City apartment on Varick Street, wasting no time to start her line and host runway shows.

Today, Rowley is the author of five best-selling books, has appeared on many TV shows, is a CFDA Fashion Award winner, and dear friend of the American fashion community.

Marc Karimzadeh: How has storytelling played a role in your process, from the design process to runway shows?

Cynthia Rowley: There’s a lot of ways to story tell—most importantly in the product itself—but also in presentations and collaborations. We figured out that we have had 100 runway shows to date which is kind of amazing. I think that’s a great way to tell a story, but it’s not the only way.

With a runway show, people will always ask, what’s your inspiration? I hate that question. You can’t just say it’s one thing. That mentality took me down the wrong path for the long time and down the rabbit hole of a thematic show. You can get carried away with that and the clothes start to become not as wearable or relatable.

It should be up to the audience whether they like it or not. What is their interpretation and how are they seeing it? Fashion for me is fantasy, vision, and dreams.

It makes so much sense to be here [at the National Arts Club] because [CFDA Founder] Eleanor Lambert looked at fashion as art. You’re the perfect person to kick off our series because you have an association with the art world. How much does art mean to you

There is a difference between art and commerce in fashion and I prefer to separate them.

I had this idea inspired by artists like Richard Prince on the appropriation of other mediums for my collaboration with Gagosian Gallery. In fashion, you go from 2-D sketches to 3-D clothes and back to 2-D photographers of the collection, so I was fascinated by that. We made blanks and printed the collection on them from appropriated images from the runway show with a Gagosian clothing label and sold them in the gallery.

My very good friend Will Cotton, who is a great artist, once approached me with a concept of a cupcake paper dress for Katy Perry and said he knew I could make it. We also did this show together where he created the set and Scarlett Johansson opened the show singing The Candy Man. After the show, he painted a beautiful painting of the show set with the models.

The Cynthia Rowley brand is so rooted in activewear, fitness and sport. How does that speak to your brand?

I am obsessed with fitness and sport. I love surf, and there was nothing cute for girls, so we started making wetsuits and have now been making them for 12 years. We even do a surf camp once a year. We don’t dress professional athletes, even though they are fully functional. We make it for women to get out there to try something new and take a chance on things. Vogue called our stuff surf-leisure, but you can wear it wherever and however you want.

I think sports are in every part of life, including fashion. If you think about it, in fashion, you must persevere, you have to be dedicated, you have to work hard, you have to work as a team, you have to be tough-minded, and you are competitor. If you think you’re broken, get up and go fight another day. Sports is an important mentality to have. I’m so lucky to have my team and we work well together. When we design something cute, we say ‘Scotty Pippen sets it up, and Jordan dunks it!’

What advice would you give to a young professional looking to have a career in fashion?

Be grateful. It’s very hard work and it doesn’t get easier; it just becomes different hard work. Be fiscally responsible. I never took in outside capital in the beginning because I didn’t want anyone to have the chance to pull the plug on my dreams. I think that balance of art and commerce, understanding the business, and being as creative in business as you are in design is just as important.

Every day I’m excited to come to work and say hey this fashion thing is starting to work. When I came to New York I had nothing to lose, so I would take risks and do crazy things. Now you should never lose that feeling of having nothing to lose, and you should always embrace trying new things and taking risks.

Daymond John: Why I’ll Be At The Global Entrepreneurship Summit

When I was 20, living in my mom’s house, the new sound of hip hop was breaking out from the streets to the stores. Records were flying off the shelves, and although my community was underserved in resource, we were rich with hustle. I knew it was time for a brand that represented this rise and movement — a brand that was “For Us By Us.”

But I was broke with no guidance on how to make my dream a reality. So I started sewing and stitching at night. I made forty hats-and my brand FUBU was born. At the time, I didn’t know how to access capital or source material. I didn’t know how to build a business.

So I got my neighbor, L.L. Cool J, to take a photo wearing a FUBU hat. I spent my last dollars mailing that photo to trade buyers. It was my big break. Suddenly, every major music artist was begging to wear my swag and I amassed over $300,000 in orders. To meet demand, my three partners and I transformed my childhood home into a full-on clothing factory. I learned to exercise what I call “The Power of Broke.” By harnessing that power and that drive, I managed to turn FUBU into a multi-billion dollar iconic brand.

The challenges I faced and the journey I took mirror the potential of millions of young entrepreneurs here and around the world. They have the drive and spirit to imagine, innovate, and create-but we must all come together in order to keep lifting them up.

That’s why, in 2015, I became a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE), working with the White House to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs across the globe, providing opportunities and pathways to capital and skills, and helping to inspire success in others.

This year I am proud to travel with President Obama to the seventh annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) at Stanford University. With over 700 entrepreneurs from 170 countries and 350 investors in attendance, we’re bringing the world to Silicon Valley and Silicon Valley to the world.

I’m excited to meet people like Sumana Shrestha, who started Medication for Nepal, an organization that uses technology to tackle inefficiencies and high health care costs, ensuring medical access for the most vulnerable populations in her country. And Evans Wadongo from Kenya, the co-founder of GreenWize Energy, which is advancing cutting edge African-designed renewable energy products and solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.

I hope you’ll join me in watching the President’s remarks at this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Summit.

Thanks,

Daymond John, the founder of FUBU and Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship, writes about his journey as an entrepreneur.

Designworks Collaborates with The North Face to Imagine New Camper Concept

LAS VEGAS – January 8, 2019 – In Las Vegas today, BMW Group subsidiary Designworks unveiled a new camper concept and virtual reality experience, in partnership with The North Face, to imagine the future of protection from the elements.

The lightweight camper concept and virtual experience were designed by Designworks to showcase a new fabric innovation from The North Face called FUTURELIGHT™, which uses Nanospinning technology to create the world’s most advanced, breathable, waterproof material.

“We combined both physical and digital worlds to showcase this material, ensuring the holistic vision of the brand was clearly communicated, while giving people a real ‘hands-on’ experience,” said Laura Robin, Designworks LA Studio Director. “Thinking about extreme performance in new and unexpected ways from our experience of working across multiple industries, helped us to provide consumers with a unique and never before seen insight into the very heart of the material and its key attributes.”

The FUTURELIGHT camper was inspired by the 2008 BMW GINA Light Visionary Model concept car. Like the GINA Concept, the FUTURELIGHT™ Camper is made of a fabric outer shell, consisting of a flexible material stretched over an iconic geodesic dome to demonstrate the potential uses of FUTURELIGHT™ fabric beyond just apparel.

The revolutionary Nanospinning process used to create FUTURELIGHT™, has allowed the The North Face designers to add air permeability into the membrane of a fabric for the first time. The process creates nano-sized holes, allowing for incredible porosity while still maintaining total waterproofness, letting air move through the material and provide more venting than ever before.
The FUTURELIGHT™ Camper, is on display during the global consumer electronics tradeshow, by invite-only Jan. 7 – Jan. 11 in Las Vegas. FUTURELIGHT™ will first become available to consumers in The North Face Fall 2019 product line and will be featured across the brand’s pinnacle performance collections.

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About Designworks, a BMW Group Company
Designworks, a BMW Group Company, is a global creative consultancy offering services which foster innovation and business growth for companies worldwide. Using cross-industry knowledge and experience, its culture of innovation and future-focused approach catalyzes its passion for visionary design.

Designworks leverages the power of BMW Group’s culture of innovation and cutting edge design to advance the goals of its external clients, including John Deere, Virgin Hyperloop One, Siemens, Corsair, HP, Microsoft, Embraer and Singapore Airlines, whilst bringing outside perspectives and impulses to the BMW Group through knowledge and experience gained with client engagements.

Elie Tahari to Partner with Kohl’s for Next DesigNation Collection

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis., – Kohl’s Department Stores (NYSE: KSS) today announced Elie Tahari will design the retailer’s fifth DesigNation limited-edition collection. Regarded as one of the most sought-after talents in luxury fashion, Elie Tahari’s DesigNation collection will draw creative inspiration from New York City, a place the designer has called home for over 40 years. The capsule collection mirroring the sophisticated, urban chic vibe of the city will feature apparel for her and will be available exclusively at Kohl’s and Kohls.com beginning fall 2014.

“I am thrilled to partner with Kohl’s to create an accessible collection that draws influence from the iconic architecture and vibrant energy of the streets of New York City, a place that has provided me with endless inspiration throughout my career” said Elie Tahari. “Every woman should feel confident and beautiful in what she wears, so each piece in this DesigNation collection will reflect an alluring femininity with a sleek downtown edge that allows a woman’s true beauty to shine through.”

Renowned for his keen ability to keep the same design integrity throughout every collection, Tahari is noted for using delicate, luxurious fabrics, subtle textures and intricate detailing in his clothing. His DesigNation collection will feature this same aesthetic and will include dresses, sweaters, knit tops and bottoms in shades of blue, black and ivory, all at an incredible value. Retail prices for the collection will range from $40 to $175.

“2014 marks Elie Tahari’s 40th anniversary and we are excited to commemorate this celebratory year by partnering with him to offer women everywhere the signature Elie Tahari style and quality at an affordable price point,” said Michelle Gass, Kohl’s chief customer officer. “For the past four decades, Tahari has excelled at dressing the ‘modern woman’ and we are confident our customers will embrace the elegant sophistication of this exclusive DesigNation collection.”

Launched in fall 2012, Kohl’s DesigNation collections make designer style accessible and affordable by bringing the latest runway-inspired looks to real life. Each collaboration offers a fresh point of view that combines an iconic designer aesthetic with influence from various global destinations. Through these collections Kohl’s meets its objective of providing amazing product at incredible savings to customers. Past designers include Narciso Rodriguez, Derek Lam and Catherine Malandrino with the upcoming collaboration with Peter Som launching on April 10, 2014. For more information on Elie Tahari for DesigNation, visit http://www.kohls.com/feature/elietahari.jsp.

About Elie Tahari
Elie Tahari is a privately held corporation with a global presence on five continents and in more than 600 stores worldwide. Additionally, Elie Tahari has free standing US collection boutiques in cities including New York, Las Vegas, Boston, Atlanta, East Hampton, Boca Raton and Dallas as well as internationally in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Elie Tahari has come to define modern sophistication with the brands inspired collections of understated grace and elegance. To see the latest from the Elie Tahari Collection, please visit www.elietahari.com.

About Kohl’s
Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. With a commitment to environmental
leadership, Kohl’s operates 1,162 stores in 49 states. In support of the communities it serves, Kohl’s has raised more than $257 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise program, which operates under Kohl’s Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl’s
Department Stores, Inc. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.Kohls.com

This news is courtesy of www.kohlscorporation.com

Elizabeth Arden, Inc. Announces Agreement To Acquire The Christina Aguilera Fragrance Brands

NEW YORK, Elizabeth Arden, Inc. (NASDAQ: RDEN), a global prestige beauty products company, announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire the global license and certain related assets for the Christina Aguilera fragrance business from Procter & Gamble International.

Internationally acclaimed superstar recording artist Christina Aguilera introduced her first fragrance in 2007. Today her fragrances command a global reach and have seven brands. In addition to being the No. 1 celebrity fragrance brand in Europe, it stands as the most awarded celebrity fragrance brand in this region.

“We are tremendously excited with our agreement to acquire the Christina Aguilera fragrance license,” said George Cleary, President Global Fragrances at Elizabeth Arden. “This stellar brand is one with a global footprint and a significant international presence in Europe. This acquisition is consistent with our strategy to acquire brands to grow our fragrance business on a global basis, and we look forward to working with Christina to advance the success of this luxury, longstanding fragrance brand.”

Christina Aguilera said, “I really enjoy developing my fragrances and I am excited to continue the process with Elizabeth Arden. Their commitment to creating fragrances is important to me and I know they will do a great job helping me deliver top quality product to my fans.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Elizabeth Arden is a global prestige beauty products company with an extensive portfolio of prestige beauty brands sold in over 120 countries. The Company’s brand portfolio includes Elizabeth Arden skincare, color and fragrance products; its professional skincare line, Elizabeth Arden PRO; the designer fragrance brands of Juicy Couture, John Varvatos and Wildfox Couture; the heritage fragrance brands of Britney Spears, White Diamonds Elizabeth Taylor, Curve, Giorgio Beverly Hills, Ed Hardy, Jennifer Aniston, Lucky Brand, Paul Sebastian, Halston, Geoffrey Beene, Rocawear, Alfred Sung, White Shoulders and BCBGMAXAZRIA; and the celebrity fragrance brands of Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber.

Elizabeth Arden, Inc. Signs Supermodel Karlina Caune As Brand Ambassador

NEW YORK, Elizabeth Arden, Inc. (NASDAQ:RDEN), a global prestige beauty products company, announced today that it has signed an exclusive agreement with supermodel Karlina Caune.

Caune will be the new global face of the Elizabeth Arden brand. Named Brand Ambassador, she will appear in the brand’s advertising campaigns, marketing programs and public relations events. Caune will also be an active participant in Elizabeth Arden’s digital and social media platforms.

“The modern Elizabeth Arden woman is a passionate, multi-cultural individual who leads an active professional lifestyle,” says Scott Beattie, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Arden, Inc. “In Karlina Caune, we have found a beautiful and intelligent young woman who embodies the ideals of the Arden brand.”

Based in New York, the Latvian born model is one of the most coveted faces in beauty and fashion. Caune has graced the pages of fashion magazines globally and walked the runway for the world’s top fashion brands.

“I am honored to join this iconic brand. Not only have I always loved the products, but Elizabeth Arden as well,” says Karlina Caune. “She was a woman ahead of her time and her philosophy about embracing women’s natural beauty is inspiring to me. I’m excited to join this community that supports strong, confident women.”

Caune will appear in Elizabeth Arden advertising campaigns beginning in Spring/Summer 2015.

About Elizabeth Arden, Inc.
Elizabeth Arden is a global prestige beauty products company with an extensive portfolio of prestige beauty brands sold in over 120 countries. The Company’s brand portfolio includes Elizabeth Arden skincare, color and fragrance products; its professional skin care lines, Elizabeth Arden RX and Elizabeth Arden PRO; the celebrity fragrance brands of Britney Spears, Elizabeth Taylor, Jennifer Aniston, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and Taylor Swift; the designer fragrance brands of Juicy Couture, Alfred Sung, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Geoffrey Beene, Halston, Ed Hardy, John Varvatos, Lucky Brand, Rocawear and Wildfox Couture; and the lifestyle fragrance brands Curve, Giorgio Beverly Hills, and PS Fine Cologne.

ELLE 360 In Action – Ground-breaking Futuristic Center For Collaboration

British ELLE has created a ground-breaking, futuristic new office. This center of collaboration allows the 42-person team to “hot-desk” in a revolutionary glass “fashion cupboard” and is an extension of ELLE’s innovative 360-degree workflow.

The ELLE Fashion Cupboard content hub, a virtual space that last year helped drive the magazine’s Facebook following to over 2 million likes, is the center of ELLE’s content creation every day and is now a physical reality in ELLE’s central London offices.

Since last October, when we implemented hot-desking—the ability to occupy a different desk each day—our productivity has increased tenfold. We are on deadline for print and digital and we have been able to be more reactive on a daily basis. The award-winning editorial team is the first luxury fashion magazine group trained to produce content across all ELLE U.K. brand platforms, from mobile to print, on a 24/7 basis.

Alongside the new space came a new staff structure. I created new roles: workflow director, content director, and one dedicated digital-only role—digital director, which is a strategy and analytics role—but other than that, the team works on every part of the brand. The environment has encouraged a really creative process where everyone’s ideas are relevant and everyone is multi-skilled. I think I am the only editor in chief in the industry without an office—I sit daily with my hot-desking team.

The entire ELLE team, from sub-editors to heads of department, is trained in CMS, analytics and SEO to generate and upload content. Everyone works across print and digital in our one-team approach. Top-line managers were trained first, and in turn, they trained their teams, creating a collective responsibility for all ELLE content.

“The authority of the print team across the site has engaged consumers and clients in an even greater way than we initially hoped,” says Workflow Director Christina Simone.

Since we created a fully integrated team, with all the editorial team generating digital content on a daily basis, we have seen a 30 percent increase in desktop traffic, a 108 percent increase in mobile traffic and a 52 percent increase in online revenue.

The ELLE team works on laptops and uses Bluetooth and AirPlay to stream elleuk.com’s Google Analytics and Chartbeat to two big wall-mounted screens. This set-up encourages everyone to feel responsible for driving traffic.

Once a week, the team holds an all-staff conference, talking through plans across everything, from mobile to magazine. Instead of a just a small number of people on the editorial team seeing the pieces that define the season and, as a result, the print product, now the entire team is aware of our editorial direction and future plans. This informs decisions in a “hot-desk” environment.

A look inside the ELLE U.K. Fashion Cupboard
The Fashion Cupboard is also used for sponsorship activity, in the form of sponsored rails and other clever commercial content, for which the market is being sold for the first time. We also hold trend presentations with external businesses in the cupboard, from entertainment to technology teams.

The ELLE office build was fully funded by advertisers. Louis Vuitton officially opened the ELLE Fashion Cupboard in November of last year, with a host of merchandise-based activity and a Fashion Cupboard pop-up at high-end U.K. department store Selfridges.

ELLE’s expert fashion and beauty teams curate daily fashion and style content from the cupboard directly to ELLE’s Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook followers, giving the consumer unprecedented and exclusive access behind the scenes of one of the world’s busiest fashion cupboards.

And, for the first time ever, we are able to showcase non-fashion and beauty content in the Cupboard. Our forthcoming book club launch will feature ‘shelfies’: guest-edited lists from contributors, shot in the ELLE Fashion Cupboard. Moreover, we host ELLE Running Club events in the space and shoot beauty product linked to our new ELLE Insider subscriber club.

Online, the concept for the ELLE Fashion Cupboard is to bring the consumer and commercial partners closer to the magazine. It’s an innovative idea to sell commercially and engage the consumer, driving her to the print and digital products. Last year, the #ELLEFashionCupboard and #ELLEBeautyCupboard had a total combined Twitter reach of 371 million. It is content you can only get at elleuk.com.

The ELLE team has also built the Fashion Cupboard’s own playful online ‘pop-up’ on both mobile and desktop—a live-feed automatically refreshed every 45 minutes. Consumers shake ‘bubbles’ on their mobile phones to repopulate the content, which includes fashion, beauty, social media and an aggregated ELLE Instagram feed.

This is a modern, innovative office with a playful and useful feel, which is what today’s consumer expects. Our content is linked across all platforms and that keeps readers closer to the brand in challenging newsstand times. And we work much faster and more efficiently as a team. The atmosphere in the office is upbeat and collaborative.

ELLE 360 is providing a template for ELLE teams across the 44-edition strong network. Several foreign editions have visited the office with a view to adopting aspects of the workflow. (British ELLE is the number one syndicated edition globally.)

This is a brand rapidly evolving to fit with the consumer’s new way of consuming media, and our mission is to change consumer behavior, rather than reflect it. We have created an environment where excellence is expected and our goal is to be first and best across all our platforms. This way of working is enabling us to do that.

This news is courtesy of www.hearst.com

Estée Lauder Completes Acquisitions of ‘Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle’ and ‘GLAMGLOW’

NEW YORK– The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL) announced that it has completed its acquisition of Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, the storied fragrance brand established by the iconic perfumer Frédéric Malle. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Established in Paris in 2000, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle offers a collection of exclusive, ultraluxury fragrances crafted by some of the world’s most talented perfumers and personally curated by Malle, whose selections provide a range of timeless perfumes and home environment products to a discerning clientele of tastemakers and style icons. The current Frédéric Malle collection encompasses 21 fragrances created by 12 master perfumers from around the world. They are sold through five architecturally distinctive stand-alone stores in Paris and New York, as well as through Barneys New York in the United States and Liberty in London.

GLAMGLOW
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. also announced that it has completed its acquisition of GLAMGLOW, the Hollywood skin care brand focused on fast-acting treatment masks designed to deliver stunning, camera-ready results. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 2010 by Glenn and Shannon Dellimore, GLAMGLOW is a global multi-award winning, Hollywood-inspired prestige skin care brand, designed for men and women of all ages and all skin types, offering an exclusive collection of high-end treatment masks that help give skin a gorgeous, spotlight-ready glow. Originally known as “Hollywood’s Boutique Secret” for its ubiquity on Hollywood sets, GLAMGLOW now has a robust presence in global specialty-multi channels, including Sephora and Douglas, and in select high-end department stores, such as Neiman Marcus, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom.

“The acquisition of GLAMGLOW marks the beginning of a very exciting future for the brand we created,” said Glenn and Shannon Dellimore. “We are thrilled to be joining The Estée Lauder Companies.”

About The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The Company’s products are sold in over 150 countries and territories under the following brand names: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Prescriptives, Lab Series, Origins, M•A•C, Bobbi Brown, Tommy Hilfiger, Kiton, La Mer, Donna Karan, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin, Michael Kors, Flirt!, GoodSkin Labs, Tom Ford, Coach, Ojon, Smashbox, Ermenegildo Zegna, Aerin Beauty, Osiao, Marni, Tory Burch, RODIN olio lusso, Le Labo and Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle.

Estée Lauder Signs Model of the Moment and Social Media Phenomenon Kendall Jenner

NEW YORK– The Estée Lauder brand today announced that it has signed Kendall Jenner, fashion’s new breakout star and social media sensation. Kendall will appear in digital, TV and print advertising campaigns and play an active role in creating social media content that will live on Estée Lauder’s channels as well as her own.

Behind the scenes on an Estée Lauder ad shoot with Kendall Jenner. Photo courtesy of Estée Lauder (P …
Behind the scenes on an Estée Lauder ad shoot with Kendall Jenner. Photo courtesy of Estée Lauder (Photo: Business Wire)

“Bridging the worlds of high fashion, entertainment and social media, Kendall is a modern beauty who represents a whole new generation of women who live, breathe and share beauty, fashion and life 24/7, on their own terms, in a visually compelling way,” said Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Global Brand President, Estée Lauder. “She is the ultimate instagirl, and we are excited to leverage her image, voice, energy and extraordinary social media power to introduce Estée Lauder to millions of young women around the world.”

“It honestly feels like a dream to represent such an iconic beauty brand — it is an incredible honor and quite humbling,” said Kendall Jenner. “I found out when I was backstage at Paris fashion week, and all this time I’ve had to keep the news top secret. I am so excited to share it now and be part of Estée Lauder.”

Kendall has an astounding social media following of over 30 million fans across Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, placing her as the number one model on social media1 with a fast-growing global audience. In the last year, Kendall has also experienced a meteoric rise in the beauty and fashion arena, marked by the Estée Lauder signing as well as a 13-page fashion feature in the December issue of American Vogue shot by Patrick Demarchelier.

Kendall made her fashion week debut in February, walking in Marc Jacobs’s fall/winter 2014 show. Her haute couture debut at Chanel quickly followed, as did her first high-profile advertising campaign for Givenchy fall/ winter 2014. She has since walked for leading designers such as Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi, and graced the red carpets of the world’s most fashionable events including the Met Gala, Cannes Film Festival and MTV Video Music Awards.

Kendall has already worked with some of the industry’s most influential fashion photographers such as Patrick Demarchelier, Mert & Marcus, Mario Sorrenti and Mikael Janssen, and has appeared in magazines from the avant garde Love to fashion bible Vogue Paris, W and an eight-page editorial in Interview that crashed its website when it went live.

Kendall is a long-time supporter of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to inspiring today’s youth through entertainment and education focused initiatives.

About Estée Lauder
Estée Lauder is the flagship brand of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Sold in more than 150 countries and territories, Estée Lauder is known for technologically advanced, high-performance products with a reputation for innovation, sophistication, glamour and superior quality. Estée Lauder produces some of the world’s most iconic skincare, makeup and fragrance products, which are loved by women around the world.

Fashion Models Turn Southwest Airlines Flight Into Runway In The Sky

More than 140 Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) Customers are heading to The Magnificent Mile® in Chicago with spending money after fashion models put on a show on their flight at 35,000 feet. The “Runway in the Sky” kicks off a renewed partnership between Southwest Airlines and The Magnificent Mile Association. In addition to being longtime partners, Southwest Airlines is now the Official Airline of the Magnificent Mile, and it’s celebrating with a truly unique experience–turning Flight 904 from New York (LaGuardia) to Chicago (Midway) into a fashion show in the air. Six Factor Models took to the aisle-turned-runway, showing off the latest fall fashions from Macy’s at Water Tower Place on North Michigan Avenue. At the end of the fashion show, every Customer was surprised when fashion icon Carrie Lannon announced that everyone would be getting off the flight with a $100 gift card to spend at a retailer on The Magnificent Mile.

“After years of working together to delight guests during our annual tree-lighting parade to kick off the holiday season, we are thrilled that this new partnership will bring unique value to visitors headed to The Magnificent Mile all year round,” said John Chikow, President/CEO of The Magnificent Mile Association.

The Runway in the Sky kicks off The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival™ presented by MasterCard®. The festival runs from August 22 through September 1, 2014. This year’s festival even includes a weekend-long ShopFest on August 23-24 where North Michigan Avenue turns inside out, as retailers greet shoppers with “pop up” shopping displays and interactive experiences. As part of ShopFest, Southwest Airlines will present Andy Grammer live in concert at the John Hancock Center plaza (875 N. Michigan Avenue) at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23. The event is free and open to the public. It will be followed by a meet-and-greet with the singer-songwriter at Water Tower Place (835 N. Michigan Avenue) at 2:00 p.m.

“This partnership takes The Magnificent Mile and Southwest Airlines to new heights,” said Teresa Laraba, Southwest Airlines Senior Vice President Customers. “We always want to provide a unique experience to our Customers whether at the airport, in the air, or at home.”

To download broadcast quality video and high-resolution photos of today’s Runway in the Sky, visit swamedia.com.

ABOUT THE FEATURED FASHION
The show started with a look at the jumpsuit — especially popular this fall for day-to-night transitions. Topped with a flowing, printed, knee-length vest, the MICHAEL Michael Kors black knit sleeveless jumpsuit is casual and ready for a weekend outing. With the vest removed, and the addition of strappy heels and sparkling jewelry, the jumpsuit can transition to a night on the town.

Trendy jeans and a pop of color were part of casual looks for both men and women. For men, Diesel’s black, button-front jeans and black leather jacket were paired with a bright red Diesel tee shirt. Women will be on trend this fall in patterned jeans like the snakeskin printed jeans from 7 For All Mankind and a fitted jean jacket from Free People. This ensemble was completed with a RACHEL Rachel Roy top in bright purple.

Business looks veered away from conservative and took on an edgy vibe. For women, the traditional black skirt suit was updated with a pleated, pleather skirt and a cream top with pleather beading, all from Calvin Klein. The men’s look from I.N.C. for Men also showed a twist on the black business suit. While the black slacks were traditional, the textured black suit jacket provided a more contemporary look. With a white shirt, it was business-appropriate. But switch out the dress shirt for a trendy tee, and the look could go from office to after-work socializing.

The finale evening look was all about sparkle. A mini-dress in midnight blue from Adrianna Papell was simply elegant thanks to intricate beading on front and back. The midnight blue was a refreshing color variation for evening.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 43rd year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 45,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Based on the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Southwest is the nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The airline also operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world to serve 93 destinations in 40 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and five near-international countries. Some flights are operated by wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways. Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for its triple bottom line approach that takes into account the carrier’s performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities it serves, and its commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2013 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at southwest.com/citizenship.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as “The Southwest Effect,” a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic wherever the carrier serves. With Southwest Airlines, Bags Fly Free ® (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply), and there are no change fees (fare difference may apply) when you need to change your flight. Southwest’s fleet offers leather seating and the comfort of full-size cabins, a majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi connectivity over the United States, which enables live and video-on-demand TV currently FREE compliments of DISH, and a new, sustainable cabin interior. Southwest acquired AirTran Airways in May 2011 and by the end of 2014 intends to complete the full integration of the AirTran network into Southwest. With 41 consecutive years of profitability, the People of Southwest and AirTran operate more than 3,600 flights a day. Southwest Airlines’ frequent flights and low fares are available online at southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

About The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival™ presented by MasterCard®
The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival™ presented by MasterCard® is an annual, district-wide celebration of The Magnificent Mile® shopping experience. This year’s event is anchored by two major weekend experiences, including outdoor “Pop-up” shopping along North Michigan Avenue; the return of “A Magnificent Taste” featuring 18 popular and award-winning restaurants; and the premier of The Magnificent Mile Chicago Women’s Half-Marathon & 5K. Visitors can also look forward to in-store and private events from The Magnificent Mile® Association’s membership, composed of more than 750 retailers, restaurants, hotels and attractions around the district. For more information, visit TheMagnificentMile.com or follow The Magnificent Mile on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and foursquare.

Fashion Shenzhen Show | Sounded the Fashion Rallying Call in the Post-Pandemic Era

SHENZHEN, China, July 5, 2021 — On July 4, 2020, the 20th China International Fashion Brand Fair-Shenzhen (“2020 FASHION SHENZHEN SHOW – July Edition “) officially opened at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center (Futian). The RUNWAY Fashion Week was held at the same time.

On July 4, 2020, the 20th China International Fashion Brand Fair-Shenzhen (“2020 Fashion Shenzhen Show – July Edition “) officially opened at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center (Futian). The RUNWAY Fashion Week was held at the same time.

FASHION SHENZHEN SHOW bucked trends, combining the implication of big data, mobile internet, cloud platform and other technological means, through the in-depth integration of “exhibition, fashion runway, conference, business match making, and industry awards”, further facilitated industry trade exchanges and fashion consumption, and hence accelerated the Chinese fashion industry recovering from the influence of the Covid-19 outbreak.

With the theme of “Restart • Recovery 2.0”, and answering fashion market demands, the 2020 FASHION SHENZHEN SHOW – July Edition were divided into 6 main exhibition areas: Aesthetic Power, Design Attitude, Modern Manufacture, Fashion Accessories, Next Showroom and Fashion Solution, which assisted exhibitors to harvest orders, and match the affluent business resources for retail channel expansion and brand promotion.

In 2021, FASHION SHENZHEN SHOW will undergo a systematic and strategic upgrade, turn a trade exhibition into a commerce system covering the entire chain of the fashion industry -“Fashion Shenzhen”. It consists of five series of activities including FashionSZshow, THE RUNWAY FASHION WEEK, NEST SHOWROOM, and GBA FASHION SUMMIT, FASHIONSHENZHEN·AWARDS.

FASHION SHENZHEN SHOW will persistently integrate fashion resources from all over the world, assist fashion companies and the Chinese fashion industry to cope with challenges in the new era of the post-epidemic period.

SOURCE FASHION SHENZHEN SHOW

CONTACT: Yu Hu, +86-755-23824007, huyu@fashionszshow.com

Fashion Show

The world of fashion is extremely dynamic with lots of shows coming up especially in the Manhattan Fashion District of New York.

Fashion Week 2015 – TRESEMME Stylists Reveal New Hairstyles In Videos


           
                   
               Forever 21 Partners with Warner Bros. Consumer Products for a Limited Edition Collection Featuring Classic Animation
               
                Forever 21 and Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) announced today the launch of an exclusive collection of limited-edition women’s, men’s and children’s apparel and accessories featuring classic Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera animated characters. The WB x Forever 21 collection was designed and curated by apparel maker Jerry Leigh, in partnership with WBCP, for Forever 21.
The 44-piece line includes sweaters, t-shirts, tank tops, cropped tops, socks and loungewear featuring Warner Bros.’ most memorable animated characters, including Looney Tunes favorites Bugs Bunny, Tweety, Daffy Duck, Marvin the Martian and Taz, as well as Hanna-Barbera classics such as Scooby Doo, The Flintstones, The Jetsons and more. The limited-edition collection will launch in stores globally and on Forever21.com beginning Friday, November 28.
“We’re excited to partner with Warner Bros. Consumer Products on this exclusive collection to bring their iconic characters to the wardrobes of fashionable enthusiasts around the globe,” said Linda Chang, Forever 21 VP of Merchandising. “This limited-edition line will allow our customers to discover on-trend merchandise with a nostalgic charm of cartoon legends.”
“Forever 21 is synonymous with fashion-forward looks and this exclusive remix of our most popular animated characters is the perfect fit with their trendsetting style,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President, Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products.  “We’re thrilled to bring the timeless appeal of our iconic characters to their hip and stylish consumers around the world.”
To celebrate this exclusive partnership, Forever 21 and Warner Bros. Consumer Products will host a consumer event from 3 – 5 p.m. at the Forever 21 Times Square store on Saturday, November 22 in New York City. The event will feature live models wearing the exclusive collection, a photo booth, caricature artist, festive food and more. Every WB x Forever 21 purchase will receive a limited-edition shopper tote featuring favorite Warner Bros. animated characters, while supplies last.
              
             
           
                   
               French Clothing Manufacturer Lemahieu Chooses Infor to Support Growth and Reinforce its Responsible French Brand
               
                RUEIL-MALMAISON, France, April 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Infor, the industry cloud company, today announced that Lemahieu, a French clothing and underwear designer and manufacturer with a strong social, environmental and local identity, has chosen Infor’s multi-tenant cloud ERP solution dedicated to the fashion and textile industries: Infor CloudSuite Fashion.
Founded in 1947 and based in the Hauts de France region, Lemahieu was established as a family business with a strong local identity. Proud of its know-how and its responsible brand image, the company has embraced each of the successive revolutions linked to technological innovations, particularly in IT.
Since 2019 and the takeover of the company by Martin Breuvart and Loïc Baert, Lemahieu has experienced significant growth, going from 90 to 130 employees in less than 36 months. The company is now engaged in a project to restructure its production processes based on the Infor CloudSuite Fashion solution. This restructuring is in order to better respond to the dynamics of the market and to the requirements of quality and social and environmental responsibility that Lemahieu has imposed on itself and to which the brand’s customers fully adhere.
“We are strongly attached to the values we display and which, obviously, generate a positive dynamic in the textile industry that we want to be local, original, respectful and of high quality,” says Loïc Baert, Lemahieu’s co-director. “The goal for us with the Infor ERP implementation project is continuing to strengthen our image as a manufacturer by adopting increasingly controlled production processes.”
Behind the image lies a complex industrial dynamic for Lemahieu, which controls the entire production chain, from product design to manufacturing, quality control and shipping. “All of the data and information generated by our various businesses at each stage of the manufacturing process must be immediately usable in order to accelerate our processes thanks to a global and real-time vision,” Baert says. “We aim not to increase production in terms of scale, but to diversify it in order to meet the specific expectations of customers seeking to stand out with original and personalized products.”
Lemahieu assessed more than 20 software solutions before choosing Infor CloudSuite Fashion. Without an in-house CIO, the company worked closely with a consultant and its production manager, Alexandre Payoux, who was already familiar with Infor M3 (the ERP backbone of Infor CloudSuite Fashion). The company undertook the integration of CloudSuite Fashion in close collaboration with Infor’s partner, Authentic Group, whose implementation methodology and proximity-based support approach convinced and reassured Lemahieu regarding the progress and success of the project.
“The project was ambitious for a small business used to processes inherited from aging solutions but strongly anchored in the company’s practices and culture,” says Fabrice Caumette, Authentic Group’s operations manager. “That said, the numerous references in the fashion and textile sector displayed by Infor — including Zadig&Voltaire, Orchestra, Chausport and Dresco — reassured Lemahieu of the product’s ability to embrace their requirements and to integrate its businesses within an agile, modern and scalable tool. The young employees, digital natives recently integrated into the company, will quickly be able to master the solution and use the consolidated data to generate long-term growth.”
For Infor, the project is also ambitious in that it must demonstrate the ability of an enterprise solution to meet the demanding requirements of a company whose relatively modest size conceals an organization of business processes as numerous as they are complex.
“Lemahieu is not just another player in one of the world’s most dynamic fashion sectors,” says Philippe Maillet, Infor SMB & channel sales director for France. “The quality of its products, resulting from a dynamic organization — from design to production to shipping — and its desire to respond quickly to specific orders from customers who are very attached to strong socio-environmental values are all elements that must be integrated into the IT project. Infor CloudSuite Fashion is the ideal solution to meet these challenges, not only because of its functionalities dedicated to the textile industry, but also because of its cloud deployment mode. The latter allows great flexibility and system security management, providing Lemahieu exclusive access and control over its data, which is hosted by our partner AWS.”
About Lemahieu

Lemahieu is one of the last “hosiery manufacturers” in France and the last in its region. The company has become a true specialist in “creation, manufacturing, knitting” through its underwear, tee-shirts, sweatshirts, comfortable clothing labeled “Good for Man and the Environment.” Thanks to its fully integrated production tool, Lemahieu continues its evolution and develops, in collaboration with its privileged customers, ever more technical products in a sustainable and ethical manner. Located in the Hauts de France, Lemahieu has been contributing to local life and employment for over 70 years.
For more information: www.lemahieu.com 
About Authentic Group

Founded in 2004, Authentic Group is a recognized expert in the Infor M3 and Infor CloudSuite ERP integration. Authentic Group’s mission is to accompany its customers on their digital transformation in France and abroad. Authentic Group intervenes in the implementation of specific business processes that improve productivity and user experience around several offers:
Infor M3 & Infor CloudSuite: implementation, deployment, migration, support

Methodology: agility and reactivity for shorter and less expensive projects

Vertical solutions: purchase to pay, business intelligence

In accordance with its values, Authentic Group always places the well-being of the user at the heart of its project approach. Authentic Group is an Infor strategic partner in France, Canada and the United States. To learn more, please visit www.authentic-grp.com.
About Infor

Infor is a global leader in business cloud software specialized by industry. Providing mission-critical enterprise applications to 67,000 customers in more than 175 countries, Infor software is designed to deliver more value and less risk, with more sustainable operational advantages. We empower our 17,000 employees to leverage their deep industry expertise and use data-driven insights to create, learn and adapt quickly to solve emerging business and industry challenges. Infor is committed to providing our customers with modern tools to transform their business and accelerate their own path to innovation. To learn more, please visit www.infor.com.
For more information:

Richard Moore

Infor PR, EMEA

Richard.Moore@infor.com

+447976111243
              
             
           
                   
               GALATASARAY And NIKE Unveil The New Kit For 2014-15 Seasons
               
                This season Galatasaray will play in a new kit infused with their history, character and status as a modern European club.  
Galatasaray are proud to be Turkey’s most powerful club, which has been achieved through their bravery, charisma and innovation. 
Their new traditionally red and yellow home shirt boasts a dynamic graphic, inspired by the kit worn by Metin Oktay one of the club’s legendary players. 
These graphics create a sense of speed and movement to honor the lion, one of Galatasaray’s proud symbols. 
The shirt also features a constructed red v-neck collar and yellow cuffs on the sleeves. Kit is completed by the red shorts with a yellow stripe and red socks with a yellow band at the top.
Galatasaray away jersey for the new season has been inspired by the first ever white kit they wore in 2000, year of the club’s biggest successes in both Turkish league and international arena. 
The new away shirt is a clean and classic white, while Galatasaray’s home colors are represented in the red double crew neck collar with a yellow trim, and high red cuffs also with a yellow trim. Away shorts and socks are white with red details.
Both home and away jerseys have an inner pennant tab in red and yellow halves with the bold statement: ‘Ilklerin Ve Enlerin Takimi’ (The club of firsts and mosts), to celebrate Galatasaray’s status as Turkey’s leading and most successful club.  
While this new kit features Nike’s signature style and passion, it has also been designed to offer players the very latest in performance innovation, kit technology and environmental sustainability. 
NIKE DRI-FIT TECHNOLOGY

Nike Dri-Fit technology draws sweat away from the body to the exterior of the shirts and shorts where it quickly evaporates. This allows players to perform at their absolute best by remaining cooler, drier and more comfortable.
The laser-cut ventilation holes and mesh panels featured in key areas of the kit also improves performance by increasing air circulation to the players’ bodies and regulating their temperatures throughout ninety minutes on the pitch. 
The kits are made of a new dual-knit fabric consisting of both cotton and recycled polyester, which as well as removing sweat offers a softer feel and an overall more flattering appearance. 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Nike continues to place environmental sustainability at the heart of their kits, which are again made from recycled polyester this year. These kits have been created to provide both unrivalled performance benefits and lower environmental impact. 
The kits are made from recycled plastic water bottles. The shorts are 100 percent recycled polyester; the shirts are 96 percent recycled polyester, while the socks are 78 percent.  
Each kit is made using an average of 18 recycled plastic bottles, and over the last four years Nike has diverted almost two billion of these bottles from landfills to produce their kits. By using recycled polyester Nike is also reducing the energy consumed in the entire process by up to 30 percent.  
A NEW AND UPDATED PERFECT FIT

Nike took 3D body scans of many of the world’s leading footballers to create a kit with an updated and perfect new fit.  The new fit allows the body to move more naturally within the kit, and so effortlessly improves players’ comfort and performance. 
The Nike Elite Match fit sock for 2014 also boasts a sleeker and updated design created especially for football.  Nike’s designers spoke to many of today’s elite players to gain an insight in to what they wanted from a sock during a game. 
There are now strategically cushioned zones to provide comfort and protection around the big toe and the anklebones where the majority of impact occurs,while arch support provides a firm foundation for the foot to prevent any slipping. There is less material on the sock to enhance players’ touch, while flex grooves on the ankle and top of the foot prevent bunching.
              
             
           
                   
               Gap Goes Social with @GapKids Launch and the Inaugural GapKids Class of 2014
               
                NEW YORK, August 2014 – Gap is encouraging moms and dads around the world to share their experiences of parenthood and celebrate ‘kids being kids’ through social media.
Today Gap is launching the inaugural GapKids Class of 2014, a contest inviting parents to submit photos of their kids for the chance to be featured in a 2015 GapKids marketing campaign. This is Gap’s next generation of Casting Call, the successful program that engaged moms and dads for six years. GapKids Class of 2014 commences the back to school season by honoring kids who represent the free spirit of childhood, with all its perfect imperfections. Every one who enters will receive a socially sharable moving image video of their child that encapsulates the GapKids aesthetic.
In addition to sharing social content, Gap has built a new @GapKids social network as a place for parents to explore content. Called “the cutest place on the Internet”, the @GapKids Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest channels were built with parents in mind and have a modern yet classic aesthetic that represents GapKids and babyGap. Through a series of style collectives, brand moments, inspirational content, and adorable kids, the aim is to tell meaningful, visual stories optimized for the Internet, where kids and babies rule.
“At Gap we recognize the pride that all parents take in their kids on the first day of school and we are excited to help them celebrate and share that joy with the annual GapKids Class,” said Seth Farbman, Chief Global Marketing Officer of Gap. “By creating the @GapKids social channels, we are offering great outfits and giving parents a place to be entertained and inspired. It is the cutest place on the Internet.”
GapKids Class of 2014 Submission Process
As part of the submission process, Gap is asking parents to submit three charismatic photos of their child between now and September 15. After a submission is processed, parents will be emailed a 15-second video of their child’s photos. Each socially compatible video will have a GapKids inspired aesthetic and emphasize the expressions of kids being kids. Details on where and how to enter can be found on the newly launched @GapKids Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest channels and at www.GapKidsClass.com.
Entry Phase: From August 12 – September 15, parents can upload three photos of their baby (ages four and under) or kid (ages five to 12) along with contact information. Submissions are accepted on www.GapKidsClass.com. Photos can be submitted through Instagram, Facebook, mobile phone or desktop. Once processed, parents will receive a video via email as a confirmation that their submission was received with a socially sharable URL to the GapKids inspired video.
Finalist Phase: During the month of October, a panel of Gap judges in each global region will narrow down the field of submissions to 20 finalists – 10 babies/toddlers (five girls and five boys) for babyGap and 10 kids (five girls and five boys) for GapKids. Parents of regional finalists will receive a questionnaire to fill out for additional content needs.  
Winner Phase: In November, the four winners of each region will be announced on the Gap digital channels. The winners will participate in a photoshoot taking place in their region and they will be featured in a Gap marketing campaign in early 2015.
About Gap

Gap is a global apparel and accessories brand focused on delivering casual, American style. The brand offers classic iconic clothing that helps customers express their individuality through its Gap, GapKids, babyGap, GapMaternity and GapBody collections. With an optimistic point of view and belief that everyone can make their creative mark in the world, Gap embodies what it means to be bright. Founded in San Francisco in 1969 by Donald G. Fisher and Doris F. Fisher, the brand has grown from one store to over 1,700 company-operated and franchise retail locations around the world. Gap is the namesake brand for leading global specialty retailer, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) which includes Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta, and Intermix. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.
              
             
           
                   
               Gap Inc. & Ambercycle Announce Efforts To Advance Textile-To-Textile Recycling
               
                Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) and Ambercycle today announced efforts to leverage textile-to-textile recycled materials in Athleta products. Ambercycle’s cycora® regenerated polyester is a high-performance material created from end-of-life textiles and seamlessly replaces conventional polyester. Starting in 2026, Athleta – a Certified B Corporation – plans to become the first performance apparel brand to use cycora® at scale.  
Athleta CEO, Chris Blakeslee added, “As a mission-driven, B Corp-certified brand, Athleta is committed to reducing our environmental footprint by using recycled materials like cycora®, which not only aligns with our values but also meets our uncompromising quality standards.”  
Athleta’s versatile apparel assortment is designed for women by women, with inclusivity at its core. Athleta integrates performance and technical features across its collection to support women across their entire lifestyle—from yoga and training to travel and recovery.   
“As the demand for circular materials rises, we are delighted to collaborate with like-minded brands in the performance sector such as Athleta. Together, we are not only creating high-quality garments but also driving forward the circular fashion movement,” said Shay Sethi, CEO of Ambercycle. 
“Gap Inc. is committed to evolving our supply chain and product development process in ways that help us deliver innovative products for our customers while reducing our environmental footprint,” added Dan Fibiger, Head of Global Sustainability at Gap Inc.  
Ambercycle’s proprietary molecular regeneration technology uses discarded polyester as feedstock in the production of cycora®, a high-performance material designed to reproduce the quality of virgin-grade polyester, while reducing industry greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on landfilling or incinerating end-of-life textiles. The news demonstrates growing demand for circular materials made from textile-to-textile regeneration.  
Fibiger continued, “Ambercycle’s groundbreaking technology for transforming end-of-life textiles into new materials not only enables a more sustainable supply of high-performance fabrics, but it has the potential to cut waste and emissions and has the potential to advance circularity at scale.”  
About Gap Inc.

Gap Inc., a collection of purpose-led lifestyle brands, is the largest American specialty apparel company offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta brands. The company uses omni-channel capabilities to bridge the digital world and physical stores to further enhance its shopping experience. Gap Inc. is guided by its purpose, Inclusive, by Design, and takes pride in creating products and experiences its customers love while doing right by its employees, communities, and planet. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase worldwide through company-operated stores, franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. Fiscal year 2022 net sales were $15.6 billion. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com. 
About Athleta

A certified B Corporation, Athleta is a premium performance lifestyle brand with a purpose of inspiring and empowering women and girls to find confidence, strength, and wellbeing through movement. Athleta’s versatile performance apparel is designed for women by women, with inclusivity at its core. Founded in 1998, Athleta integrates performance and technical features across its collection to support women across their entire lifestyle—from yoga and training to travel and recovery. In 2016, the company launched Athleta Girl mirroring its signature performance in styles for the next generation. Based in San Francisco, CA and a Gap Inc. brand (NYSE: GPS), Athleta apparel is available at its more than 250 retail stores across the United States and Canada and at Athleta.com. 
About Ambercycle

Ambercycle is powering circularity in fashion. Established in 2015, this Los Angeles-based company is revolutionizing the fashion industry with its award-winning molecular regeneration technology. cycora® regenerated polyester is the company’s first premium material solution made from end-of-life textiles. Driven by the vision to improve humanity’s relationship with materials, Ambercycle is minimizing the impact of raw material extraction on our environment and paving the way to decarbonize fashion. 
              
             
           
                   
               GAP Inc. Announces Plan To Separate Into Two Independent Publicly Traded Companies
               
                SAN FRANCISCO – February 28, 2019 – Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today announced plans to create two independent publicly traded companies: Old Navy, a category-leader in family apparel, and a yet-to-benamed company (“NewCo”), which will consist of the iconic Gap brand, Athleta, Banana Republic, Intermix and Hill City. Gap Inc. expects to effect the separation through a spin-off that is intended to generally be tax-free to Gap Inc.’s shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The spin-off will enable each company to maximize focus and flexibility, align investments and incentives to meet its unique business needs and optimize its cost structure to deliver profitable growth.
“Following a comprehensive review by the Gap Inc. Board of Directors, it’s clear that Old Navy’s business model and customers have increasingly diverged from our specialty brands over time, and each company now requires a different strategy to thrive moving forward,” said Robert Fisher, Gap Inc.’s Board Chairman. “Recognizing that, we determined that pursuing a separation is the most compelling path forward for our brands – creating two separate companies with distinct financial profiles, tailored operating priorities and unique capital allocation strategies, both well positioned to achieve their strategic goals and create significant value for our customers, employees and shareholders.”
Art Peck, President and CEO of Gap Inc., added, “We have made significant progress executing on our balanced growth strategy and investing in the capabilities to position our brands for growth: expanding the omni-channel customer experience, building our digital capabilities and improving operational efficiencies across the company. Today’s spin-off announcement enables us to embed those capabilities within two stand-alone companies, each with a sharpened strategic focus and tailored operating structure. As a result, both companies will be well positioned to capitalize on their respective opportunities and act decisively in an evolving retail environment.”
NewCo

NewCo, with approximately $9 billion in annual revenue and a strong balance sheet, will have a unique and differentiated portfolio, with significant opportunity to create value. The company will be well positioned to drive sustainable growth and improve profitability by leveraging its loyal and complementary customer base and an appropriately scaled operating platform with advantaged digital capabilities to deliver distinct products and experiences. With enhanced strategic and operational focus, it can deliver improved results at Gap, Banana Republic and Intermix, while capitalizing on the momentum of B-Corp certified Athleta and newly-launched Hill City. The program announced today to restructure the Gap brand specialty fleet is an important part of the plan to enhance the profitability of that channel. As a stand-alone company, NewCo also will be better positioned to continue to evolve its leadership role in sustainability and social responsibility.
Old Navy

As one of the fastest growing apparel brands in the U.S. with approximately $8 billion in annual revenue, Old Navy will be able to capitalize on its scale, broad customer awareness and unique positioning to extend its category leadership and deliver profitable growth as an independent company. Through this separation, Old Navy will have the flexibility, focus and control needed to increase customer access by further applying its strategic real estate strategy, evolving its omni-channel model and expanding its product categories to continue to successfully resonate with value-focused customers. Old Navy will be well positioned to invest in capabilities and initiatives that will continue to grow its market share.
Management

Both companies will have experienced leadership teams, well suited to lead these organizations on their separate, defined paths.
Gap Inc.’s current President and Chief Executive Officer, Art Peck, will hold the same position with NewCo after the separation. With more than a decade of retail leadership experience, Mr. Peck is well positioned to lead NewCo going forward. Over the last several years, he has led significant improvements at Gap Inc. and reinvigorated growth across several specialty brands by strengthening the supply chain and pivoting quickly to leverage technology and capitalize on new customer trends.
Following the separation, Sonia Syngal, current President and Chief Executive Officer of Old Navy, will continue to lead the brand as a standalone company. Ms. Syngal — who has led Old Navy since 2016 — has a proven track record of leading Old Navy’s transformation and driving product-to-market innovations, as well as deep experience in supply chain and manufacturing in both retail apparel and other industries. 
Transaction Details

Upon separation, Gap Inc. shareholders are expected to receive a pro-rata stock distribution and as a result own shares in both NewCo and Old Navy in equal proportion. The transaction is currently targeted to be completed in 2020, and is subject to certain conditions, including final approval by Gap Inc.’s Board of Directors, receipt of a tax opinion from counsel and the filing and effectiveness of a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. There can be no assurances regarding the ultimate timing or terms of the separation or that the separation will be completed.
After the separation, NewCo and Old Navy are expected to be appropriately capitalized with sufficient cash to support planned operating and investment plans.
NewCo will be based in Gap Inc.’s current headquarters and Old Navy will remain at its current headquarters, both located in San Francisco.
              
             
           
                   
               GAP INC. Appoints New Global Head of GAP Brand
               
                SAN FRANCISCO – Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today announced the appointment of Neil Fiske as president and chief executive officer of Gap brand. Fiske will begin his new role on June 20, 2018, and will serve on the company’s senior leadership team, reporting to Art Peck, president and chief executive officer of Gap Inc.
“Neil brings significant retail and apparel experience to Gap Inc. and a track record of transforming and repositioning brands,” said Peck. “He is an experienced leader who deeply understands the mechanics of this business, the value of an omnichannel strategy, and the need to build a progressive and relevant brand. I believe Neil is the right leader to strengthen Gap brand.”
“Gap is a truly iconic brand that is loved by its customers across the globe, and I am excited about the significant opportunity ahead for us,” said Fiske. “The brand has made some important progress and I look forward to working with the team to drive improved performance, operational excellence, great merchandising, and distinctive and powerful marketing.”
Fiske has 20 years of brand building and turnaround experience in specialty retailing. Most recently, he served as chief executive officer at Billabong International, where he restored the flagship Billabong brand to a position of market leadership and multi-year share growth. Prior to that, Fiske spent five years as president and chief executive officer at Eddie Bauer, repositioning the company to focus on its heritage as America’s original outdoor outfitter. Fiske was also chief executive officer at Bath and Body Works, where he led a complete brand transformation, reversing a multi-year trend of negative comp store sales. Fiske began his career at Boston Consulting Group, focused on consumer goods and retail. He graduated from Harvard Business School with a Masters of Business Administration and received a B.A. in Political Economy from Williams College.
About Gap Inc.

Gap Inc. is a leading global retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta brands. Fiscal year 2017 net sales were $15.9 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in more than 90 countries worldwide through company-operated stores, franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.
              
             
           
                   
               Gap Inc. Canada Donates Over $3 Million of New Clothing to Canadians in Need
               
                In response to the COVID-19 crisis that has left many Canadians struggling to provide basic necessities for their families, Gap (Canada) Inc. will be donating more than $3 million of new Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy (Canada) clothing to those in need, including unemployed Canadians who need support getting back to work and getting back on their feet.rnrnIn partnership with Delivering Good – a non-profit organization that unites retailers, manufacturers, foundations and individuals to support those affected by poverty and tragedy – Gap (Canada) Inc. will donate the clothing to LIFE*SPIN in London, Ontario. This donation will help people as they build a brighter future and is the latest in the company’s ongoing efforts to support its communities and be the change, together.rnrn“During this unique moment in history, it’s more necessary than ever to come together and support those in our global communities who have been directly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis,” said Mark Breitbard, President and CEO of Banana Republic and Gap Inc. specialty brands. “Through our partnership with Delivering Good, we’re committed to helping Canadians get back to work by providing clothing they can wear for interviews and in different work environments.”rnrn“By supporting Delivering Good, Gap (Canada) Inc. brands are helping men and women, including those facing poverty, homelessness, and job loss,” said Delivering Good President & CEO Lisa Gurwitch. “This donation will have such a positive impact on men, women and disadvantaged young adults. This new apparel will help individuals and families trying to make ends meet during these difficult times.”rnrn“Since opening the first Old Navy store in Canada in 2001, we’ve been dedicated to supporting communities and delivering the democracy of style,” said Nancy Green, President and CEO of Old Navy. “We recognize the need to serve families in our Canadian communities has never been greater than it is today. We’re very proud to be partnering with Delivering Good and providing LIFE*SPIN with essential clothing during a time when they need it the most.”rnrnThe Gap Foundation also previously announced a $1 million USD donation to local, national and international non-profit organizations to support underserved families during the coronavirus crisis. The Gap Inc. family of brands will continue to support those in need including a donation of 20,000 reusable non-medical masks to Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada. Many of their Clubhouses have remained open and operational as a safe place for kids and families in underserved communities.rnrnAbout Gap Inc.rnGap Inc. is a leading global retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, Intermix, Janie and Jack, and Hill City brands. Fiscal year 2019 net sales were $16.4 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in more than 90 countries worldwide through Company-operated stores, franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.rnrnAbout Delivering Good @deliveringgoodrnThe national charity Delivering Good helps people impacted by the challenges of COVID-19 by providing new, essential products donated by manufacturers and retailers. Delivering Good has 35 years of crisis experience and a network of more than 700 community partners to distribute the donations to low-income and disadvantaged individuals and families. This new merchandise can provide hope, dignity and self-esteem to families and individuals, especially for people facing poverty, homelessness, job loss and more. Learn more at www.Delivering-Good.org. 
              
             
           
                   
               Gap Inc. Names Eric Chan As Chief Business And Strategy Officer And Amy Thompson As Chief People Officer
               
                SAN FRANCISCO – Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today announced the appointment of Eric Chan as Chief Business and Strategy Officer, effective this week, and Amy Thompson as Chief People Officer, effective January 22. Both leaders will join Gap Inc.’s executive leadership team and report to Gap Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard Dickson.  
“Eric Chan and Amy Thompson will play a critical role in solidifying our foundation as we redefine Gap Inc. for a new era – one where operational rigor becomes a consistent cornerstone of strength for us, bolstered by best-in-class talent and a culture of creativity – all paving the way for brand reinvigoration and cultural relevance,” said Dickson. 
With more than 20 years of financial and operational leadership experience at both Fortune 500 and start-up companies, most recently as CFO of the LA Clippers, Chan has a proven track record of leading scaled, creative and entrepreneurial business strategies, fiscal and organizational goal setting and operations oversight. Previously, Chan served as COO for The Bouqs Company and, prior to that, CFO for Loot Crate, where he helped scale the company from a startup to $165 million in revenue. 
“There is so much potential in Gap Inc.’s portfolio of iconic brands, and I’m excited to join the team at such a pivotal moment in the company’s history,” said Chan. “I look forward to working alongside Gap Inc. leadership to develop and execute against our strategic agenda.” 
“I’m thrilled that Eric will now be at the helm of our business and strategy operations, leading the development of Gap Inc.’s corporate strategy and the critical business levers that will enable us to execute that strategy with excellence,” Dickson added.  
As Chief People Officer, Thompson brings 25 years of experience leading cultural change for world-class companies, iconic brands, and scaled retail operations balancing rigor and excellence with a start-up mentality. She most recently served as Chief People Officer at Mattel, and before that as Chief People Officer at TOMS and in HR executive roles at Starbucks and Ticketmaster. During her time at Mattel, Thompson successfully led the effort to elevate corporate mission, purpose, and values, while supporting a comprehensive business transformation with an improved operating model, talent initiatives, and enhanced performance incentive programs. The culture and results Thompson has driven have been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, and the Great Place to Work Institute. She succeeds Sheila Peters, who has served as Chief People Officer at Gap Inc. since 2020.
“I have long admired Gap Inc. for its dedication to its teams, customers, and the communities it serves,” Thompson said. “I look forward to working hand in hand with leadership to empower and energize the organization, creating a culture that thrives on collaboration, creativity, and purpose, that will serve as a strong foundation in this exciting new era.” 
“Amy uniquely understands the careful alchemy of people, strategy and culture driving extraordinary results and has distinguished herself as a builder of purpose-driven, highly effective teams dedicated to driving business success. I’m confident she is the right leader to help us build a winning culture, while championing values that allow Gap Inc. to matter more to our teams, customers and communities.” Dickson said. 
              
             
           
                   
               Gap Inc. Sets Ambitious Climate Goal To Foster Cleaner Global Business And Efforts To Help Protect Human Rights Across Global Supply Chain
               
                SAN FRANCISCO – As a strategic investment to foster cleaner global business, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today announced an ambitious new goal to reduce absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all owned and operated facilities globally by 50 percent from 2015 levels by the end of 2020. With this new emissions target, Gap Inc. joins the international effort to tackle climate change, building upon the momentum of the landmark Paris Agreement reached last month by the 2015 United Nations climate change summit, COP 21.
Gap Inc.’s new climate goal was announced as part of the company’s most recent Global Sustainability report, “Our Futures are Woven Together,” which outlines the company’s steadfast commitment to protect human rights and improve working conditions in garment factories across the company’s supply chain; to advocate for greater equality and opportunity across its global enterprise; and to change the lives of one million women through P.A.C.E., its award-winning women’s life skills education program by 2020.
Recognizing Gap Inc.’s commitment to equality, inclusion and diversity, the leading nonprofit Catalyst announced today that Gap Inc. would be presented with the prestigious 2016 Catalyst Award at their annual awards dinner on March 16.
CEO Art Peck opens the new report, reflecting on the social and environmental challenges collectively faced by Gap Inc. and the people touched by its business, as well as on the opportunities and promise that lie ahead. “Change is not just possible, but imperative – our futures are tied together and we can’t afford not to act,” Peck writes.
“At Gap Inc., we believe that environmental issues are fundamentally human rights issues. We also believe that creating a more sustainable environment is critical to our company’s business success,” said Melissa Fifield, Senior Director of Sustainable Innovation at Gap Inc. “As we look to integrate our sustainability efforts more deeply into our business strategies and policies, we recognize the potential to create tremendous positive change for the people touched by our business while unlocking new possibilities to grow our global enterprise. We recognize that much work lies ahead of us, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to help ensure the safety and well-being of the people who make our clothes, to advocate for greater equality, and to foster more sustainable communities in the places we live and work.”
Gap Inc. has set its new emissions goal after having achieved its previous goal, which called for reducing absolute greenhouse gas emissions across U.S. operations from a 2008 baseline by 20 percent by the end of 2015; the company is reporting today a total of approximately 37 percent emissions reduction during the 2008-2015 timeframe. Gap Inc. today also announced a companion waste goal for its U.S. facilities to divert 80 percent of waste from landfill by the end of 2020.
“With our new environmental goals, we are stepping up to join the unprecedented global effort to tackle climate change and create a healthier, low-carbon future. As a global fashion company, we rely on the same vital resources that are critical to the health of the communities that support our business. We recognize that embedding our new emissions and waste goals into our company’s priorities and practices is not only the right thing to do, it will allow us to further drive innovation and cost savings across our business,” said Shawn Curran, Executive Vice President of Global Logistics at Gap Inc. and Executive Sponsor of Gap Inc.’s Environmental Council.
The new report details the company’s most recent sustainability initiatives, and covers data from fiscal years 2013-2014. Gap Inc. was one of the first apparel companies to issue a comprehensive social responsibility report in 2003, and the company continues to re-examine the progression of this work as it learns more about the root causes of the challenges across the global value chain and strives to identify, test and implement solutions that can help achieve even greater positive impacts.
Report highlights include:
Environment

Setting a goal to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions in our owned and operated facilities globally by 50 percent by the end of 2020

Committing to a goal of 80 percent waste diversion from landfill across our U.S. owned and operated facilities by the end of 2020

Working towards phasing out the use of hazardous chemicals in the making of our products by 2020, as a founding member of the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals group

Partnering with fabric mills to fight pollution and conserve water through our partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition

Providing access to clean water for 17,000 people in India through our new Women + Water program

Working Conditions
Consistently visiting the factories that make our clothes, about 1,000 factories each year, to assess and improve working conditions for garment workers

Expanding Gap Inc.’s P.A.C.E. (Personal Advancement & Career Enhancement) program, our signature, award-winning life skills education program, to more factories and communities to give one million women worldwide by 2020 the opportunity to gain the skills and confidence to change their lives

Improving the lives of the people who make our clothes and forging industry-wide change through innovative partnerships with leading organizations focused on improving workplace conditions and labor standards, such as Better Work and Verité

Equality and Opportunity
Establishing Gap Inc. as the first Fortune 500 Company to disclose that we pay our female and male employees equally for equal work across our global organization

Announcing plans in 2014 to raise the hourly minimum wage to $10 for more than 60,000 U.S. employees in 2015, making Gap Inc. one of the first U.S. retailers to make this investment in our frontline talent

Gap Inc. employees volunteered more than one million hours over 2013 and 2014; this new record was set with the support of more than 2,000 Community Leaders across the world, who lead a wide range of volunteering projects for their teams

Creating opportunities for more than 2,000 youth and young adults since 2006, by providing job training and store internships through our This Way Ahead program; our investments in nonprofit organizations have reached 270,000+ teens and young adults in the past three years

Standing up as a voice for marriage, racial and gender equality; in 2015, women made up more than 70 percent of our senior leadership, and we sponsored six employee resource groups to promote diversity and inclusion

Signing the Women’s Empowerment Principles, developed by UN Women and United Nations Global Compact to advance gender equality; one of the first acts by Art Peck as chief executive officer in February 2015

Receiving the 2016 Catalyst Award, a leading nonprofit organization with a mission to expand opportunities for women and business; Gap Inc. is being recognized for its commitment to equality, inclusion and diversity

To learn more, please visit gapinc.com/sustainability, where you can also download a copy of the report.
About Gap Inc.

Gap Inc. is a leading global retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, and Intermix brands. Fiscal year 2014 net sales were $16.4 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in more than 90 countries worldwide through about 3,300 company-operated stores, over 400 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.
              
             
           
                   
               Gap Launches Bold New Films, Directed By David Fincher, As Part Of Its Global ‘Dress Normal’ Campaign
               
                NEW YORK – Gap, the iconic American clothing brand, today revealed a series of films that will air on TV, in cinema, in stores and online, created by Academy Award-nominated director David Fincher (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network, Fight Club and the much anticipated Gone Girl). The four new commercials – Kiss, Drive, Golf and Stairs – mark Gap’s return to television.
Fincher’s inspiration and cinematic touch is clearly apparent, with a creative treatment that sets them apart from Gap’s previous TV campaigns.  The four films were created with Wieden+Kennedy New York as part of Gap’s new campaign, Dress Normal.  
“We want these films to get people talking.  Each one features a confident woman at the center and tells a story of how liberating it is when you are being your most authentic self.  We believe everyone who watches them will identify with one or more of the characters,” said Seth Farbman, Gap Global Chief Marketing Officer. “We were thrilled to work with David Fincher, one of the greats of modern American cinema and a superb storyteller.  His highly detailed and authentic style resonates with the Gap brand and these films truly bring to life what our Dress Normal message means.”
Dress Normal is rooted in the same core values the brand has unapologetically stood for over the past 45 years – individualism and the liberation that comes from confidently being your most authentic self. Dress Normal boldly instructs individuals to shape their own authentic, personal style – and intentionally challenges every one of us to dress for ourselves.
“We were inspired by the bold and honest spirit of the millennial generation; their authenticity is what makes them stand apart in today’s complex world,” Said Stephen Sunnucks, Gap Global President.  “Gap has always stood for individuality and being your most authentic self.  By challenging the idea of what it means to dress normal, we hope to inspire confidence in everyone’s own personal style.”
The films use taglines such as ‘dress like no one’s watching’ and ‘simple clothes for you to complicate’.  They are all shot in black and white, evoking the era of Film Noir and giving a subtle nod to our fashion point of view that black denim is the must have trend this Fall.  They were all filmed in and around Los Angeles (“Golf” was filmed on location in Industry, CA and “Stairs” was filmed in Pasadena City Hall).  They launch in the US and UK in the week of September 1.
The commercials appear alongside a print campaign that features unique photography stills of recognizable people who are known for their own art of dressing normal, starting with Anjelica Huston, The Royal Tenenbaums; Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men; Michael K. Williams, Boardwalk Empire; Jena Malone, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire; and Zosia Mamet, Girls.
The Fall campaign marks the first creative execution of Dress Normal which begins its story with a classic Gap item and one of the coming season’s biggest trends – black denim – and season after season the narrative will shift to other iconic Gap staples.  The concept was developed in partnership with Wieden + Kennedy New York, known for bringing to life brands like Nike, Coca Cola, and Old Spice through provocative storytelling.
In addition to television, the campaign spans outdoor, mobile, direct, social, in store and digital. Gap has also enhanced its Styld.by platform with amplified digital and video content and a broader range of creative influencers, including popular bloggers, style experts, musicians, photographers, filmmakers and artists to curate the best fall looks and illustrate their version of Dress Normal. In mid-September, the brand will launch an experiential element to the campaign – the Dress Normal Project – which brings to life what it means to dress normal through the lens of consumers across North America.
About Gap

Gap is a global apparel and accessories brand focused on delivering casual, American style. The brand offers classic iconic clothing that helps customers express their individuality through its Gap, GapKids, babyGap, GapMaternity and GapBody collections. With an optimistic point of view and belief that everyone can make their creative mark in the world, Gap embodies what it means to be bright. Founded in San Francisco in 1969 by Donald G. Fisher and Doris F. Fisher, the brand has grown from one store to over 1,700 company-operated and franchise retail locations around the world. Gap is the namesake brand for leading global specialty retailer, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) which includes Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta, and Intermix. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.
              
             
           
                   
               GAP Launches Limited-Edition Collection with Sarah Jessica Parker
               
                NEW YORK – Gap, the iconic American clothing brand, launches the Gap | Sarah Jessica Parker collection, a limited-edition assortment of girls and boys apparel and accessories. The collaboration was a natural fit as it reunites Gap and Parker, who starred in a series of Gap ads in the early aughts. Stemming from Parker’s family tradition of saying “rabbit, rabbit” on the first of every month for good luck, the collection celebrates love, luck and magic.
Inspired by Parker’s childhood heirlooms, the collection embraces prints and texture by playing with ginghams, stripes, florals and eyelet in classic Gap silhouettes. Available in toddler and kids sizing, Gap | Sarah Jessica Parker captures all the nostalgia of passing along well-loved, storied pieces to family and friends, the exuberance of starting your own story in those same pieces, and the joy inherent in wishing luck upon children as they move forward in the world. Parker also worked with Gap to help create two women’s dress styles that are available in the collection.
“Creating this collection with Gap has been such a treat as a mother, as one of eight children, and as a reconnection with the brand,” says Parker. “I hope the pieces are cherished by the children who wear them, that items are passed down among generations, and that some great memories are created while wearing them.”
Channeling Parker’s good luck tradition, there are embroidered rabbits found throughout the collection as well as special ‘property of:’ sewn-in tags to detail each wearer throughout the years which takes inspiration from her own family’s rituals. Gap | Sarah Jessica Parker collection favorites for girls include gingham dresses and separates with eyelet hems, a navy and white stripe flutter sleeve dress with pink roses, a signature rabbit embroidered light blue bomber jacket and a rabbit inspired basket weave mini handbag while boys and toddler boys can choose from graphic tees and gingham shirting with khakis. The collection will also include ‘Ebbit the backpack,’ an egg-inspired character and playful companion perfect for school, travel or towing along for a spring picnic.   
“It’s been a delight to collaborate with Sarah Jessica Parker on this special collection for kids that combines her nostalgic childhood memories with signature Gap favorites,” says Wendi Goldman, Gap executive vice president and chief product officer. “We are so thrilled to have Sarah Jessica back with the Gap brand in this new collaboration capacity. Together we created a collection that we hope will be passed down from generation to generation, just as we envisioned.”  
With prices starting from $16.95 up to $78, the collection will be available on March 1 through gap.com and GapKids stores in select countries including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Greater China, Hong Kong and Japan.
About Gap

Gap is one of the world’s most iconic apparel and accessories brands and the authority on American casual style.  Founded in San Francisco in 1969, Gap’s collections are designed to build the foundation of modern wardrobes – all things denim, classic white shirts, khakis and must-have trends.  Beginning with the first international store in London in 1987, Gap continues to connect with customers online and across the brand’s about 1,600 company-operated and franchise retail locations around the world. Gap includes Women’s and Men’s apparel and accessories, GapKids, babyGap, GapMaternity, GapBody and GapFit collections.  The brand also serves value-conscious customers with exclusively-designed collections for Gap Outlet and Gap Factory Stores.  Gap is the namesake brand for leading global specialty retailer, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) which includes Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, Intermix and Weddington Way. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.
About Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker is the star and executive producer of “Divorce,” which recently returned to HBO for a second season. In February 2014, she launched “SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker”, a footwear, apparel and accessory label, with partner George Malkemus III.  The collection showcases the brand’s theme of colors acting as neutrals and encourages women to take risks and break away from fashion rules they imagine. Parker currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the board of directors for the New York City ballet. She also served on the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities under the Obama administration. Parker lives with her husband and three children in New York City. 
              
             
           
                   
               GAP Outlines Advances In Omni-channel Retailing,  Global Growth And Supply Chain
               
                SAN FRANCISCO – As part of its annual investor meeting, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today is providing an overview of its strategic initiatives designed to achieve long-term, profitable growth across its portfolio of brands. The company also will highlight its use of technology, innovation and scale

as competitive advantages as it makes progress toward bridging the growing digital world with its physical stores to create world-class shopping experiences for its customers. 
“We have the world’s best collection of American brands coupled with a strong economic model and runway for global growth,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman and chief executive officer, Gap Inc. “As the retail landscape evolves, we continue to deliver on our omni-channel roadmap and focus on owning the shopping experience of the future.” 
The company will discuss its plans to continue driving online growth by leveraging technology and innovation combined with top talent to deliver new digital capabilities to customers and make further progress in mobile, personalization and loyalty programs. 
Building upon its current omni-channel suite – including reserve in store, find in store and ship from store – later this year, the company will be testing its new order in store capability, which allows customers instant access to expanded product offerings online. Further, the company is announcing the expansion of its reserve in store service to all Gap stores in the United States by the end of the second quarter, enabling online and mobile shoppers to now reserve items at more than 1,000 Gap and Banana Republic store locations. 
In addition to its industry-leading omni-channel capabilities, the company will reaffirm its intention to fuel growth and gain share in the $1.4 trillion global apparel market. Murphy and company executives will discuss plans to grow through expansion in Asia, as well as in its global outlet, online and franchise channels. The company also is excited about the long-term potential of its fast-growing Athleta brand. 
Building on Old Navy’s recent debut in mainland China and Gap’s growing store base in the world’s second largest apparel market, the company will highlight China as its largest growth initiative where it expects sales to reach $1 billion in three years. 
Gap Inc. leaders also will discuss progress against its move to a seamless inventory model and a more responsive global supply chain, both designed to fulfill customer demand with increased speed and flexibility, while unlocking revenue and gross margin potential. 
“In the next five years, we plan to leverage our scale to drive our strategic initiatives – including global growth plans, omni-channel strategies, a seamless inventory model and fully responsive supply chain. We expect these initiatives to contribute meaningfully to our revenue growth and operating profit,” Murphy added. 
As it has the last number of years, the company also will underscore its continued commitment to delivering against long-term financial objectives. 
“Our goal is to strike a good balance between growing the top and bottom line, as well as returning excess cash to shareholders,” said Sabrina Simmons, executive vice president and chief financial officer, Gap Inc. “Over the past five years, we have increased revenue $1.6 billion, grown EPS at a 15 percent compound annual growth rate and returned an average of $1.6 billion in cash per year via share buybacks and dividends.” 
“We have a strong financial track record and we remain focused in our approach to drive value – by driving revenue growth with healthy merchandise margins and leveraging expenses to expand operating margin, as measured on a full year basis,” Simmons added. 
About Gap Inc.

Gap Inc. is a leading global retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta, and Intermix brands. Fiscal year 2013 net sales were $16.1 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in more than 90 countries worldwide through about 3,100 company-operated stores, over 350 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com. 
              
             
           
                   
               GAP To Collaborate With Sarah Jessica Parker To Launch Limited-Edition Kids Collection
               
                NEW YORK – December 1, 2017 – Gap announced today a new limited-edition collection created for GapKids with actor and former Gap campaign star Sarah Jessica Parker. The collection is expected to be available for purchase to customers Spring 2018 through Gap online and GapKids stores in select countries including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Greater China, Hong Kong and Japan.
About Gap

Gap is one of the world’s most iconic apparel and accessories brands and the authority on American casual style.  Founded in San Francisco in 1969, Gap’s collections are designed to build the foundation of modern wardrobes – all things denim, classic white shirts, khakis and must-have trends.  Beginning with the first international store in London in 1987, Gap continues to connect with customers online and across the brand’s about 1,600 company-operated and franchise retail locations around the world. Gap includes Women’s and Men’s apparel and accessories, GapKids, babyGap, GapMaternity, GapBody and GapFit collections.  The brand also serves value-conscious customers with exclusively-designed collections for Gap Outlet and Gap Factory Stores.  Gap is the namesake brand for leading global specialty retailer, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) which includes Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, Intermix and Weddington Way. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.
About Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker is the star and executive producer of “Divorce,” which will return for a second season early next year. In February 2014, she launched “SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker”, a footwear, apparel and accessory label, with partner George Malkemus III.  The collection showcases the brand’s theme of colors acting as neutrals and encourages women to take risks and break away from fashion rules they imagine. Parker currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the board of directors for the New York City ballet. She also served on the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities under the Obama administration. Parker lives with her husband and three children in New York City. 
              
             
           
                   
               GapKids Launches Limited-Edition Collection with Kate Spade New York and Jack Spade
               
                NEW YORK,  – Gap is thrilled to launch kate spade new york and Jack Spade for GapKids, a limited-edition girls’ and boys’ apparel and accessories collection for Holiday 2014. This marks kate spade new york and Jack Spade’s first foray into childrenswear as well as the first time the Kate Spade & Company brands will partner together.
Launching in select Gap stores in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Hong Kong and Japan and on gap.com on October 30th, the childrenswear collection, which will be available for two weeks only, embraces child-like imagination with festive and whimsical styles in toddler and kids sizing. The collection blends the playful feminine and colorful twists of kate spade new york and the energetic charm of Jack Spade with GapKids’ iconic American style.
Retaining the DNA of kate spade new york and Jack Spade, inspiration was taken from the collection’s archives. The collection features recreated signature pieces from the past, downsized and in fabrics more suited to children’s play and adventure.
“Collaborating with iconic American brands such as kate spade new york and Jack Spade is a way of bringing style and optimism to the GapKids customer,” said Rebekka Bay, Creative Director and EVP, Gap Global Design. “We really wanted to celebrate the best of all three brands, the casualness of GapKids, the playfulness and prettiness of kate spade new york and the quirkiness of Jack Spade.”
“I couldn’t think of a better partner than Gap to collaborate with on a children’s collection,” said Deborah Lloyd, Chief Creative Officer, Kate Spade & Company. “Their colorful and playful spirit aligns perfectly with ours and they’ve helped us realize our vision of dressing little ones head to toe in kate spade new york and Jack Spade for their next big adventure.”
Focusing on a child’s carefree sense of adventure and excitement, the collection follows a brother and sister imagining their way through a magical journey to grandmother’s house during the holiday season. The idea of packing for a family holiday reunion, celebrating the journey seen from the back seat of the car, the actual celebration and the overnight stay, are themes that can be seen throughout.
Collection favorites include charming dresses, clever graphic sweatshirts, witty winter accessories and stylish tech cases marrying the brands’ aesthetics and allowing kids to be kids. Fit and flare dresses and button down tops for girls are played up with the kate spade new york signature bow print. Sassy sayings such as “Here Comes Trouble”, “Skirt The Rules”, “Pretty Sneaky”, and “Are We There Yet?” can be found on girls’ and boys’ fashion and accessories. Mittens with playful quotation marks, knit hats with antlers and hot dog printed scarves speak to the whimsy of the winter collection. Highlighting the fun and quirky nature of the Kate Spade & Company brands, graphic tech accessories feature hamburgers, notebooks and emojis.

With prices starting from $9.95 up to $130, the collection will be available in select Gap stores and on gap.com starting on October 30th for two weeks only.
About Gap
Gap is a global apparel and accessories brand focused on delivering casual, American style. The brand offers classic, iconic clothing that helps customers express their individuality through its Gap, GapKids, babyGap, GapMaternity and GapBody collections. With an optimistic point of view and belief that everyone can make their creative mark in the world, Gap embodies what it means to be bright. Founded in San Francisco in 1969 by Donald G. Fisher and Doris F. Fisher, the brand has grown from one store to over 1,700 company-operated and franchise retail locations around the world. Gap is the namesake brand for leading global specialty retailer, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) which includes Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta, and Intermix. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.
About kate spade new york

In 1993, Kate Spade designed the utilitarian bag she had been craving for years but couldn’t find anywhere and so began a revolution in the accessories market. Simple silhouettes with clever details and crisp palettes soon established a visual shorthand for the brand that’s recognizable the world over. In 2007, Kate Spade turned the reins over to the design powerhouse, Liz Claiborne Inc. which then became Fifth & Pacific Companies Inc, and now operates under Kate Spade & Company (NYSE: KATE). Deborah Lloyd, formerly of Banana Republic and Burberry took the helm as Chief Creative Officer with an aim to broadening the line while honoring Kate’s rich history. Today you’ll find the brand on the arms of women everywhere with nearly 300 kate spade new york stores worldwide and a thriving e-commerce business.
About Jack Spade

Jack Spade began in 1996 out of a warehouse on Warren Street in New York City. It grew out of the idea that useful items could also be stylish. The first JACK SPADE bag was sold to a hardware store in 1997. Today, Jack Spade has grown to include clothing, small goods and accessories. It remains true to the idea that good design solves a problem with straightforward solutions, using timeless and durable materials. Jack Spade can be found online at www.jackspade.com, in their 13 retail stores in the US, Japan and UK, and in top select stores worldwide.
              
             
           
                   
               Georgetown Announces New Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention to Address Health Disparities in Washington, D.C.
               
                WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center will open on Monday, April 17 at 1010 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, D.C., building on a longstanding partnership between Georgetown and Ralph Lauren on cancer research and care. A part of Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, the facility, located in Ward 8, will focus on reducing disparities in healthcare affecting the city’s underserved communities through patient navigation — or individualized healthcare guides — community educators and more. This Center, made possible by a grant from The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation, is aimed at helping residents get the cancer care they need by bringing comprehensive cancer resources to underserved communities in southeast Washington (Wards 6, 7 and 8), where they have been historically lacking.
The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention will begin operations following a special dedication with patients, staff and dignitaries. Services at this newly remodeled facility in the southeast corner of the District build upon the programming and impact of the previous practices of the Capital Breast Care Center (CBCC) to expand beyond the breast cancer-focused services offered at this site by the CBCC, which has been a fixture in the community for 15 years. The new Center will now offer comprehensive cancer resources to the diverse populations disproportionately impacted by lung, colorectal, prostate and other cancers — from screening to treatment, when necessary. The Center will also include a wider array of cancer-focused services, targeted outreach and education in collaboration with MedStar Health, Georgetown’s academic health system partner.
The Center will support early detection as well as diagnostic and preventative measures and, when necessary, connect individuals to Georgetown University’s academic health system partner, MedStar Health, for specialized care or to participate in clinical trials. The Center will also provide tailored community outreach, engagement and educational programming to vulnerable populations east of the Anacostia River (Wards 6, 7 and 8), where they have been historically lacking. 
“We’ve been working at this location and in this community with breast cancer patients for 15 years and what we know from that work and those relationships — along with research — is that addressing cancer disparities in communities and meeting people where they are makes a real difference,” explains Lucile Adams-Campbell, Ph.D., Director of the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and Associate Director for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research at Georgetown Lombardi. “We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to now expand our focus on breast cancer to address colorectal, lung and prostate cancers because when we work directly with and in communities most impacted, we see dramatic improvements in early detection, diagnostic, treatment and preventive measures.”
Ralph Lauren has a longstanding history of support and partnership with Georgetown Lombardi. In 1989, Mr. Lauren, alongside Katharine Graham, co-founded the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research at Georgetown Lombardi in honor of his close friend and former fashion editor of The Washington Post, Nina Hyde. Over the years, the Ralph Lauren Corporation and Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation have focused a key pillar of their philanthropic efforts on giving to cancer care and prevention causes and organizations.
 “More than 30 years ago, I made a personal, unwavering commitment to contribute to the fight against cancer,” said Ralph Lauren, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Ralph Lauren Corporation and Chair of The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation. “Through The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation’s investment in Georgetown Lombardi, our hope is that our work together will help to reduce health disparities in underserved communities by creating improved access to the preventative care so critical for successful treatment and survival. And most of all, make a meaningful difference in the quality of life for those most vulnerable and in need.” 
Last year, The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation made a $25 million commitment in new grant funding to expand or establish five Ralph Lauren-named cancer centers in underserved communities across the United States. Recognized by the White House’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, the funding will benefit institutions, including Georgetown Lombardi and Memorial Sloan Kettering Ralph Lauren Center in Harlem, N.Y., that have a National Cancer Institute designation and are dedicated to overcoming health disparities and improving cancer outcomes in their communities. In the coming years, The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation will identify and select three additional grant recipients in collaboration with Conquer Cancer®, the ASCO Foundation. 
Addressing Disparities Through Patient Navigation 
The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention will help to advance health equity in a historically underserved part of the District. The majority of healthcare facilities in Washington, D.C., are located in the Northwest quadrant, making them unevenly distributed throughout the city. As many as 41% of residents across the nation’s capital aren’t receiving necessary cancer screenings and health disparities between Black and white patients here are wider than they are in the rest of the country. Ward 8 is one of the most deeply impacted communities by these disparities with higher cancer rates and lower life expectancies than populations in other parts of the District. 
Patient navigators play an important role in educating communities about cancer and helping patients overcome barriers to care and access. Research shows that patient navigators help reduce cancer disparities by guiding patients through the complex and vast healthcare system. Patient navigators and other community-focused educators have been proven to help eliminate cancer disparities from diagnosis through treatment by assisting patients with: 
Lack of transportation, childcare or elder care

Language barriers

Medical mistrust

Fear of what a screening, test or diagnosis will mean

Logistics navigating a complex system of doctors and appointments amid many other life responsibilities

About The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation

The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation works to make the dream of a better life reality by championing equity and empowering underserved communities around the world. Established in 2001, The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation is committed to making a difference across its core areas of focus: supporting cancer care and prevention, protecting the environment, fostering advocacy & access and strengthening community resilience. It hopes to deliver meaningful change in its communities through its nonprofit collaborations, grant funding and volunteering programs. For more information, please visit: https://corporate.ralphlauren.com/Foundation.
About Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center

Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center is designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a comprehensive cancer center. A part of Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown Lombardi is the only comprehensive cancer center in the Washington, D.C. area. It serves as the research engine for MedStar Health, Georgetown University’s clinical partner. Georgetown Lombardi is also an NCI-recognized consortium with Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center in Bergen County, New Jersey. The consortium reflects an integrated cancer research enterprise with scientists and physician-researchers from both locations. Georgetown Lombardi seeks to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention through innovative basic, translational, and clinical research, patient care, community education, and outreach to serve communities throughout the Washington region. Georgetown Lombardi is a member of the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (UG1CA239758). Georgetown Lombardi is supported in part by a National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Support Grant (P30CA051008). Connect with Georgetown Lombardi on Facebook (Facebook.com/Georgetown Lombardi) and Twitter (@LombardiCancer).
              
             
           
                   
               Gildan Activewear Announces Proposed Acquisition of American Apparel Brand
               
                MONTREAL, QUEBEC – Nov. 14, 2016 – Gildan Activewear Inc. (TSX:GIL)(NYSE:GIL) today announced that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement (APA) to acquire the worldwide intellectual property rights related to the American Apparel® brand and certain assets from American Apparel, LLC, (American Apparel), a U.S.-based manufacturer of fashion basics, for a cash purchase price of approximately $66 million. Gildan will also separately purchase inventory from American Apparel to ensure a seamless supply of goods in the printwear channel while the Company integrates the brand within its Printwear business. Gildan will not be purchasing any retail store assets. The closing of the transaction is subject to approvals by the American Apparel bankruptcy process and customary conditions, and is expected to occur during the first quarter of 2017.
The American Apparel® brand is a highly recognized brand among consumers and within the North American printwear channel. The American Apparel® brand would represent a strong complementary addition to the Company’s portfolio of brands. The acquisition will create revenue growth opportunities by leveraging Gildan’s extensive distribution network in North American and international printwear markets to further increase the brand’s penetration in the faster growing fashion basics segments of these markets. In addition, with American Apparel®’s strong heritage as a consumer brand, the Company will evaluate potential wholesale opportunities for leveraging the brand within its Branded Apparel business.
American Apparel voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on November 14, 2016. The Bankruptcy Court may require American Apparel to hold an auction for its assets and business under which the proposed acquisition would constitute the initial bid. Consummation of the acquisition would be subject to Gildan being selected as the successful bidder in any such auction and Bankruptcy Court approval. Gildan will be entitled to a break-up fee and certain expense reimbursements if it does not prevail as the successful bidder at any such auction.
About Gildan

Gildan is a leading manufacturer and marketer of quality branded basic family apparel, including T-shirts, fleece, sport shirts, underwear, socks, hosiery, and shapewear. The Company sells its products under a diversified portfolio of company-owned brands, including the Gildan®, Gold Toe®, Anvil®, Comfort Colors®, Alstyle®, Secret®, Silks®, Kushyfoot®, Secret Silky®, Peds®, MediPeds® and Therapy Plus™ brands. Sock products are also distributed through the Company’s exclusive U.S. sock license for the Under Armour® brand, and a wide array of products is also marketed through a global license for the Mossy Oak® brand. The Company sells its products through two primary channels of distribution, namely printwear and retail markets. The Company distributes its products in printwear markets in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. In retail markets, the Company sells its products to a broad spectrum of retailers primarily in the U.S. and Canada and also manufactures for select leading global athletic and lifestyle consumer brands.
Gildan owns and operates vertically-integrated, large-scale manufacturing facilities which are primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean Basin, North America, and Bangladesh. These facilities are strategically located to efficiently service the quick replenishment needs of its customers in the printwear and retail markets. Gildan has over 48,000 employees worldwide and is committed to industry-leading labour and environmental practices throughout the Company’s supply chain. More information about the Company and its corporate citizenship practices and initiatives can be found at www.gildan.com and www.genuinegildan.com, respectively.
              
             
           
                   
               Global Couture Gala (GCG), Fashion Event Themed “Bridging Cultures Embracing Diversity” with Top Emerging Couture Designers Who Were Selected from Various Countries Around the World
               
                LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2021 – After a long-awaited return to the runway, L Gray Image Consulting, LLC is excited to produce Global Couture Gala (GCG), fashion event themed “Bridging Cultures Embracing Diversity” with top emerging couture designers who were selected from various countries around the world. GCG is in partnership with HODL- GalaxE where the two worlds of cryptotainment and fashion unite in an evening. GCG is a world class, one of a kind, fashion extravaganza Presented by PORSCHE DTLA. Other sponsors for the show include Sheraton Grand Los Angeles and House Studios. GCG kicks off the official fashion calendar and will stream live on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at the iconic Majestic, a beautiful masterpiece located in downtown Los Angeles.
Global Couture Gala (GCG): “Bridging Cultures Embracing Diversity”

Global Couture Gala (GCG): “Bridging Cultures Embracing Diversity”

GCG Advisory Committee

GCG Advisory Committee

The purpose of the Global Couture Gala (GCG) is to provide a global fashion platform highlighting couture designers from diverse cultures around the world, to increase economic empowerment and promote LA tourism. The couture designers showing on the runway have styled some of the world’s top celebrities for red carpet events and award shows. “Too often many of these designers don’t show during Fashion Week Season at top fashion capitals of the world,” said Linda Gray, Founder and Executive Producer of GCG. “By hosting this event in LA, it will give these designers an opportunity of a lifetime to highlight their talent and showcase their exquisite designs on a world stage reminiscent of their heritage and international style.”
“The creative work of Linda and her team identifies with our core values to support events that promote diversity and inclusion,” said Victor Ghassemi, General Manager, Porsche DTLA. “We look forward to this exciting event, supporting the gala and working with the GCG team.”
HODL-GalaxE formed a new partnership with Global Couture Gala to tap the multi-million dollar NFT fashion metaverse which will leverage the combined power of crypto, entertainment and high-end fashion to create a brand new “cryptotainment” industry. The goal of the partnership is to capture the multi-billion “cryptotainment” NFT market by making high end couture fashion a major focus. Jenny Ta, Co-founder and COO of HODL-GalaxE said: “Bringing the best of all worlds together is an empowering prospect. Building cultural understanding is much like bringing the historically separate realms of finance, entertainment and fashion together to create something amazing. I’m excited about our partnership.”
WHAT: 2022 Global Couture Gala
WHERE: Majestic DTLA – 650 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, California 90014
WHEN: Saturday, March 5, 2022 – 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
GCG commenced with red carpet arrivals, opening cocktail reception, couture runway show, live entertainment, after party with live streaming. The 2022 event is hosted by Award Winning Television News Personalities, Sharon Tay and DeMarco Morgan.
“GCG is rooted in diversity and inclusion and has some similarity to the New York Met Gala but framed with a distinctive, creative vision fitting for a high profile Los Angeles Red Carpet Fashion event. We want to bring diverse cultures together to share, be inspired and collaborate through various experiences. GCG was postponed in March 2020 due to the pandemic that impacted the world. People are excited to get dressed up again and see live events return. The Majestic venue will be transformed into an international runway presentation of creativity and innovation. It will surely be an evening of unparalleled excitement where fashion, beauty, live performances, cryptotainment and diverse cultures come together under one roof to celebrate diversity and inclusion,” said Gray.
For more information or for sponsorship opportunities please visit: www.globalcouturegala.com
Contact Person

Linda Gray – 310-654-8792

323933@email4pr.com
SOURCE L Gray Image Consulting, LLC
              
             
           
                   
               GOOP PARTNERS WITH BANANA REPUBLIC TO CELEBRATE FEMALE BOUNDARY-BREAKERS WITH WOMEN ON TOP
               
                Los Angeles, California (September 3, 2019) – Today, goop, the leading lifestyle brand founded by Gwyneth Paltrow, and Banana Republic will launch a partnership to celebrate female culture-changers through an eight-part series on The goop Podcast. The two brands are dedicated to female empowerment and equality, and these episodes will celebrate ceiling-shattering leaders who have broken boundaries to get where they are today.
The podcast series, Women on Top, marks the first time goop has worked with an outside partner on a custom co-branded series. Episodes will be hosted by Paltrow and goop’s chief content officer, Elise Loehnen. The first episode will feature Shannon Watts, the incredibly powerful force behind Moms Demand Action, one of the largest grassroots movements in the country, which is focused on protecting people from gun violence. Additional founders, entrepreneurs, and thinkers will include Marie Forleo and Elaine Welteroth, among others.
“At goop, we are driven in large part by female stories and the voices of women, particularly those who challenge our existing perceptions of what’s possible,” says Loehnen. “This series will feature conversations with the women we look up to—those who lead with grace, power, and curiosity and are redefining what we think it means to break boundaries.”
“goop and Banana Republic are two brands fueled by those who are limitless, curious, connected, and out in the world,” says Mary Alderete, Banana Republic’s chief marketing officer. “We look forward to energizing listeners with real conversations that we hope will inspire each and every one of us to live a life with no boundaries.”
The series will be celebrated with a live podcast event in September with Paltrow and Kerry Washington, who stars in the upcoming film American Son on Netflix. One new episode of Women on Top will be released on The goop Podcast every Tuesday, beginning today, September 3, at 6 a.m. ET, and continuing through October 22, 2019.
About The goop Podcast:
The goop Podcast features CEO and founder Gwyneth Paltrow and CCO Elise Loehnen chatting with leading thinkers, culture changers, and industry disruptors—from doctors to creatives, CEOs to spiritual healers—about shifting old paradigms and starting new conversations.
The podcast is a natural extension of Paltrow’s mission in starting goop: to make every choice count by seeking out answers directly from experts, whether it’s a doctor on the long-term effects of postpartum depletion or a psychologist on how we reach our full potential.
The goop Podcast was one of Apple’s most downloaded new podcasts of 2018.
About goop:

goop is a lifestyle brand with its roots in content across six key pillars: wellness, travel, food, beauty, style, and work. Within those pillars, goop curates and sells a tightly edited array of products; we also make our own goods in beauty, fashion, and wellness.
goop Beauty stands for high-performance, clean skin care; skin-boosting ingestibles; and artisanal fragrance, bath, and body essentials that harness the pure luxury of nature, reflecting our holistic ethos in beauty and wellness. goop Fashion includes a limited-edition range of fashion essentials made in the finest mills and factories in Italy and the USA, and a line of cross-functional, highly adaptable, fashion-forward sportswear. goop Wellness includes a regimen-based vitamin program to address the needs of modern women and a collection of bite-size chews specifically formulated to help with restful sleep, more focus, and immune support.
goop launched in the fall of 2008 out of Gwyneth Paltrow’s kitchen as a homespun weekly newsletter. GP wanted to share her unbiased travel recommendations, health-centric recipes, and shopping discoveries, and she also wanted to get her own questions—about health, fitness, and the psyche—answered. goop continues to be a place for GP, now the company’s CEO, to introduce readers to incredible experts who have mentored her throughout her life, along with new ideas about where to shop, eat, and stay, plus clean recipes.
About Banana Republic @bananarepublic:

Banana Republic is a global apparel and accessories brand focused on delivering modern, versatile classics designed for a life with no boundaries. Curious, connected, and out in the world, Banana Republic provides a wardrobe of favorites—clothing, eyewear, jewelry, shoes, handbags, and fragrances—all made for a life in motion with the finest materials and fabric innovations. Founded in San Francisco, Banana Republic is located in about 700 company-operated and franchise retail locations worldwide.
              
             
           
                   
               Great Design, Great Cause: Target and TOMS Team Up for the Holidays
               
                Listen up, Target and TOMS enthusiasts, because we’ve got news that’ll knock your socks (and canvas shoes) off: Target and TOMS are teaming up on a limited-edition collection for the holidays. Not only will you find pieces you’ll want to give – and get – but for each item purchased, you’ll be helping someone in need.
Buzz started to build minutes ago after Blake Mycoskie, TOMS Founder and Chief Shoe Giver, and Kathee Tesija, executive vice president and chief merchandising and supply chain officer, Target, surprised nearly 14,000 Target team members with news of the do-gooding partnership at Target’s annual meeting in Minneapolis. And now, we’re bringing you an exclusive first look at the full collection!
“Target’s holiday partnership with TOMS is the perfect marriage of both brands’ core values—great design that’s accessible to everyone and a commitment to giving back,” said Kathee.
“We’re excited to partner with Target for the holidays and take TOMS’ One for One® giving model further than ever before,” said Blake. “Every purchase allows Target’s guests to bring home a beautifully designed product and do good, providing nourishment, warmth and shoes to a person in need.”
TOMS for Target features more than 50 items, each under $50, and will be available at all Target stores in the U.S. and Canada, as well as Target.com on November 16 … so mark your calendars now! And beyond TOMS’ beloved slip-ons, the collection includes home goods and apparel and accessories for women, men and kids, meaning you’ll have a lot to choose from.
Even better, with your help, TOMS for Target has the potential to provide more than 11 million meals, blankets and shoes to those in need. Every TOMS for Target apparel, accessory and home good purchase results in the donation of a blanket through the American Red Cross or Canadian Red Cross, or one week of meals through Feeding America or Food Banks Canada. And for every TOMS for Target pair of shoes sold, a pair will go to a child in need.
              
             
           
                   
               H & M Studio To Paris For Autumn 2014
               
                Last night, H&M Studio, the new name for H&M’s seasonal collection of key pieces, presented its autumn 2014 catwalk show during Paris fashion week. Held at the Grand Palais in front of 600 guests, including Miranda Kerr, Jessica Alba and Solange Knowles, models such as Andreea Diaconu, Joan Smalls, Izabel Goulart and Saskia De Brauw wore the look of the season: nonchalant attitude of the 21st century, mixing feminine with masculine styles. The collection will be available in around 250 stores worldwide, as well as online, from September 4, 2014.
The mood of the collection was dominated by a mix of feminine with masculine, with slip dresses and draped tops worn under men’s blazers,

biker and aviator jackets. Fabrics included silk crepe, silk satin, fine cashmere and velvet. Fake fur coats added texture with detailing from

sequin and stone embroidery. For the show, the historical Grand Palais was transformed into an abstract cityscape, with graphic architectural lines and billboards punctuating the space. At the head of the space was a stage, on which the upcoming French star HollySiz gave a live performance throughout the show.
Meanwhile the global audience at hm.com had exclusive access to the event with French fashion TV expert Mademoiselle Agnes. Before the show

was live-streamed, Mademoiselle Agnes chatted live with celebrities and VIP guests, as well as taking the cameras backstage, giving the global

audience a truly front row experience. H&M Studio is the new name for H&M’s key seasonal fashion collection.
With its own dedicated design team, each season H&M Studio will offer a limited-edition collection of the hottest looks and statement pieces.

“I loved the mix of feminine and masculine for autumn at H&M Studio. Slip dresses and draped tops are the new essentials, especially when worn with blazers or biker jackets. It’s about taking the Parisian spirit and bringing it to the H&M world,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, Head of Design, New Development.
“It’s so good to be at H&M Studio in Paris to see this limited edition collection. H&M is such a wonderful brand – it’s affordable, wearable, and

very fashion forward”, says Miranda Kerr. “I love H&M – it’s so exciting to be here, so much fun. The way I dress I mix things together, and I love to shop at H&M, I always find something new when I’m there”, says Jessica Alba.
This news is courtesy of www.hm.com
              
             
           
                   
               HASK Beauty Partners with Hair Designer and Department Head Linda Flowers on Behind the Scenes Looks on Spider-Man No Way Home
               
                NEW YORK, NY, Jan. 5, 2022 — HASK- The Number One Haircare brand used on Film and TV Sets sits down with Linda Flowers, Hair Designer and Department Head for Spider-Man No Way to talk about all things Hair on the set.
How did you manage to take care of and keep your actor’s hair healthy while filming? Which products did you use for this?
“To maintain healthy hair, I start with a great shampoo and conditioner. I use the HASK Keratin Protein or Biotin Boost shampoos and conditioners for weak or processed hair. For dry hair, I use the HASK Monoi Coconut Oil Collection. This great first step prepares my actors’ hair so that it is ready to perform.
“When I see my actors, I immediately start with misting their hair with water, and follow with a HASK 5-in-1 Leave-in Spray. My favorites are the Keratin Protein and Monoi Coconut Oil! I then follow with a product from the HASK Curl Care collection, or the HASK Coconut Oil or Keratin Protein, depending on my actor’s hair type and need. ”
“For added volume I use HASK Dry Shampoo, either Charcoal or Chia Seed, at the base of the hair. This assures that the hair does not lose the volume I need to match from one scene to another.” 
Why did you choose to use HASK products on-set of this film?
“I always know I can count on the HASK haircare line. It does what it says it will do, and I need that confidence in a product when working on A-list actors on big motion pictures. If they fail, I fail, and I won’t risk that!”
What was the inspiration behind the films’ hair styles? How do the hair styles to fit in with the plot of the film?
All the looks were a match, they wanted the audience to be a part of the reunion. 
Do you have a favorite hair style or hair moment from the film?
I don’t really have a favorite hair style from the film. It was just so much fun to be a part of this monumental film and to be a part of cinematic history.
Were you faced with any challenges creating and maintaining hair styles based on the film plot and concept? How did you overcome these?
The most challenging thing for a hair stylist on a film is maintaining the continuity for long hours. Styling products are crucial. My favorites are the HASK 5-in-1 Leave-in Sprays, HASK Hair Oils and HASK Dry Shampoos. I can always count on them to get me through my long days on-set.
Can you take us through a typical day on the set of Spider-Man: No Way Home?
A typical day on the set of Spider-Man: No Way Home would usually involve a very early start: getting the stunt guys ready so that they could set-up the shots, and then working on our main cast. This meant creating haircuts to match and styling them. Next up, we styled our guest cast. Once everyone was ready, ‘off to set’ we would go. During filming, the stunt work and fight scenes would take hours, so we had to stay on-point to ensure everyone held up for the full day of filming.
About HASK:  Utilizing high quality ingredients sourced from around the globe along with luxurious fragrances, the HASK Exotic Oils collections provide “problem solution” formulas designed to treat and repair all hair types.  Referred to as Hollywood’s favorite hair care, HASK is used by Hair Stylists on the set of more Films and TV Shows than any other hair care brand.
HASK is sold at drugstores nationwide as well as Amazon.com and Ulta.com.
SOURCE HASK
CONTACT: Allison LaGuardia, 326952@email4pr.com, 203.368.8566
              
             
           
                   
               Hudson’s Bay Company to Acquire Galeria Holding, Parent of Kaufhof, #1 Department Store in Germany
               
                TORONTO – June 15, 2015 – Hudson’s Bay Company (TSX:HBC) (“HBC” or the “Company”) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with METRO AG (DB:MEO) to acquire Galeria Holding (“Kaufhof”), the parent company of Germany’s #1 department store Kaufhof, for an enterprise value of €2.420 billion (C$3.357 billion)(1). The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is currently expected to close by the end of the third fiscal quarter of 2015.
HBC also announced today that it has concurrently entered into an agreement in principle with Simon Property Group (“Simon”) pursuant to which the previously announced U.S. real estate joint venture between HBC and Simon (the “Simon-HBC JV”) intends to purchase at least 40 of Kaufhof’s owned or partially-owned properties (“Kaufhof Real Estate Transaction”) for at least €2.4 billion (C$3.3 billion), subject to definitive documentation, securing acceptable debt financing and certain other conditions.
The Kaufhof acquisition price is expected to be largely financed by proceeds received from the Kaufhof Real Estate Transaction and, as a result, HBC does not intend to issue equity and expects to incur limited additional debt at HBC. See “Financing Summary” further below.
The contemplated transactions are expected to be significantly accretive to HBC’s earnings per share without requiring any synergies. HBC expects to generate more than C$200 million(2) of incremental Adjusted EBITDA and reduce leverage, pro forma for the Kaufhof acquisition and the Kaufhof Real Estate Transaction, as well as the previously announced joint venture transactions.
With the Kaufhof transactions, HBC is building a premier international retailer with, on a pro forma basis:
464 locations in 4 countries with 8 leading banners;

C$13 billion in revenue;

C$1.5 billion in Adjusted EBITDAR(3);

More than C$754 million in Adjusted EBITDA(2,3);

C$11 billion(4) in real estate value; and

Strong management teams leading each business in North America and Europe.

Mr. Richard Baker, Governor and Executive Chairman of HBC, said: “These are exciting transactions that demonstrate our proven growth formula in action: improving solid retail operations, unlocking the value of real estate and growing through acquisitions. This is the right investment at the right time. We have been carefully surveying the European retail landscape for many years for a potential expansion opportunity and have watched Kaufhof build on its exceptional real estate to become the #1 department store in Germany. We are excited to work with the existing Kaufhof management team, bring our expertise to bear in the German retail sector and welcome Kaufhof to our portfolio of dynamic brands.”
#1 Department Store in Germany and Belgium with Exceptional Locations
Kaufhof is the #1 German department store by market share, with 103 Galeria Kaufhof locations and 16 Sportarena stores.  Kaufhof also operates Belgium’s only department store with 16 Galeria INNO locations across the country. Kaufhof has exceptional store locations on high-streets in densely populated and prosperous cities throughout Germany, the largest economy in Europe and fourth largest in the world, and in prime locations across Belgium. For the twelve month period ended March 31, 2015, Kaufhof generated sales of €3.1 billion and Normalized EBITDA of €282 million.
Kaufhof’s management is expected to remain in place following the closing of the acquisition providing separate management teams for each business in North America and Europe, with each fully focused on their respective businesses. Kaufhof will be overseen by Richard Baker, Jerry Storch and Donald Watros, and will work closely with HBC’s leadership to explore opportunities to further strengthen Kaufhof’s offerings to consumers.
Creation of a Global Platform which Positions HBC for Future Growth in Europe
Jerry Storch, CEO of HBC, said: “This acquisition is a significant step forward in our plans to become a premier international retailer. With Kaufhof, we will operate eight leading banners in Canada, the United States, Germany and Belgium. Expanding our footprint into Europe with Kaufhof also provides us with a strong foundation to explore to explore additional opportunities for growth throughout the Continent.”
When Kaufhof is combined with HBC’s current portfolio of iconic store banners, including Hudson’s Bay, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks OFF 5TH and Home Outfitters, HBC will operate 464 stores with approximately 44% of sales generated in United States, 31% in Germany, 23% in Canada and 2% in Belgium. HBC will also have a strong and growing eCommerce platform, supporting best-in-class, all-channel sales opportunities.
Significant Value Creation for HBC Shareholders: No Equity Issuance by HBC, De-levering of HBC, and Significantly Accretive to EPS
Mr. Richard Baker added: “These transactions have the potential to deliver significant value to our shareholders. The anticipated sale of more than 40 prime Kaufhof properties to the Simon-HBC JV should allow HBC to generate significant incremental Adjusted EBITDA, while issuing no equity and incurring limited additional debt at HBC.”
Pro Forma for the transactions:
HBC is expected to generate incremental Adjusted EBITDA of more than C$200 million(2,3)  and does not intend to issue equity and expects to incur limited additional debt at HBC(5);

HBC’s leverage is expected to decrease pro forma for the Kaufhof acquisition and Kaufhof Real Estate Transaction, as well as the joint venture transactions;

Assuming the transactions close as contemplated, the transactions are expected to be immediately accretive to EPS without requiring synergies;

The transactions increase the value of HBC’s real estate portfolio to C$11 billion(4); and

Any proceeds from the Kaufhof Real Estate Transaction in excess of the Kaufhof purchase price will be reinvested in the Simon-HBC JV.

Financing Summary
HBC has received aggregate term loan B commitments of approximately US$3.250 billion (C$4.001 billion) from Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., RBC Capital Markets, and Scotiabank to fund the Kaufhof acquisition purchase price and expected transaction costs, as well as to refinance the existing US$650 million (C$800 million) senior term loan B.
HBC does not currently expect to utilize the large majority of the term loan B commitments. Instead, HBC currently intends to use the proceeds from the anticipated Kaufhof Real Estate Transaction to largely fund the cash purchase price of the Kaufhof acquisition and expected transaction costs. HBC intends to reinvest any excess proceeds in the Simon-HBC JV.
The Simon-HBC JV currently intends to finance the Kaufhof Real Estate Transaction with:
A real estate term loan secured by at least 40 Kaufhof properties;

Additional debt secured by the Saks and Lord & Taylor properties that the Simon-HBC JV will own;

US$179 million (C$220 million) from Simon as per its prior equity commitment to the Simon-HBC JV;

New investment from HBC using any excess proceeds from the Kaufhof Real Estate Transaction; and

Up to US$600 million (C$739 million) in equity from third-parties or additional equity from HBC (in which case HBC would draw on its term loan B commitments).

HBC expects to retain a 65% to 85% interest in the Simon-HBC JV, depending on its investment, if necessary, in the Simon-HBC JV, which would be financed using its term loan B commitments.
Continues HBC’s Track Record of Improving Retail Operations and Unlocking Real Estate Value
The acquisition of Kaufhof and anticipated sale of at least 40 Kaufhof properties to the Simon-HBC JV represents another milestone in HBC’s strategy of unlocking real estate value while strengthening its operating business and its balance sheet.
In Canada, this strategy has included the sale of the Zellers’ leases for C$1.8 billion, the sale and leaseback of HBC’s flagship Queen Street property for C$650 million, and the anticipated sale of up to 10 HBC properties to the RioCan-HBC JV for C$1.7 billion.
In the United States, this strategy has included the acquisitions of Lord & Taylor for US$1.2 billion and Saks for US$2.9 billion followed by the US$3.7 billion independent appraisal of Saks’ flagship property in New York (to support the US$1.25 billion mortgage on the ground portion of the property), and the anticipated sale of 42 Saks and L&T properties to the Simon-HBC JV for US$1.7 billion.
In addition to surfacing significant shareholder value from its extensive real estate holdings, the HBC management team has demonstrated an ability to improve retail operations by consistently generating positive same-store-sales and sales-per-square-foot growth, maintaining stable gross margins and building a world-class all-channel experience through HBC Digital.
ABOUT HUDSON’S BAY COMPANY

Hudson’s Bay Company, founded in 1670, is North America’s oldest company. Today, HBC offers customers a range of retailing categories and shopping experiences primarily in the United States and Canada. Our leading banners – Hudson’s Bay, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH – offer a compelling assortment of apparel, accessories, shoes, beauty and home merchandise. Hudson’s Bay is Canada’s most prominent department store with 90 full-line locations, two outlet stores and thebay.com. Lord & Taylor operates 50 full-line locations primarily in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic U.S., four Lord & Taylor outlet locations and lordandtaylor.com. Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world’s pre-eminent luxury specialty retailers, comprises 39 U.S. stores, five international licensed stores and saks.com. OFF 5TH offers value-oriented merchandise through 83 U.S. stores and saksoff5th.com. The Company also operates Home Outfitters, Canada’s largest kitchen, bed and bath specialty superstore with 67 locations. Hudson’s Bay Company trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “HBC”.
              
             
           
                   
               Immortals Unveils “Zero Profit Pricing” Merch Strategy For Its New Essentials Clothing Line
               
                LOS ANGELES, Sept. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, esports organization Immortals announced Immortals Essentials, a new line of brand merchandise with “zero profit pricing.” The strategy behind the Immortals Essentials line is consistent with the organization’s broader objective to lower barriers to entry for fans as well as brands keen to enter or further engage with esports and competitive gaming.
Immortals highlighted four distinct features of this new merchandise program: (1) lower prices; (2) enhanced product quality; (3) free shipping; and (4) taking zero profits.
“We’re excited to announce our ‘zero profit pricing’ for the Immortals Essentials line. Immortals is contribution margin positive across all business units, which allows us to offer this merch line in a more accessible way to fans — while yielding zero profit to us,” said Immortals President & CCO Jordan Sherman. “We want to consistently deliver value back to our new and existing fans, rewarding them for their passion and loyalty. Offering an enhanced product with zero profit and passing the savings on to these fans allows us to do just that.”
The Immortals Essentials collection brings a fresh new minimalist branding style to a unisex line of t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and more. Prices range from $17-$40. Immortals partnered with We Are Nations to create quality merchandise at affordable prices, bringing the “zero profit pricing” initiative to life. 
“Immortals’ approach to merchandise is fresh and progressive within esports,” said Alex Romer, We Are Nations CEO. “We Are Nations is excited to collaborate with a forward-thinking organization like Immortals, eager to engage its partners and both new and loyal fans in this way.”
The Immortals Essentials collection is now available exclusively on the newly updated www.Immortals.gg at the new price point. Current merchandise available on the website, including the POINT3 collection, is discounted to align with Immortals’ accessibility-focused and fan-centric merch strategy.
About Immortals

Founded in 2015, Immortals is a US-based esports and gaming organization that competes across multiple premier esports titles, including League of Legends (LCS), VALORANT, Overwatch, and Wild Rift. Through its competitive operations as well as community-driven activations and initiatives, tournaments, partnerships, and more, Immortals is dedicated to using gaming as a connective force linking its players, staff, and the broader gaming community.
For more information, please visit www.Immortals.gg and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Snap.
About We Are Nations

Founded in 2017, We Are Nations are based in Nashville and London and are renowned specialists in professional esportswear and one of the world’s biggest direct to consumer esports’ retailers. The company partners with some of the world’s top esports teams, including Immortals, MiBR, G2 Esports, Complexity, and FPX and game publishers including Ubisoft on Rainbow 6:Siege and Capcom on Street Fighter, designing and producing high-quality official licensed apparel and merchandise for the rapidly growing global army of esports competitors and fans. 
Media Contact:

immortals@thestorymob.com
              
             
           
                   
               Innovation is Increasingly Defining which Financial Companies Thrive and Those That Don’t, Says BNY Mellon President
               
                DUBLIN, – Opening the 16th annual Global Funds Conference hosted by the Irish Funds Industry Association (IFIA) in Dublin this morning, BNY Mellon President Karen Peetz took to the stage to stress the importance of innovation in the survival of financial services companies around the world.  Below is an extract some of the remarks made by Peetz regarding what she describes as the age of the ‘Global Reset’.
“The world is not the same as it was before the financial crisis. Something fundamental has changed. At BNY Mellon, we call this the age of the ‘Global Reset.’  Part of this Global Reset is fallout from the financial crisis, but even bigger forces are reshaping the markets – the debt overhang in the US and Europe, the rise of middle-class consumers in China and other emerging economies, the growth of new markets, shifts in trading patterns, aging populations, and new technologies that are transforming the speed and transparency of financial data.
“New regulations have been introduced around the world and whilst some of these regulations appear to be helpful and may lead to greater transparency, many add to the time and cost of doing business and others impede market growth, forcing all of us to find new ways to grow our businesses. Post-financial crisis, changes in client behaviour, monetary policy and other drivers can make organic growth harder to come by.
“Financial organisations need to change.  Microsoft founder Bill Gates has defined the challenge as innovate or die. I prefer not to paint anything in such stark terms, but innovation is increasingly defining which companies thrive and create new jobs and opportunities for their clients and their employees, and those that don’t.
“The case for embracing change in the asset management industry would seem to be unassailable. Active core assets continue to lose share, while alternatives, passives, active specialties, solutions and liability-driven investments are gaining share. That said, despite losing share since the crisis, active core AUM has actually grown in absolute terms. Further, those active core assets remain the bulk of most recurring revenue streams, which is reducing the urgency to change.
“Traditional managers are also asking themselves, do we have the expertise to develop new offerings? Even if we can, will we have the requisite credibility in the marketplace to attract investors? Another concern is investment. Facing rising costs, providers are facing tough choices. Some argue that diverting attention away from traditional offerings will only hasten investors’ migration to other, perhaps less profitable, asset classes.
“I suspect that what tends to hold them back is more primal. It’s fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of change – both on the part of organisations that are afraid they are not equipped to adapt, and on the part of individuals at all levels who wonder about their own places in the new world order – and whether they will even have one.  And perhaps the biggest fear – that of failure. That’s a huge obstacle across the financial services industry. Within financial services, there is an institutional aversion to failure. Whether we’re fund managers or service providers, we’re all in the business of doing everything possible to prevent and minimise risks big and small, given the financial cost.
“Taking fear out of the equation, which is freeing, can allow a company to view errors in judgment much more analytically. And if you can be objective about your mistakes and try to see potential, not just failure, then you can use them as a launching pad for innovation. It seems like an incredibly healthy mindset, and speaks to a culture where people will be more apt to bring forward and test ideas.
“To thrive in the decade ahead, I believe our industry needs to follow the lead of some of the most innovative and agile technology companies in the world. We need to take bolder steps to look, act and think more like those groundbreaking companies. We need to empower people to play a more active role in driving innovation and reward them accordingly. We need to apply our strengths to address emerging market opportunities. And we need to look over our shoulders to see where the next challenge is coming from – because it may not be from the usual suspects. The real question is; what are we waiting for?”
About BNY Mellon

BNY Mellon is a global investments company dedicated to helping its clients manage and service their financial assets throughout the investment lifecycle. Whether providing financial services for institutions, corporations or individual investors, BNY Mellon delivers informed investment management and investment services in 35 countries and more than 100 markets. As of March 31, 2014, BNY Mellon had $27.9 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration, and $1.6 trillion in assets under management. BNY Mellon can act as a single point of contact for clients looking to create, trade, hold, manage, service, distribute or restructure investments. BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). Additional information is available on www.bnymellon.com, or follow us on Twitter @BNYMellon.
              
             
           
                   
               Introducing ‘The New Look of Banana Republic’ – Fall Campaign Showcases the Brand’s Evolution
               
                SAN FRANCISCO, – Starting today, Banana Republic is revealing a new look, anchored in the fresh styling point of view of the brand’s new Creative Director and EVP of Design, Marissa Webb. Fall signals a significant shift across the entire brand, from the product and styling of the collection, to the debut of the global marketing campaign, “The New Look of Banana Republic.”
“It’s a new day at Banana Republic,” said Jack Calhoun, Global President, Banana Republic. “This Fall collection and campaign bring us to a more modern, fresh place, that’s still deeply rooted in our heritage. Under Marissa’s creative direction, we’re embracing a bold aesthetic that’s more relevant to the way our customers live their lives. This is just the beginning of exciting things to come.”
In a strategic cadence to debut the new fall product in an exciting way, the brand offered customers a first view of things to come in fall product through a series of brand posts on Banana Republic’s social media channels, as well as organic posts on Webb’s personal channels, which elicited excitement and strong response from customers. As a way to reach new audiences, the brand teased the fall collection on Snapchat for the first time, giving fans a first look at fall behind-the-scenes with Webb. Later in August, Banana Republic extends its digital reach even further, as part of a select group of brands partnering with Instagram on paid advertising—a first-time amplification for the brand on the platform.
“The New Look of Banana Republic reflects our charge towards authenticity in storytelling, where fashion is front and center,” says Catherine Sadler, Global Chief Marketing Officer. “Fall is a continuation of the marketing platform we first introduced this spring, and now we’re excited to share the next chapter. This fall campaign reflects a strong stylish step forward in our evolution.”
The print campaign celebrates the brand’s heritage and commitment to authenticity by sharing product stories through the lens of real-life couples who embody the spirit of the modern day adventurer. Fall fashion is brought to life on singer / songwriter Aloe Blacc and his wife, recording artist and songwriter Maya Jupiter; couple Tenzin Wild, Creative Director & Founder of The Last Magazine, and actress, Tao Okamoto; couple Ben Hill and Zuzana Gregorova; couple Kel Markey and Miles Garber, among others.
Product stories told within the campaign are that of an effortless cool, blending easy-wearing pieces and textures. For her, materials of leather, chambray and cashmere are styled layered, abutting elegance with edge, while for him, we see varied textures and mixed proportions that push the style point of view. This youthful sense of hi-lo styling resonates throughout – offering the first true example of Webb’s creative influence.
“It’s been exciting for me to work with the Fall collection and push the fashion component even further through styling,” said Marissa Webb, Creative Director and EVP of Design of Banana Republic, “I’m excited to share what we’ve been working on and the direction we are headed.”
Join the conversation @BananaRepublic #thenewBR
About Banana Republic

Banana Republic is a global apparel and accessories brand focused on delivering modern American style. Dedicated to helping customers achieve their best in life’s moments big and small, both personally and professionally, Banana Republic offers covetable clothing, handbags, jewelry, eyewear and fragrance at accessible prices. Founded in San Francisco, Banana Republic is located in over 700 company-operated and franchise retail locations worldwide. Customers also can shop online or at (888) BR-STYLE. For more information about Banana Republic, a division of Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), please visit bananarepublic.com.
              
             
           
                   
               It’s a Plaid, Plaid World at Target this Fall
               
                Don’t let their sundresses fool you – it’s safe to say fashionistas everywhere are already ticking off the days until the year’s most stylish season of all: Fall. Fueling that excitement? Target’s announcement that it’ll be going mad for plaid by paying homage to a fan-favorite, brisk-weather pattern as only Target could – with an epic. plaid. takeover.
Like the pattern itself, Target’s crossing lines all over the place, bringing tartan touches to everything from home goods and must-have fashion for the entire family to plaid Diet Coke bottles, shampoo bottles, ChapStick tubes, dog leashes, bandages, paper towels…the list goes on to include more than 360 items you’ll definitely want to “check” out.
Still not sold that you’ll be okay saying so long to summer? Well, this nugget might push you over the edge: To help herald in its fall plaid takeover, Target tapped designer Adam Lippes to create more than 50 items inspired by buffalo plaid for the Adam Lippes for Target collection of apparel, accessories, pet goods and home furnishings. Trust us – you’ll want to mark your calendars for this one.
EXTRA! Read more from designer Adam Lippes : expand panel

We caught up with Kathee Tesija, executive vice president and chief merchandising and supply chain officer, Target, to learn more about this plaid-palooza:
Out of so many patterns Target could’ve chosen — why plaid?

When we started to think about fall, we knew we wanted to do something special, something that would usher in the season in a way that only Target could. Plaid has been a defining element of style for every generation, and we felt it would be the perfect centerpiece for this design moment: it can be both fun and fashionable, so it offered us a lot of flexibility as we thought through ways we could bring it to life for our guests.
What is your expectation for this plaid bonanza?

We’ve had so much fun working on this concept, and it’s been amazing to watch it build from a seed of an idea to a program that will canvas an entire Target store. My hope is that our guests have as much fun shopping these products as we’ve had developing the concept. There’s also an element of surprise that I think guests will experience as they travel from aisle to aisle. I can’t wait to be in the store with them to see how they react to those fun touches, like plaid diapers or mouthwash. 
What’s your favorite plaid product?

What I love about this concept is that guests will find the expected, like fashion and home items, done in a way that we think will wow them, alongside the unexpected, like paper towels, Coke bottles and a Fitbit, that will surprise them in a way that only Target can. I always have a hard time picking a favorite product. Let’s just say that I’ve got my eye on a few absolute must-haves and there will be no shortage of plaid in my home and closet this fall!
Target’s plaid takeover begins in August and will continue through October. Prices range from $1.99-$179.99, and availability in stores and on Target.com will vary.
              
             
           
                   
               JetBlue and Manhattan Portage Recycle Unused Uniforms to Create a Fashion-Forward Bag Collection
               
                NEW YORK, NY — JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ: JBLU), New York’s Hometown Airline™, today announced a partnership with Manhattan Portage, a brand known for pioneering and manufacturing the original New York City bicycle messenger bags. The environmentally-conscious airline partnered with Manhattan Portage to launch a fashion-forward, recycled bag collection perfect for those on the go and those wanting to carry a piece of the airline’s history. This limited edition unisex “JetBlue Uniform Bag collection” will be available starting on April 22 (Earth Day) online at http://www.manhattanportage.com/catalog/JetBlue.php and Manhattan Portage stores.
Last year, JetBlue introduced new uniforms across the airline for the first time in its history. At the same time, the airline worked to save old, never worn pieces from landfill. As part of JetBlue’s uniform recycling program overstocked uniforms were put to use in a smart way.
“The Big Apple is the fashion capital. As New York’s Hometown Airline, our new bag collection will give stylish New Yorkers, and those who simply want a piece of JetBlue history, an eco-friendly fashionable option,” said Sophia Mendelsohn, head of sustainability, JetBlue. “When we launched our new uniforms, it was important to us to keep the fabric from the old and unworn uniforms out of landfills by putting them to good use. So, we reached out to Manhattan Portage and put our heads together and came up with a new way to combine fashion and travel with responsibility. JetBlue and Manhattan Portage are based in New York, so we both wanted to have a little fun and showcase our love for our hometown.”
This recycled bag collection was designed and produced by Manhattan Portage, which was founded in 1983 in New York. Uniforms from various JetBlue functions were broken down and repurposed into a fully functional (and stylish) limited edition bag collection for men and women. Each bag not only saves valuable textiles from landfills, it holds unique value and has its own character, as its design elements were once worn by some of the most unique crewmembers in the airline industry.
Lauren Hoffman, from Manhattan Portage’s Sales and Marketing department, said, “By incorporating the technical aspects including high visibility reflective prints of the JetBlue ground operations crewmember uniform pieces and the aesthetics of the inflight crew uniform pieces such as the signature pilot wings, we were able to come up with a series of durable bags that are as fun and unique as JetBlue.”
Manhattan Portage’s iconic red label emblazoned with an outline of New York’s famous skyline is widely recognized in over 40 different countries. This landmark logo appears on several collections of bags and accessories available in a wide range of styles, fabrics and prices, including the new JetBlue collection.
JetBlue is known for its unique culture and award-winning service as well as its environmentally friendly focus. When introducing its first new uniforms in the airline’s history, JetBlue made sure that both its overstocked, unworn and previously worn uniforms were put to good use after they’d served their initial purpose. In 2014, when JetBlue switched to its new uniforms, the airline donated more than 18.5 tons of worn used uniforms, clothing and fabric to several non-profit partners including Planet Aid, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that collects and recycles worn clothing and shoes and, Loomstate, an end-to-end sustainable fashion house. Planet Aid is selling the clothing with the proceeds supporting health, agricultural, educational, and environmental programs in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates, in 2010 Americans rid their closets of more than 13 million tons of textiles, yet only 15 percent of that clothing was recycled or donated. In one year, more than 11 million tons of textiles were dumped in landfills within the United States alone. Decomposing clothing releases methane, a harmful greenhouse gas and a significant contributor to climate change. There are also dyes and chemicals in clothing and shoes that can seep into the soil, contaminating water used to bathe and drink as well as grow food.
For information on JetBlue’s sustainability platform, visit www.JetBlue.com/green.
To shop the new bag collection, visit http://www.manhattanportage.com/catalog/JetBlue.php.
To view a video on the creation of this new JetBlue/Manhattan Portage Accessory collection, visit https://vimeo.com/jetblue/review/124932030/2ab8fddd00.
About Manhattan Portage:

Manhattan Portage has been designing and producing urban lifestyle bags since 1983 when it pioneered the manufacture of authentic messenger bags used by New York City’s bicycle messengers. The company’s iconic red label emblazoned with an outline of New York’s famous skyline now appears on several collections of bags and accessories available in a wide range of styles, fabrics and prices. A reliable, tested and versatile companion on the streets, Manhattan Portage is “New York Tough” — www.manhattanportage.com
About JetBlue Airways

JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline™, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 32 million customers a year to 87 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 875 daily flights. Upcoming destinations include: Cleveland on April 30; Reno-Tahoe, Nev. on May 28; Grenada on June 11, 2015 (subject to receipt of government operating authority) and Albany, N.Y. on Dec. 10. For more information please visit JetBlue.com.
– See more at: http://otp.investis.com/clients/us/jetblue_airways/usn/usnews-story.aspx?cid=981&newsid=29055#sthash.QoxPPEYQ.dpuf
              
             
           
                   
               Jos. A. Bank Board Agrees to Meet With The Men’s Wearhouse-Willing to Consider a Higher Price
               
                HAMPSTEAD, Md.- Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. (Nasdaq:JOSB) (“Jos. A. Bank” or the “Company”) said today, in a letter to Douglas S. Ewert the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Men’s Wearhouse, Inc. (NYSE:MW), that, “In our Board’s continuing effort to evaluate which alternative transaction would create the greatest value for Jos. A. Bank shareholders, and on the basis of your unsolicited revised proposal indicating a willingness to pay a higher price subject to certain conditions, our Board has authorized our meeting with you to establish a process that will enable you to advise our Board as to the highest price you are prepared to pay in an acquisition of Jos. A. Bank.”
The letter also states that its Board of Directors, after careful consideration and discussions with its financial and legal advisors, has unanimously rejected The Men’s Wearhouse Inc.’s $63.50 per share unsolicited offer as inadequate, after giving effect to the Eddie Bauer acquisition and related issuer tender offer, and not in the best interests of Jos. A. Bank stockholders. The Board recommends that the Company’s stockholders reject the Offer and not tender their shares into the Offer.
The reasons for the Board’s recommendations regarding the amended tender offer price and authorization of a meeting with Men’s Wearhouse are set forth in a Schedule 14D-9 amendment being filed by the Company today with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is also being disseminated to stockholders.
The Jos. A. Bank Board continues to believe that significant value will be created for shareholders in its proposed acquisition of Eddie Bauer and the related issuer tender offer.
Also, Jos. A. Bank announced that the Federal Trade Commission today granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart−Scott−Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 with respect to the pending transaction between Jos. A. Bank and Golden Gate Capital, under which Jos. A. Bank will acquire Everest Holdings LLC, parent company of the Eddie Bauer brand.
It further stated that the financing for the Jos. A. Bank acquisition of Everest is proceeding on track, and that the Company expects to market and place the high yield bonds promptly. The bridge loan committed to by Goldman Sachs remains fully committed and, subject to its terms and conditions, will be available to Jos. A. Bank to finance the Everest transaction.
As a separate matter, Jos. A. Bank continues to provide additional information regarding its operations and detailed information on competitive dynamics in the markets in which it competes with Men’s Wearhouse to the FTC in response to the previously disclosed second request Jos. A. Bank received from the FTC on February 12, 2014 relating to the tender offer by Men’s Wearhouse for Jos. A. Bank.
The full text of the letter sent to Mr. Ewert follows:
I am writing on behalf of the Board of Directors of Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. in response to the press release issued by The Men’s Wearhouse on February 24, 2014 and the related Schedule TO amendment filed by MW with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Board has met twice this week to review your revised offer carefully, including with its financial and legal advisors, and that review is ongoing.
The Jos. A. Bank Board has acted in a very careful, thorough and focused manner to evaluate which of various strategic alternatives would create the greatest value for shareholders and serve the best interests of shareholders. Given the careful attention our Board has paid to maximizing shareholder value, we strongly disagree with your characterization of our Board’s actions. Our Board continues to believe that significant value will be created for our shareholders in our proposed acquisition of Eddie Bauer and the related issuer tender offer. We are also mindful that, unlike Men’s Wearhouse’s proposal, there is no antitrust or other significant obstacle to completing that transaction. 
Following our announcement of the Eddie Bauer transaction, Men’s Wearhouse made a meaningful improvement in the price of its offer to acquire Jos. A. Bank — after making no change, since November 2013, in its original $55.00 per share price, except for a small increase to $57.50 on January 6, 2014. As disclosed in our Schedule 14D-9 amendment filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission, our Board of Directors has unanimously rejected your $63.50 per share unsolicited offer as inadequate, after giving effect to the Eddie Bauer acquisition and the related issuer tender offer, and not in the best interests of our shareholders. However, in our Board’s continuing effort to evaluate which alternative transaction would create the greatest value for Jos. A. Bank shareholders, and on the basis of your unsolicited revised proposal indicating a willingness to pay a higher price subject to certain conditions, our Board has authorized our meeting with you to establish a process that will enable you to advise our Board as to the highest price you are prepared to pay in an acquisition of Jos. A. Bank.
In our meeting, we want to discuss, among other things, the following issues relating to your proposal:
1. Due Diligence. We are prepared to provide you with a limited amount of due diligence information as you requested. However, we would like to know the precise scope of the limited due diligence you propose to conduct. Given that we are prepared to provide you with confidential nonpublic information, a draft confidentiality agreement is enclosed. We expect you will agree on appropriate safeguards with regard to competitively sensitive information. We are also prepared to make available our senior executives as you requested.
2. Transaction Structure. We would like to understand the structure you contemplate for a transaction, including, as you proposed, to provide Jos. A. Bank shareholders “the opportunity to participate in the upside of a combination through an election to receive Men’s Wearhouse stock for a portion of the consideration”.
3. Transaction Certainty. Certainty of closing is a critical issue we will want to discuss with you. Among other things, in light of the FTC’s pending second request, we will need to understand what measures Men’s Wearhouse will agree to in order to eliminate the risk to Jos. A. Bank and its shareholders that the FTC would prevent a transaction between Jos. A. Bank and Men’s Wearhouse from closing. You have consistently failed to address this issue. As part of our having a full understanding of this issue, we would want to review the material documents and presentations you have provided to the FTC. 
4. Other Terms. We will provide you with a draft merger agreement that sets forth the other terms of a transaction in the next day. 
5. Best and Final Offer. Promptly following completion of your limited due diligence, we would expect you to advise our Board as to your best and final offer as to purchase price and other terms, as reflected in a mark-up of the merger agreement, so that our Board can fully evaluate your offer. 
Time is of essence, and we would like to understand your ability to proceed quickly with your proposal. Given the compelling nature of the Eddie Bauer transaction from a shareholder value creation standpoint, and in light of its certainty of closing, we are only prepared to give you a limited amount of time to come forward with your best offer.

Please be advised that, notwithstanding our willingness to provide you with this opportunity to address the foregoing issues, the Jos. A. Bank Board has made no determination to sell the Company, and no determination that your proposal is a Superior Proposal, as defined in our membership interest purchase agreement for the Eddie Bauer transaction.

I have instructed our advisors to contact your advisors.

Very truly yours,

Robert N. Wildrick
Encl.

Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Financo, LLC are serving as financial advisors to the Company, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Guilfoil Petzall & Shoemake, L.L.C. are serving as legal advisors and Innisfree M&A Incorporated is serving as proxy solicitor.
ABOUT JOS. A. BANK

Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc., established in 1905, is one of the nation’s leading designers, manufacturers, retailers and direct marketers of men’s classically-styled tailored and casual clothing, sportswear, footwear and accessories. The Company sells its full product line through 629 stores in 44 states and the District of Columbia, a nationwide catalog and an e-commerce website that can be accessed at www.josbank.com. The Company is headquartered in Hampstead, Md., and its common stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol “JOSB.”
This Press Release is courtesy of www.josbank.com
              
             
           
                   
               Jos. A. Bank Clothiers to Acquire Leading Lifestyle Brand Eddie Bauer
               
                HAMPSTEAD, Md. and BELLEVUE, – Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. (Nasdaq:JOSB) (“Jos. A. Bank” or the “Company”) and Golden Gate Capital (“Golden Gate”) today announced that Jos. A. Bank has entered into a definitive agreement with Everest Topco LLC (“Everest Topco”), a portfolio company of Golden Gate, under which Jos. A. Bank will acquire Everest Holdings LLC (“Everest”), parent company of the Eddie Bauer brand.
Issuer Tender Offer: The Company also announced that it will promptly commence an issuer tender offer to acquire up to 4.6 million of its common shares, or 16.4% of its outstanding shares, at a price of $65 per share, or an aggregate of up to $300 million. The issuer tender offer is conditioned on, and would close promptly following completion of, the Eddie Bauer acquisition.
Terms of Acquisition: The purchase price for Eddie Bauer consists of a combination of $564 million in cash and approximately 4.7 million new shares of common stock of Jos. A. Bank, issued to Everest Topco at $56 per share, a premium to the pre-announcement share price. The final share count is subject to adjustment based on the number of shares tendered in the issuer tender offer. Everest Topco will also have the right to earn up to an additional $50 million in cash based on Eddie Bauer’s EBITDA for fiscal 2014. The purchase price represents a multiple of approximately 1x 2013E revenue and 9.5x 2013E Adjusted EBITDA, including $25 million of potential pro forma synergies.

Under the terms of the Agreement, Jos. A. Bank will have the right to terminate its agreement to acquire Eddie Bauer in the event an unsolicited offer is made to acquire Jos. A. Bank that the Company’s Board determines would reasonably be expected to create greater value for Jos. A. Bank’s shareholders than the Eddie Bauer transaction and issuer tender offer. 
Following the closing of the Eddie Bauer acquisition and issuer tender offer, Everest Topco will own approximately 16.6% of the Company’s outstanding shares and will have the right to designate two directors on the Company’s Board of Directors.
Eddie Bauer Has Long Been of Interest to Jos. A. Bank: As the Company has publicly stated, Jos. A. Bank has been engaged in an intensive process over the last two years to identify and review high potential acquisition candidates that would enable the Company to leverage its core competencies and deliver immediate and long-term value to its shareholders. Eddie Bauer was one of the first acquisition candidates considered by Jos. A. Bank.  
The Company contacted Golden Gate on several occasions to discuss a possible acquisition of Eddie Bauer, first in early 2012, a number of times thereafter and again several months before making its offer for Men’s Wearhouse in September 2013. Until recently, Golden Gate was not prepared to consider a transaction involving Eddie Bauer. However, given Eddie Bauer’s accelerated momentum and the strategic merits of this transaction, the Company was able to reach an agreement with Golden Gate and is very pleased to be announcing this acquisition today.
Under Golden Gate’s ownership and the leadership of the strong management team installed in mid-2012, Eddie Bauer has achieved a substantial business turnaround and is today a preeminent active, outdoor and lifestyle brand for men and women. Founded in 1920, it is the largest vertically integrated U.S. retailer dedicated to the outdoor enthusiast – a passionate and loyal customer base. Eddie Bauer also has a significant global presence. For the year ended December 31, 2013, Eddie Bauer has estimated its revenue to be between $885 million and $895 million and adjusted EBITDA to be between $61 million and $65 million.
Highly Compelling and Accretive Combination: The acquisition of Eddie Bauer solidifies Jos. A. Bank’s leadership in men’s apparel and adds new categories such as women’s apparel and footwear, to create a powerful, diversified, multi-branded retail platform. While the two brands will be run independently, the combined company is expected to benefit from significant synergies, including approximately $25 million of identified process and infrastructure savings expected to be realized in 2015. Following completion of the Eddie Bauer acquisition and the issuer tender offer, the Company will continue to have a prudent capital structure, which can support future strategic acquisitions and internal growth initiatives.
The Eddie Bauer acquisition will significantly accelerate Jos. A. Bank’s growth and will be immediately accretive. In 2014, the combined company is expected to generate in excess of $2.1 billion in revenue, $255-265 million of Adjusted EBITDA and $3.20-3.40 of Adjusted EPS. In 2015, revenue is expected to be in excess of $2.2 billion, with Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $325-340 million and $4.65-4.90 of Adjusted EPS, including the impact of $25 million of synergies mentioned above.
Together, the combined company will pursue a series of initiatives to drive long-term growth and margin expansion, including growing store count, driving store productivity improvement, pursuing product enhancement initiatives and new categories, further strengthening both companies’ direct businesses, pursuing additional licenses and global expansion.

“We have long admired the Eddie Bauer brand and its widespread appeal among those with active lifestyles and excitement about the outdoors, a large and growing customer base that overlaps significantly with ours. Based on the success of Eddie Bauer’s turnaround and the outstanding opportunities a combination of our companies provides, we believe this transaction ideally positions Jos. A. Bank for the future, and Golden Gate’s investment in our Company and participation on our Board is a strong endorsement of our plan,” said Robert N. Wildrick, Chairman of Jos. A. Bank. “I look forward to working with the two exceptional CEOs who lead these companies, Neal Black at Jos. A. Bank and Mike Egeck at Eddie Bauer, to capitalize on the combined strengths of the businesses and the substantial synergies between them in order to drive significant near and long-term growth and value creation.”
Neal Black, CEO of Jos. A. Bank, said, “Bob Wildrick and I have spoken for a number of years about the potential of acquiring Eddie Bauer and the strong strategic sense it makes for our Company. With this transaction, two historic 20th century American apparel brands, dedicated to quality, which have been serving different lifestyle aspects of a demographically similar family of customers, now combine to leverage their legacies and their strengths. I am very excited to see this vision come alive and to work with Mike Egeck and his team. The addition of Eddie Bauer provides us with clear avenues for strong growth and expansion for both of our businesses now and in the years ahead, in terms of product offering, store count, global distribution and direct sales. In short, we believe a diversified portfolio in specialty retail is a winning formula for investors and we are eager to start our work together.”
Mr. Wildrick continued, “Jos. A. Bank remains committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet, enabling us to return capital to our shareholders through a repurchase that creates immediate earnings accretion and reflects our Board’s and management’s strong belief in the intrinsic value of Jos. A. Bank. We will also continue to be able to invest in the future growth of both Jos. A. Bank and Eddie Bauer, which will enable us to further enhance the value of our combined company.”

Mr. Egeck, CEO of Eddie Bauer, said, “Over the course of my career, I have followed the growth and success of Jos. A. Bank. On behalf of our entire team, we are excited to join forces and accelerate our progress by benefitting from the exceptional opportunities provided by the combination of our companies. We are very proud of what we have achieved by refocusing Eddie Bauer on its heritage in serving outdoor enthusiasts and leveraging innovation and product expertise. We feel confident that our growth and success will continue as part of Jos. A. Bank and we look forward to working with Bob Wildrick, Neal Black and the Jos. A. Bank Board and management team.”
Josh Olshansky, Managing Director at Golden Gate Capital, said, “Eddie Bauer is a clear success story, with the potential for significant growth as part of a larger enterprise. It has been an exceptional experience to work with Mike Egeck and his team to enable Eddie Bauer to so dramatically improve its performance, and we are excited to be able to participate in its ongoing growth through our investment in Jos. A. Bank. Bob Wildrick, who drove great success over many years at Jos. A. Bank, has a clear vision for the future of the combined company. We look forward to working with Bob, the other directors of Jos. A. Bank, and the two enormously talented CEOs of the brands, Neal and Mike, and assisting in any way we can to enable the companies to benefit from each other’s strengths, achieve meaningful synergies, and deliver strong growth into the future.”
Mr. Wildrick concluded, “The Jos. A. Bank Board of Directors reviewed very carefully a number of strategic alternatives in addition to the Eddie Bauer transaction, including a possible acquisition of Men’s Wearhouse and the sale of the Company to Men’s Wearhouse. We are convinced that our transaction with Eddie Bauer and the issuer tender offer provide the greatest value creation opportunity for Jos. A. Bank shareholders. At the same time, the Company’s Board has preserved the ability to enter into an alternative transaction that creates greater value for our shareholders should such a transaction be proposed.”

Jos. A. Bank’s right to terminate its agreement to acquire Eddie Bauer in order to accept a superior proposal is subject to payment of a fee of less than 3% of Jos. A. Bank’s equity value based on Men’s Wearhouse’s current tender offer price. The closing of the Eddie Bauer acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the expiration of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period. Closing of the Eddie Bauer acquisition is a condition to completion of the tender offer.
Financing

The Eddie Bauer acquisition will be financed through a combination of cash on the balance sheet, committed debt financing provided by Goldman, Sachs & Co. and new equity issued to Everest Topco at $56 per share. The issuer tender offer will be financed by cash on the balance sheet.

Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Financo, LLC are serving as financial advisors to Jos. A. Bank, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Guilfoil Petzall & Shoemake, L.L.C. are serving as its legal advisors. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal advisor to Golden Gate Capital and Eddie Bauer.
This Press Release is courtesy of www.josbank.com
              
             
           
                   
               Joseph Abboud Opens First Store In New York City
               
                NEW YORK, — Joseph Abboud announces the opening of its Flagship Store, located at 424 Madison Avenue in New York City, the first under the umbrella of Men’s Wearhouse, Inc. The 4,300 square foot location was designed and styled collaboratively by Jeffrey Hutchison & Associates and Joseph Abboud, and is reminiscent of London’s Savile Row.
“It’s our commitment to dress men in the finest quality designer menswear in America so it was only natural to support the Joseph Abboud brand with its own retail store and expand that product offering,” said Doug Ewert, Men’s Wearhouse CEO. “Joseph Abboud sets a high standard of affordable luxury offering collections that have style, quality and enduring value. We’re excited to open the flagship store in Manhattan and believe customers will appreciate both the environment and the merchandise within it.”    
The store encompasses the full breadth of Abboud’s designer collection including tailored clothing made of fine Italian fabrics, sportswear, outerwear, dress furnishings, footwear, Joseph Abboud Custom, and the new Joseph Abboud fragrance. This merchandise is also available online at www.JosephAbboud.com.

Highlights of the Spring/Summer 2015 collection include beautiful linen suits, textured twill sport coats, lightweight cotton sportswear jackets, and cable knit cotton/linen blend sweaters. Prices for suiting starts at $795, $495 for sport coats, $795 for tuxedos, $595 for outerwear, $295 for shoes and $150 for dress shirts. Joseph Abboud Custom ranges from $795 to $1,095 for suits and tuxedos and $595 to $895 for sport coats.
“The location of the store is in the heart of Midtown, which is quickly becoming a menswear shopping destination,” said Joseph Abboud, Chief Creative Director of Men’s Wearhouse, Inc. “Inspired by London’s Savile Row, I wanted to bring an American curated experience for men to Madison Avenue… a place where they cannot only shop but explore.”
The store features architectural details that complement the luxurious quality of the merchandise. Mixtures of menswear textile patterns in shades of sepia have been used throughout the store to complement Abboud’s collections. Decorative elements are eclectic with a mixture of vintage, classic and modern pieces such as original hand-drawn charcoal fashion illustrations by renowned artist Bill Rancitelli and a vintage terracotta bust, found by Abboud in a local antique shop in Connecticut. The store has an impressive fifteen foot ivory Venetian plaster vaulted ceiling, lit with brass and hand blown glass chandeliers. Abboud designed custom-made wing chairs; upholstered in his own gray chalk-stripe fabric and leather, trimmed with brass nail heads. Shoes are displayed on a striking art-deco inspired table made of tapered bronze with a deep chocolate shagreen top.
An iron staircase leads up to the Joseph Abboud Custom clothing experience, one of the highlights of the store. At the top of the mezzanine level, customers encounter a wall of over 250 of the finest Italian fabrics on oversized swatches displayed on specially-made bronze hooks. A custom specialist will help customers choose from options including suit silhouette, fabric, lining, pick stitching and functioning button holes. 
Custom and tailored clothing is made in America by dedicated craftspeople at the Joseph Abboud factory in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The factory has over 700 employees, making 1,200 suits per day, and supports the Joseph Abboud brand reputation for high quality, great value, and superior design.
About Joseph Abboud

Since the age of sixteen, Joseph Abboud has been passionate about fashion. He started his career in menswear at Louis of Boston and later Polo Ralph Lauren. In 1987, Joseph Abboud launched his own eponymous label. Shortly after its debut, Abboud was accorded numerous honors including the distinction of being the only designer to have received the coveted Menswear Designer of the Year twice in a row (1989 & 1990) from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Other awards and honors include The Cutty Sark Award for Most Promising Menswear Designer in 1988, the first Woolmark Award for Distinguished Fashion in 1989 and again in March of 1993.

Abboud joined Men’s Wearhouse (NYSE: MW) as its Chief Creative Director in December 2012. Abboud was reunited with his namesake brand in August 2013 when Men’s Wearhouse acquired JA Holding Inc., the parent company of the celebrated American clothing brand, Joseph Abboud. Abboud re-launched his label, reestablishing the brand as a sophisticated modern-American lifestyle collection. The Joseph Abboud designer collection launched in October 2014 on JosephAbboud.com and is now available at the Joseph Abboud Flagship Store in New York City. 
              
             
           
                   
               Kanye West Teams with Gap
               
                Bold Partnership will Bring YEEZY Apparel to the People with New YEEZY Gap Line
West and Gap Relationship Comes Full Circle as the Visionary Creative and Cultural Icon Returns to Disrupt Fashion Retail
Kanye West, a multi-industry creative entrepreneur, is poised to disrupt retail by bringing his YEEZY brand to millions of customers around the world through a partnership announced today with the iconic and globally recognized Gap brand. The YEEZY Gap line is expected to appear in Gap stores and Gap.com in 2021.
West Returns to Gap Brand
This partnership brings the relationship between West and Gap full circle, as Kanye worked in a Gap store as a teen growing up in Chicago. Since then, West has become a disruptive force across music, footwear, fashion, architecture and more. This new partnership will introduce both the Gap and YEEZY brands to new audiences.
“We are excited to welcome Kanye back to the Gap family as a creative visionary, building on the aesthetic and success of his YEEZY brand and together defining a next-level retail partnership,” said Mark Breitbard, Global Head of Gap Brand.
Combining Forces of Two Cultural Icons
This bold alliance will take the creativity, fashion leadership, global recognition and energy of YEEZY and fuel it with Gap brand’s 51 years of expertise, 88% brand awareness, global reach and best-in-class supply chain.
Under West’s creative direction, the YEEZY design studio will develop the new line to deliver modern, elevated basics for men, women and kids at accessible price points, with the creative process just getting underway. Additionally, West’s design vision will extend to unique YEEZY Gap expressions in Gap stores and digital channels over time.
Kanye West maintains sole ownership of the YEEZY brand and was recently valued at $2.9 billion USD in April 2020, and Gap Inc. maintains sole ownership of Gap brand. This new apparel partnership furthers the size and scope of the YEEZY business, building on the ground-breaking success of YEEZY footwear.
Under terms of the partnership, Gap and YEEZY benefit as the business grows, with YEEZY receiving royalties and potential equity related to sales achievement.
About Gap
Gap is one of the world’s most iconic apparel and accessories brands and the authority on American casual style.  Founded in San Francisco in 1969, Gap’s collections are designed to build the foundation of modern wardrobes – all things denim, classic white shirts, khakis and must-have trends.  Beginning with the first international store in London in 1987, Gap continues to connect with customers online and across the brands about 1,600 company-operated and franchise retail locations around the world. Gap includes Women’s and Men’s apparel and accessories, GapKids, babyGap, GapMaternity, GapBody and GapFit collections.  The brand also serves value-conscious customers with exclusively designed collections for Gap Outlet and Gap Factory Stores.  Gap is the namesake brand for leading global specialty retailer, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) which includes Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, Intermix, Janie and Jack and Hill City brands. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.
              
             
           
                   
               Kick Start the Spring Season with Savvy Beauty and Fashion Ideas from P&G
               
                CINCINNATI–Top celebrity stylist, busy mom of two teens and Try it & Love it spokesperson, Irma Martinez invites you to embrace spring by freshening up your home, trying the latest beauty products, and loving new fashion trends! The spring season is the perfect time to refresh the family’s closets, update your beauty routine and add in new fashion must-haves. To make the seasonal transition a breeze, Irma Martinez and The Procter and Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) are offering bright ideas with innovative products to help families spring forward! To help get everyone springtime ready, Irma shares her favorite tips below:
This season is a great time to refresh la casita! Complete all the home improvement projects that were put on the back burner during the winter. Fix that broken floor tile, hanging cabinet door or leaky sink once and for all. After conquering those much needed home repairs, clean any dust and debris with the Swiffer® BISSELL SteamBoost™. Its steam activated cleaning pads tackle tough messes, giving floors a deep clean.
Storing away winter favorites can be tedious and overwhelming. Start off this season by tackling the hardest task of them all – washing all winter apparel! Before putting all winter wear in storage, make sure to wash them with Gain® with Febreze Freshness™ Thai Dragon Fruit™ Liquid Detergent. It helps get rid of that unwanted storage smell and gives two weeks of fantastic freshness!
New seasons means new beauty routines! As days become warmer, go for a lightweight make-up routine and try Olay® Fresh Effects {BB Cream!} Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer with Sunscreen. It not only moisturizes, but also brightens, evens skin tone and protects it with SPF 15. Look extra coqueta by adding a bold lip and bright nail color! Personally, I love COVERGIRL® Outlast Stay Brilliant Glosstinis because these nail colors last as long as seven days with no top coat required. Plus, they are available in fun springtime shades!
When it comes to must-have spring styles, my favorite trend is a floral skirt! This look can be dressed-up with a blazer or toned-down with a pair of patent leather flats. With either look, get legs ready for the warmer days ahead! Gillette® Venus & Olay ™ Razor with Sugarberry Scent keeps legs silky soft and locks in the skin’s moisture for less dryness. Hello skirt season!
Last, but not least, remember to update everyone’s exercise routine! Go out for a morning run or stroll through the park with family and friends. Not only will you get a great workout, but it is a perfect time to create fun, lasting memories with loved ones during this bright and beautiful season!
To help families get started with spring cleaning this month, P&G is offering more than $140 in savings through P&G brandSAVER®, which was distributed on March 2. Families will find coupons to try and love the high performing products needed to spruce up your self, family and home this season.
For more on products you’ll love, check out the Try it & Love it website (PGTryit.com). You can learn more about the brands you trust, and take advantage of product ratings and videos and receive great savings via coupons and samples.
About Procter & Gamble

P&G serves approximately 4.8 billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Ace®, Always®, AmbiPur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Duracell®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Fusion®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Iams®, Lenor®, Mach3®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, Prestobarba®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, Wella®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide.
This Press Release is courtesy of www.pg.com
              
             
           
                   
               Kohl’s Announces New Partnership with Under Armour to Propel its Active Business
               
                MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis., – Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) today announced a new partnership with Under Armour

(NYSE: UA), the originator of performance footwear, apparel and equipment, furthering Kohl’s commitment to becoming the

active and wellness destination for families.
“I am absolutely thrilled to announce our new partnership with Under Armour. This is a memorable and significant moment for

Kohl’s as we bring this incredible brand to our customers nationwide,” said Michelle Gass, Kohl’s chief merchandising and

customer officer. “We greatly admire what Under Armour has accomplished in creating a powerful and successful brand that has

really changed the Active industry. This brand launch builds on other notable investments we’ve already made in our Active

business. We believe Kohl’s is uniquely positioned to celebrate the athletes and wellness enthusiasts in every family.”
Since 2014, Kohl’s has made a sizable investment in the active and wellness category enhancing and expanding key national

and private brands, acquiring new, notable brands and partners, and providing customers with an expanded assortment of

products for the entire family.
Under Armour will be available at Kohl’s stores nationwide and Kohls.com in early 2017 in women’s, men’s, kids, accessories,

footwear and home.
About Kohl’s

Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a leading specialty department store with more than 1,100 stores in 49 states. With a commitment to

inspiring and empowering families to lead fulfilled lives, the company offers amazing national and exclusive brands, incredible

savings and inspiring shopping experiences in-store, online at Kohls.com and via mobile devices. Committed to its communities,

Kohl’s has raised nearly $300 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise program,

which operates under Kohl’s Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc. For additional information

about Kohl’s philanthropic and environmental initiatives, visit http://www.Kohls.com/Cares. For a list of store locations and

information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.Kohls.com.
About Under Armour, Inc.

Under Armour (NYSE: UA), the originator of performance footwear, apparel and equipment, revolutionized how athletes across

the world dress. Designed to make all athletes better, the brand’s innovative products are sold worldwide to athletes at all

levels. The Under Armour Connected Fitness™ platform powers the world’s largest digital health and fitness community through

a suite of applications: UA Record, MapMyFitness, Endomondo and MyFitnessPal. The Under Armour global headquarters is

in Baltimore, Maryland. For further information, please visit the Company’s website at www.uabiz.com.
              
             
           
                   
               Kohl’s Debuts Exclusive LC Lauren Conrad Runway Collection to Jumpstart New York Fashion Week
               
                MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis.- Kohl’s Department Stores (NYSE: KSS) today announced it will unveil the LC Lauren Conrad Runway Collection, an exclusive, limited-edition capsule by Lauren Conrad, during a runway show on Wednesday, September 9. As the chic, vintage-inspired designs make their runway debut, customers across the country will have a front row seat via a shoppable livestream on LCRunway.com. The livestream will feature a special peek at the red carpet, catwalk and behind-the-scenes access, as well as offer viewers the opportunity to purchase pieces from the collection online immediately after the runway show. 
“Designing and seeing this capsule collection come to life has been an incredible experience. The aesthetic follows the easy, whimsical style of my Kohl’s brand, but we’ve elevated this collection through amazing fabrications, vintage-inspired pieces and intricate detailing,” said Lauren Conrad. “I am excited to launch LC Lauren Conrad Runway to bring these beautiful, feminine pieces to women across the country and kick start fashion’s biggest week.” 
Following Lauren’s signature aesthetic of clean, polished and pretty, the Runway capsule includes styles not yet seen from the LC Lauren Conrad brand like high-waisted trousers, faux fur vests, novelty outerwear, as well as cocktail dresses. Pieces are layered with soft, frosted gray, rose gold metallics and dip-dyed hues of forest green and sage, inspired by the mystery and enchantment of the forest. Sprinkled with Victorian detailing to capture a youthful sense of sophistication, the collection tells a story of a modern day fairytale. Lace, crochet, florals, embellishment, tulle and sequins provide depth and personality to the collection’s dresses, skirts, blouses, jumpsuits, jackets and pants, while supple, pastel leather lends softness to the line’s handbags. 
“We are thrilled Lauren has created an elevated yet accessible collection that speaks to the trends of the moment and offers our customers a taste of Fashion Week designer style,” said Michelle Gass, Kohl’s chief merchandising and customer officer. “The Runway capsule seamlessly blends high-fashion with looks our customers love from the LC Lauren Conrad brand in wearable, affordable pieces that are sure to be coveted.” 
The LC Lauren Conrad Runway Collection includes apparel, shoes, handbags, jewelry and sunglasses for $12 to $200. Each item in the assortment is designed by Lauren Conrad for a collection inspired by her style and will be available for a limited-time in-store and online at Kohls.com. 
The LCRunway.com content hub site launches today. Here, customers can get a sneak peek at Lauren and her team as they prepare for Fashion Week through a series of behind-the-scenes, exclusive videos. On September 9 at 7 p.m. EST, customers will have the opportunity to watch the runway show live on the site and purchase their favorite pieces, straight from the runway to their doorstep. 
Before the live runway event, tune in to see what’s happening backstage, see who’s wearing what and catch exclusive celebrity interviews as Lauren and a few of her friends share their first-hand experiences using Periscope, a mobile app that streams live video broadcasts to followers around the world. Through the app users can chat and comment live with others watching the stream. 
Following the show, the full collection will be available at LCRunway.com and Kohls.com. Select items will also be available in Kohl’s stores through December. 
About Kohl’s

Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a leading specialty department store with 1,164 stores in 49 states. With a commitment to inspiring and empowering families to lead fulfilled lives, the company offers amazing national and exclusive brands, incredible savings and inspiring shopping experiences in-store, online at Kohls.com and via mobile devices. Committed to its communities, Kohl’s has raised more than $274 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise program, which operates under Kohl’s Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc. For additional information about Kohl’s philanthropic and environmental initiatives, visit www.Kohls.com/Cares. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.Kohls.com. 
              
             
           
                   
               Kohl’s Delivers a Record-Breaking Black Friday
               
                Kohl’s delivered a record-breaking Thanksgiving both in-store and on Kohls.com with hundreds of thousands of customers lined up across the country prior to doors opening, more than 16 million visits to Kohls.com, and key doorbuster items selling extremely well.

“Black Friday sales and traffic have been very strong, both online and in store – well ahead of last year,” said Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s Chairman, CEO and President. “We’re leaning into customers’ desire to shop when and how they want, and making their experience seamless in-store and online. Our customers are responding to a real differentiator they can only get at Kohl’s this week – $15 Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent. While Thanksgiving week is just the beginning of the holiday season, we’re well prepared to keep this momentum going throughout December. With great promotions, well-balanced inventories, compelling products, enhanced personalization tactics, and a strong digital business, we’re confident we’ll deliver a strong holiday season.”
Black Friday Highlights:
Thanksgiving Day was a record day for Kohls.com, both in terms of sales and traffic, with nearly 16 million people visiting the site

Mobile represented more than 60 percent of digital traffic on Thanksgiving

Kohl’s store sales and traffic were very strong and well ahead of last year

Our store associates fulfilled nearly 40 percent more Buy Online, Pick Up In Store orders this year

Home, Tech items and Active were outperforming categories in-store and online

Key selling items were Instant Pot, Fitbit, Apple Watches, Blanket throws, Nike and Under Armour gifts

Customers will continue to find great savings with Kohl’s Cyber Week sales event kicking off Saturday, November 25 and running through Wednesday, November 29 in store and on Kohls.com. 
              
             
           
                   
               Kohl’s Expands Active Assortment with Exclusive Collection from Leading Yoga Brand Gaiam
               
                MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis.– Kohl’s Department Stores (NYSE: KSS) today announced an exclusive Gaiam® women’s apparel collection that is now available at Kohl’s stores nationwide and Kohls.com. Gaiam (Nasdaq: GAIA), a leading innovator in yoga, fitness and well-being, joins Kohl’s growing powerhouse of national active and wellness brands. The new one-of-a-kind Gaiam apparel line balances comfort and style with stay-put designs in yoga specific fabrications, including hoodies, graphic tops, dresses, skirts, bras, leggings and more, all under $75.
“Our goal is to make it easy and affordable for families to bring wellness into their busy lives,” said Michelle Gass, Kohl’s chief customer officer. “We know that more than 20 million people practice yoga but that millions more would if they knew where to start. Through our partnership with Gaiam, we are making yoga more approachable and accessible — offering everything from soft, breathable clothing and technical gear to inspiring instructional videos for all levels of experience.”
Coinciding with the launch, Kohl’s and Gaiam have partnered with the popular duo, Two Fit Moms, yoga instructors and wellness advocates who are committed to making yoga accessible to people of all fitness levels. These two moms, Laura Kasperzak and Masumi Goldman have lent their expertise to help perfect the fit, style and performance of the pieces in the collection.
“It’s truly the winning trifecta,” said Lynn Powers, chief executive officer at Gaiam. “Kohl’s, Gaiam and Two Fit Moms are about empowering people to discover their best self – to be healthier and happier. We couldn’t be more excited about the possibilities.”
Kohl’s is bringing the exclusive Gaiam collection to life through activities that will motivate and inspire more customers to try yoga. To launch the collection, Kohl’s hosted an innovative amped-up yoga session taught by Two Fit Moms, with music by DJ Hannah Bronfman, in New York City’s High Line Park. The park was transformed into a colorful and vibrant yoga studio and more than 100 yogis of all ages and abilities participated in the class.
The Two Fit Moms took over Kohl’s Instagram account, co-hosted a Twitter Chat with FitFluential, a leading blogger network of highly influential fitness enthusiasts and created a video series for Kohl’s YouTube channel to further promote the collection. Additionally, customers can receive a Gaiam produced Two Fit Moms Yoga Basics DVD with the purchase of any two Gaiam misses’ apparel items in Kohl’s stores only and for a limited time, while supplies last.
About Kohl’s

Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a leading specialty department store with 1,164 stores in 49 states. With a commitment to inspiring and empowering families to lead fulfilled lives, the company offers amazing national and exclusive brands, incredible savings and inspiring shopping experiences in-store, online at Kohls.com and via mobile devices. Committed to its communities, Kohl’s has raised more than $274 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise program, which operates under Kohl’s Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc. For additional information about Kohl’s philanthropic and environmental initiatives, visit www.Kohls.com/Cares. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.Kohls.com.
              
             
           
                   
               Kohl’s Strengthens Commitment to Milwaukee Community with $1 Million Donation to Local Nonprofits
               
                MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis – Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) announced today it is strengthening its commitment to the Milwaukee community with a $1 million donation to five nonprofit organizations that serve diverse communities. As part of Kohl’s pledge to create an environment where everyone feels a sense of equity, where diversity is valued at all levels, and where inclusion is evident across our business, the company created a new Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) framework addressing three pillars: People, Commerce and Community. This new donation is one action the company is taking to further support Community efforts. 
The five benefiting nonprofits include three new Hometown partners — The Milwaukee Urban League, Employ Milwaukee (EMI), and Acts Housing — and a renewed commitment to two of Kohl’s existing Hometown partners — Safe & Sound and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. The partnerships reflect a joint commitment between Kohl’s and area nonprofits to improve equity and economic empowerment for Black and Hispanic residents in under-served communities in the Milwaukee area. In addition to financial contributions, Kohl’s will support the nonprofit organizations through associate volunteerism, leadership engagement and creating opportunities for a talent pipeline to Kohl’s. 
“Kohl’s has a long history of supporting families in the Milwaukee community through our strong hometown partnerships, and we are very excited to bring on The Milwaukee Urban League, Employ Milwaukee and Acts Housing and increase our commitment to Safe & Sound and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee,” said Michelle Gass, Kohl’s chief executive officer. “At a time when there is a clear call to action to do more to address inequities for People of Color, Kohl’s is committed to actions that support long-term sustainable progress in supporting these organizations. We look forward to sharing more of our plans and actions in the future to enhance diversity and inclusivity in our workplace, in our business and in the communities we serve.”
Kohl’s New Hometown Nonprofit Partnerships

The Milwaukee Urban League: With its financial commitment of $150,000, Kohl’s will support The Milwaukee Urban League’s mission to lead through education, employment, and advocacy to achieve economic vibrancy and equal access to all industries and disciplines that position African Americans to create wealth and live a better quality of life. The Milwaukee Urban League’s vision is to ensure that Wisconsin becomes a top 10 place for African Americans to live and thrive and where the greater Milwaukee area becomes a leader in education and socioeconomic inclusion. 
Employ Milwaukee (EMI): Kohl’s donation of $250,000 to Employ Milwaukee will support workforce development and help the region to build a diverse, skilled workforce while connecting underrepresented individuals to quality, family-sustaining employment and career advancement opportunities. 
Acts Housing: Through its commitment of more than $250,000, Kohl’s will provide access to homeownership opportunities for low-income families, who in turn will help transform their blocks, neighborhoods, and even the city. Acts Housing believes that a safe, stable home provides a foundation for a family and can serve as a catalyst for success. By helping all families who are willing to put in the work to become homeowners, they provide a pathway out of the housing crisis and help build stronger communities. 
Safe & Sound: Kohl’s support of more than $175,000 will allow Safe & Sound to continue providing their unique model of community organizing and engagement that brings together residents, youth, and public safety resources. This support will also help lay the groundwork for the organization’s Collective Impact movement, which will bring together grassroots community organizations, resident leaders, youth, public safety agencies, local businesses and other community stakeholders to quantify the needs of neighborhoods and bring measurable progress and change to communities. 
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee: Through a financial commitment of $150,000, Kohl’s will enhance its existing relationship with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, supporting the organization as it navigates challenges faced due to COVID-19. 
Kohl’s Support of the Milwaukee Community

In 2019, Kohl’s donated more than $2.5 million and logged more than 2,500 volunteer hours for nonprofit organizations in the Milwaukee area that are focused on supporting diverse communities, including Hunger Task Force, COA Youth & Family Centers and Penfield Children’s Center. The funds support a variety of programs and initiatives that enrich community health and wellness, arts and culture, conservation, education, and social services. 
Kohl’s Support of the Milwaukee Business Community

In addition to its philanthropic commitments, Kohl’s is contributing to the Milwaukee community through business and industry partnerships. Kohl’s is continuing its commitment to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce (MMAC) in support of the organization’s mission to improve metro Milwaukee as a place to invest capital, grow business and create jobs. Earlier this year, Kohl’s signed the MMAC’s Region of Choice Pledge commitment to increase the number of African-American and Hispanic/Latino employees in Metro Milwaukee by 15 percent, and the number of African-American and Hispanic/Latino managers in Metro Milwaukee by 25 percent, by 2025. The company is also a continuing member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee (GMC) in support of its mission to ensure Milwaukee is the best place to live, learn, work, play, and stay, and was an early signer of the GMC’s 2020 statement on racism and systemic inequities.
To learn more about Kohl’s commitment to diversity and inclusion or to access Kohl’s 2019 CSR Report, visit Corporate.Kohls.com. 
About Kohl’s

Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a leading omnichannel retailer with more than 1,100 stores in 49 states. With a commitment to inspiring and empowering families to lead fulfilled lives, Kohl’s offers amazing national and exclusive brands, incredible savings and an easy shopping experience in our stores, online at Kohls.com and on the Kohl’s mobile app. Since its founding, Kohl’s has given more than $750 million to support communities nationwide, with a focus on family health and wellness. For a list of store locations or to shop online, visit Kohls.com. For more information about Kohl’s impact in the community or how to join our winning team, visit Corporate.Kohls.com or follow @KohlsNews on Twitter.
              
             
           
                   
               Kohl’s Unveils New Approach to Home, Delivering a New and Expanded Assortment of Stylish and Affordable Home and Seasonal Decor
               
                MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. (March 19, 2024) – Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) unveils its new approach to home – a strategy designed to deliver customers a fresh and expanded selection of stylish home and seasonal decor, all at affordable prices. The significantly expanded assortment, available now both in-store and online, offers customers an inspiring and discover-worthy curation of home and seasonal products in new categories and styles for every home.
“We’ve been making meaningful changes to reposition and expand our home offerings over the past year and are excited to unveil Kohl’s new assortment of on-trend and affordable home products to customers nationwide,” said Nick Jones, Kohl’s chief merchandising and digital officer. “As part of Kohl’s broader strategy to drive growth, we identified a real opportunity in home, and we’ve been thoughtfully building the category to position ourselves as a destination for home goods. We’re incredibly encouraged by initial customer response to our home decor assortment, and we see Kohl’s becoming a more formidable player in the home business.”
A Home Assortment, Reimagined
To create a meaningful transformation of its home business, Kohl’s expanded select categories in its assortment by 40%, offering newness in areas including wall art, glassware and ceramic home decor, barware, botanicals, lighting and more.
A Curated Assortment of Unique Home Goods: Kohl’s new home collection will feature a curated mix of unique decorative home products in new-to-Kohl’s categories, such as wall art, botanicals, storage, pet, lighting, frames, glass, and ceramics. The assortment is focused on approachable style and affordability.

Strengthened Everyday Essentials: Kohl’s home assortment maintains some of its key programs that customers have loved, such as bedding and bath, but has elevated the assortment to include more modern aesthetics and frequent pattern and color injections to offer a constant stream of style-forward options for customers’ evolving preferences.

A Seasonal Decor Destination: Kohl’s new home strategy is also positioning the company to be a year-round destination for everyday occasions and seasonal holidays. It will deliver 60% newness in home and holiday decor seasonally to keep customers coming back to refresh their homes for each holiday.
Rediscovering Home at Kohl’s
Kohl’s has created an elevated and expanded in-store and digital home experience, making it easier for customers to find something new and exciting for their home every time they shop. To re-introduce its home offerings to customers, Kohl’s is engaging in a multi-channel marketing approach including immersive digital activations that are rooted in inspiration and experimentation, partnerships with home design experts, a live pop-up experience in New York City, and more.   
“We know the way consumers shop for home goods is centered around inspiration, and we have a unique opportunity to re-introduce current customers and invite new customers to think of Kohl’s when looking for inspiration for their home,” said Christie Raymond, Kohl’s chief marketing officer. “We’re prioritizing ways to connect, drive awareness and engage with home shoppers to enhance our credibility in the category, reinforce our compelling value, and provide new ideas and solutions that spark creativity for customers, to ensure Kohl’s is a top-of-mind destination for home decor.”
For more information and to see some of Kohl’s exciting new home product, visit our stores nationwide and Kohls.com/home.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “may,” “intends,” “will,” “should,” “expects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s then current views and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks described more fully in Item 1A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference, and other factors as may periodically be described in the Company’s filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements relate to the date initially made, and Kohl’s undertakes no obligation to update them.
About Kohl’s

Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a leading omnichannel retailer built on a foundation that combines great brands, incredible value and convenience for our customers. Kohl’s serves millions of families in our more than 1,100 stores in 49 states, online at Kohls.com, and through our Kohl’s App. For a list of store locations or to shop online, visit Kohls.com. For more information about Kohl’s impact on the community or how to join our winning team, visit Corporate.Kohls.com.
              
             
           
                   
               Las Vegas Extravaganza Kick-Starts Cosmetology Careers
               
                (Las Vegas) – Caesars Palace was a sea of black and white and beautiful hair when 2,500 cosmetology students arrived for Paul Mitchell Schools’ 29th annual Caper event. The 3-day educational extravaganza featured world-class hair shows, hands-on classrooms, and inspiration from the likes of singer-songwriter Marie Osmond, comedian and inspirational speaker Kathy Buckley, deaf actor John Autry, and motivational speaker and author Lizzie Velasquez. The students (they call them “future professionals”) earned their way by selling specially packaged Paul Mitchell products, practicing valuable retail and sales skills that will be vital in their future careers. Hosted by Paul Mitchell Co-owners John Paul DeJoria and Angus Mitchell, Paul Mitchell Schools’ Dean and Cofounder Winn Claybaugh, and Paul Mitchell Global Artistic Director Robert Cromeans, the smoke-free, alcohol-free event included top artists and educators in and out of the Paul Mitchell world. 
On Monday, future professionals checked in, picked up their swag bags, and visited the Mall and Career Connection to mingle with salon reps and practice their interview skills. With the addition of Slovenia’s Mic Styling salons, this year’s Career Connection went international. At the Peace, Love, and Happiness Lounge, students relaxed and watched mini demonstrations in styling, cutting, and makeup. “To me, one of the best things about Caper is that the education begins the minute the students arrive,” Robert Cromeans said.
Tuesday’s main-stage presentation opened with a warm welcome from co-hosts John Paul, Robert, Winn, and Angus. Surprise guest Marie Osmond dropped by to thank the audience for supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which she cofounded 30 years ago. “You couldn’t be with a better organization,” Marie said, referring to Paul Mitchell Schools and the annual FUNraising campaign that has donated over $850,000 to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to date. 
Caper’s “Decades of Style” theme continued with five fashion presentations featuring Paul Mitchell Vice President of Education Stephanie Kocielski and many other Paul Mitchell artists, educators, artistic directors, students, and staff, plus a special presentation by NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award winner Vivienne Mackinder. Alongside their mentors, students also took the stage in four of the segments, appearing as models or members of the student Design Team: they did hair, makeup, and modeling in the barbering and long-hair segments, they cut hair in the color segment, and they modeled in Vivienne Mackinder’s presentation. 
The rest of Tuesday’s show was dedicated to inspiration and motivation. Gifted comedienne, award-winning actress, accomplished author, and renowned inspirational speaker Kathy Buckley returned to Caper for the third year to share her powerful message of courage and hope. Billed as America’s first hearing-impaired comedienne, Kathy has appeared on The Tonight Show, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Entertainment Tonight, and Extra. Born deaf but misdiagnosed as mentally retarded, Kathy’s inspiring story and tireless work for the No Limits theater program for deaf children have made her a long-time favorite among Paul Mitchell future professionals. John Autry, a young deaf actor widely known for his appearances on Glee, joined Kathy and a group of school owners to perform John Lennon’s “Imagine” in sign language. “John is the reason we have No Limits today,” Kathy said. To date, Paul Mitchell Schools have donated $406,250 to No Limits.
Making her first Caper appearance, Lizzie Velasquez has a rare medical condition that doesn’t let her gain weight or create muscle. At age 24, she weighs about 60 pounds and has zero percent body fat. When an Internet video calling her “The World’s Ugliest Woman” went viral, Lizzie set out to discover what truly makes people beautiful. Now a popular author, speaker, and college graduate whose recent appearance at Austin’s TEDx conference garnered over 4 million video hits, Lizzie shared her story at Caper 2014.
Day one ended with a favorite Paul Mitchell tradition: the White Party, where Future Professionals enjoyed “photo ops” with their favorite educators.
The final day of Caper featured hands-on classroom rotations: cosmetology students rotated through three 2-hour classes (Cutting, Color, Look and Learn), while skin care students spent their day in Hands-On Makeup. A grand finale presentation starred the show teams from A Robert Cromeans Salon (with special guest Angus Mitchell), Lunatic Fringe, Kelly Cardenas Salons, and Supercuts.
This news is courtesy of www.paulmitchelle.edu
              
             
           
                   
               Louis Vuitton Acquires Tiffany
               
                Paris and New York – LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (“LVMH”), the world’s leading luxury group and Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF) (“Tiffany”), the global luxury jeweler, today announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement whereby LVMH will acquire Tiffany for $135 per share in cash, in a transaction with an equity value of approximately €14.7 billion or $16.2 billion.
For more than 180 years, Tiffany has been synonymous with elegance, innovative design, fine craftsmanship and creative excellence. Since 1886, when it established the eponymous diamond ring as an enduring symbol of commitment, Tiffany has stood for love. Its extraordinary diamonds are cherished for generations and its legendary jewelry designs are the ultimate reference in the global jewelry world. Even the Tiffany Blue Box is recognized worldwide as an icon of refinement and desirability.
Founded in 1837 when Charles Lewis Tiffany opened the first store in downtown Manhattan, Tiffany today is the leading luxury brand originated in the United States and delights discerning customers in more than 300 stores around the globe. Nature is not only the source of inspiration for Tiffany’s designers, but precious metals and natural gemstones are necessary components for the creation of its designs. Tiffany stood apart in the industry as an early proponent of sourcing these materials with a socially and environmentally responsible rigor. Protecting the environment and respecting human rights continue to be core business principles.
The acquisition of Tiffany will strengthen LVMH’s position in jewelry and further increase its presence in the United States. The addition of Tiffany will transform LVMH’s Watches & Jewelry division and complement LVMH’s 75 distinguished Houses.
Bernard Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LVMH, commented: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to welcome Tiffany, a company with an unparalleled heritage and unique position in the global jewelry world, to the LVMH family. We have an immense respect and admiration for Tiffany and intend to develop this jewel with the same dedication and commitment that we have applied to each and every one of our Maisons. We will be proud to have Tiffany sit alongside our iconic brands and look forward to ensuring that Tiffany continues to thrive for centuries to come.”
Roger N. Farah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tiffany, commented, “Following a strategic review that included a thoughtful internal process and expert external advice, the Board has concluded that this transaction with LVMH provides an exciting path forward with a group that appreciates and will invest in Tiffany’s unique assets and strong human capital, while delivering a compelling price with value certainty to our shareholders.”
Alessandro Bogliolo, Chief Executive Officer of Tiffany, said: “Tiffany has been focused on executing on our key strategic priorities to drive sustainable long-term growth. This transaction, which occurs at a time of internal transformation for our legendary brand, will provide further support, resources and momentum for those priorities as we evolve towards becoming The Next Generation Luxury Jeweler. As part of the LVMH group, Tiffany will reach new heights, capitalizing on its remarkable internal expertise, unparalleled craftsmanship and strong cultural values.”
Approvals and Timing

LVMH’s acquisition of Tiffany has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies and the Tiffany Board of Directors recommends that Tiffany shareholders approve the transaction with LVMH.

The transaction is expected to close in the middle of 2020 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from Tiffany’s shareholders and the receipt of regulatory approvals.
Advisors

Citi and J.P. Morgan are serving as financial advisors and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as legal counsel to LVMH. Centerview Partners LLC and Goldman Sachs Co. LLC are serving as financial advisors and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is serving as legal counsel to Tiffany.
LVMH

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is represented in Wines and Spirits by a portfolio of brands that includes Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Krug, Ruinart, Mercier, Château d’Yquem, Domaine du Clos des Lambrays, Château Cheval Blanc, Colgin Cellars, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Belvedere, Woodinville, Volcán de Mi Tierra, Chandon, Cloudy Bay, Terrazas de los Andes, Cheval des Andes, Cape Mentelle, Newton, Bodega Numanthia and Ao Yun. Its Fashion and Leather Goods division includes Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior Couture, Celine, Loewe, Kenzo, Givenchy, Pink Shirtmaker, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Marc Jacobs, Berluti, Nicholas Kirkwood, Loro Piana, RIMOWA, Patou and Fenty. LVMH is present in the Perfumes and Cosmetics sector with Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, Parfums Givenchy, Kenzo Parfums, Perfumes Loewe, Benefit Cosmetics, Make Up For Ever, Acqua di Parma, Fresh, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna and Maison Francis Kurkdjian. LVMH’s Watches and Jewelry division comprises Bvlgari, TAG Heuer, Chaumet, Dior Watches, Zenith, Fred and Hublot. LVMH is also active in selective retailing as well as in other activities through DFS, Sephora, Le Bon Marché, La Samaritaine, Groupe Les Echos, Cova, Le Jardin d’Acclimatation, Royal Van Lent, Belmond and Cheval Blanc hotels.
Tiffany & Co.

In 1837, Charles Lewis Tiffany founded his company in New York City where his store was soon acclaimed as the palace of jewels for its exceptional gemstones. Since then, TIFFANY & CO. has become synonymous with elegance, innovative design, fine craftsmanship and creative excellence. During the 20th century its fame thrived worldwide with store network expansion and continuous cultural relevance, as exemplified by Truman Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the film starring Audrey Hepburn.

Today, with more than 14,000 employees, TIFFANY & CO. and its subsidiaries design, manufacture and market jewelry, watches and luxury accessories – including more than 5,000 skilled artisans who cut diamonds and craft jewelry in the company’s workshops, realizing its commitment to superlative quality. The company operates more than 300 TIFFANY & CO. retail stores worldwide as part of its omni-channel approach. To learn more about TIFFANY & CO. as well as its commitment to sustainability, please visit tiffany.com.
              
             
           
                   
               Macy’s to introduce Shaquille O’Neal Menswear Collection
               
                NEW YORK, Basketball and celebrity superstar Shaquille O’Neal and Peerless Clothing today announced they have partnered to create a new fashion menswear collection. Shaquille O’Neal will launch exclusively at Macy’s, offering the latest fashion trends popularly priced with sizes that range from regular to Big & Tall.
The Shaquille O’Neal collection, available at 100 Macy’s stores nationwide and on macys.com starting mid-February, will include suit separates and sport coats. Individually or paired together, these pieces will make men of every size feel comfortable and well-dressed. Patterns include traditional solids, stripes and plaids, as well as more modern and unexpected sharkskin in shades of black, navy, tan and grey. Suit separates anchor the line, as they offer the opportunity to choose jacket and pant sizes perfect for customers with varied proportions. Retailing from $150 for a pant to $400 for a jacket, Shaquille O’Neal will allow the 60XL guy to shop in the same store and look just as dapper as his size 40R friend.
“Shaq is one of the biggest stars in sports with a huge fan base and following. A favorite celebrity and personality who is larger than life. Fans everywhere love Shaq for his athletic accomplishments, and his successful foray into music, movies, television and business. They love his style, passion and charisma,” said Ronny Wurtzburger, President of Peerless Clothing. “When it comes to fashion, Shaq is a trendsetter. He has strong consumer appeal among African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Moms who relate to his dedication to providing quality products at affordable prices, and kids who see him as their ultimate role model.”
“My interest in developing a menswear collection was based on the lack of fashion choices for Big & Tall customers and the higher prices for larger size suits,” O’Neal said. “I also was frustrated that I had to go to a Big & Tall store rather than shop with my friends at the local department or specialty store. I originally wanted to develop a more fashion-forward menswear collection at an affordable price. Once Peerless and I developed the collection, the reaction from Macy’s was so positive that we decided to make the collection in all sizes.”
The collection will be marketed online and in-store as well as through newspaper advertisements and personal appearances. Shaq also will wear the new collection on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” and on future television appearances.
“Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most iconic athletes of our time, and we are thrilled that he chose Macy’s to launch this extension of his superstar talent into the world of tailored clothing,” said Richard Arnstein, Macy’s EVP / GMM of Mens. “With his high-profile lifestyle, Mr. O’Neal understands the power of being well dressed, and this new collection of suit separates will appeal to men of any size who truly appreciate style and quality.”
“I am excited and honored to partner with Macy’s, an iconic American brand that believes in our community, to launch a collection that will be fun, elegant and classy,” O’Neal said.
This Press Release is courtesy of www.macys.com
              
             
           
                   
               Macy’s Embraces Whimsy in Men’s, Offering Bold, Stylish Looks from Dutch Brand, OppoSuits
               
                NEW YORK- Macy’s (NYSE:M) is encouraging men to have fun with their fashion, introducing a line of slim-fit suits from Dutch label, OppoSuits. The unique suits are brightly colored and boast cheeky, eye-catching prints, providing the perfect option for men who want to show off their fun personalities in a distinctively stylish way. 
The suits are sold as a three-piece set, with matching jacket, pants and tie for $99.99. OppoSuits bridge the gap between value, quality and style, offering men a modern, slim-cut suit at an affordable price. What’s more, the striking prints and colors allow wearers to brazenly stand out from the crowd while looking polished. 
“Macy’s is always looking for new ways to surprise and delight our customers by providing them the newest and most innovative trends out there,” said Durand Guion, Macy’s vice president and fashion director. “OppoSuits is a vibrant, young brand with a unique point-of-view at an incredible price. We’re excited to introduce our shoppers to a new approach to holiday style which we’re sure they’ll love.” 
Originating in Holland, the three-year-old brand quickly made major waves throughout Europe, being sold in high end retailers and specialty boutiques all over the continent. In August, Macy’s was among the first retailers to bring OppoSuits to North America, offering several of their styles on macys.com. Macy’s will expand its offering in mid-October with six additional styles for the holidays, available in 310 stores and online. 
The six cheerful holiday styles sport graphic prints of snowflakes, pine trees, snowmen, plaid, reindeer and fair isle, all impeccably rendered with expert tailoring. These suits are the perfect ensemble for the festive celebrations that occur throughout the season. OppoSuits are also highly giftable, sold pre-packaged in an attractive box. Whether given as a gift or worn to one of many holiday soirees, Macy’s is happy to spread joy in suit form with the gleeful collection from OppoSuits. 
About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 775 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, and Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and are leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $69 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers. 
About OppoSuits

OppoSuits is a global menswear apparel brand that was launched by three young entrepreneurs in 2012. Headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, OppoSuits has quickly grown to a multi-million dollar company servicing both consumers and retailers in more than 50 countries around the world. Renowned for designing colorful yet stylish suits, OppoSuits expanded their collection to over forty styles including holiday themed patterns. OppoSuits has grown to a large team of people working in six different countries with, distribution centers in the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Canada. 
              
             
           
                   
               Macy’s “Secret Garden” Campaign Blossoms This Spring
               
                NEW YORK- This week, in celebration of spring, Macy’s Secret Garden campaign will be in full bloom at Macy’s stores across the country, on macys.com and in local communities nationwide. Along with an infusion of spring’s cheerful colors, garden-inspired merchandise, special promotions and events, Macy’s customers can also support a local park through a new fundraising program – Macy’s “Heart Your Park” – that kicked off on Friday, March 7.
“Spring is a time for rejuvenation, and our new Secret Garden campaign will usher in this highly-anticipated season with exciting merchandise and experiences,” said Martine Reardon, Macy’s chief marketing officer. “Capturing the season’s hottest trends in spring colors and patterns, Secret Garden also takes to the outdoors, supporting more than 550 of our nation’s parks and green spaces.”
Secret Garden Flourishes in Stores

This season, Macy’s will take customers on a stroll through a lush and magical garden, with trends that fuse fantasy with fashion, and the designers who bring it to life. Floral pieces will be sprouting up in Macy’s stores and on macys.com, in the form of fit and flare dresses, classic shifts and sweet skirts. Colors abound across the fashion spectrum, featuring rich blues, pretty pinks and coral, along with accents of clean and crisp white. Ruffle details, lace, and floral appliques add a sweet touch to the season’s hottest looks. Shoppers will also find the garden experience in home, through vibrant floral bedding, dinnerware and serveware that will make entertaining even sunnier.
Garden-inspired merchandise comes from customers’ favorite brands available at Macy’s, including Bar III, Betsey Johnson, Charter Club, French Connection, I.N.C., Ivanka Trump, Jessica Simpson, MADE Fashion Week, Martha Stewart Collection, and Tommy Hilfiger.
Macy’s “Heart Your Park”

In collaboration with the National Recreation and Park Association, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of community parks, recreation and conservation, Macy’s Heart Your Park program aims to raise awareness and dollars for local parks nationwide.
Macy’s stores across the country have each selected a local park or green space in their community to support, with more than 550 local parks benefiting from the program. From March 7 to March 31, customers can visit their local Macy’s store and donate $1 or more at the register, and 100 percent of donations will benefit that store’s selected local park. To further spread the love, Macy’s will match customer donations across all stores, dollar-for-dollar, up to $250,000 in total. For a full list of the parks benefiting from Macy’s Heart Your Park, visit macys.com/parks.
“We are thrilled to partner with Macy’s for Heart Your Park this spring to raise awareness of the importance of local parks in strengthening community health and wellness, and environmental conservation,” said Barbara Tulipane, president and CEO of the National Recreation and Park Association. “Macy’s shares our passion for connecting and engaging local communities. We look forward to the positive impact this effort will have on community parks.”
Secret Garden Local Events

During the month of March, Secret Garden events will take place in Macy’s stores across the country, including Atlanta, Boston, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Louisville, Miami, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City and Seattle. Events will feature Secret Garden fashion presentations, family fun day activities, cooking demonstrations and more. Select stores will also host a “Bouquet of the Day,” a live floral installation created by a renowned local florist. For more information on local events, visit macys.com/secretgarden.
Macy’s Spin to Win – $100,000 in Prizes

From March 5 to March 30, customers can join in the fun by playing the Macy’s Spin & Win game on Macy’s mobile app for a chance to win a digital gift code worth $10, $25, $100 or $500. Ends 3/30/14. No purchase necessary. Text “APP” to 62297 to download Macy’s mobile app. Message and data rates may apply. For terms, conditions and the privacy policy, visit macys.com/connect.
About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers, employees and Macy’s Foundation, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $70 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.
About National Recreation and Park Association

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 40,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.NRPA.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.
This news is courtesy of www.macys.com
              
             
           
                   
               Marks and Spencer to close 100 stores by 2022
               
                M&S today announced the next tranche of UK stores proposed for closure or set to close as it reshapes its UK store estate in line with its target to take at least a third of sales online.
M&S will now close over 100 stores in total by 2022, including 21 that have already closed and the 14 stores that are announced today as proposed for closure or set to close. Alongside relocations, conversions, downsizes and the introduction of concessions, these closures will radically reshape M&S’s Clothing & Home space.
The next 14 Clothing & Home stores that will close or are proposed for closure in 2018/19 as part of the transformative programme are:
Bayswater, Fleetwood Outlet and Newton Abbot Outlet – all three of which will close by the end of July 2018;

Clacton and Holloway Road – which will both close by early 2019 to coincide with new nearby Food stores opening;

Darlington, East Kilbride, Falkirk, Kettering, Newmarket, New Mersey Speke, Northampton, Stockton and Walsall – all nine of which are proposed for closure and will now enter a period of consultation with all 626 affected employees. Should these stores close, all colleagues would be redeployed or offered redeployment at other stores before redundancy is considered.
Sacha Berendji, Retail, Operations and Property Director at Marks & Spencer said, “We are making good progress with our plans to reshape our store estate to be more relevant to our customers and support our online growth plans. Closing stores isn’t easy but it is vital for the future of M&S. Where we have closed stores, we are seeing an encouraging number of customers moving to nearby stores and enjoying shopping with us in a better environment, which is why we’re continuing to transform our estate with pace.”
The acceleration of M&S’s UK store estate programme is part of M&S’s wider five-year transformation plan to make M&S special again. Under the plan M&S has the ambition to create fewer, better Clothing & Home stores. These stores will be larger, digitally enabled, better located and more inspirational for customers to shop.They will also be supported by a seamless online experience across all digital channels including mobile and social, and by a conveniently located network of Food stores that offer customers a next-day collect in store service for Clothing & Home purchases.
Actions to-date
In November 2016, following a full review of its store portfolio, M&S announced a five-year UK store estate programme

In November 2017 M&S announced that it would accelerate the space plan after the better than expected levels of sales transfer from closures and plans to grow online sales

Since the announcement of the Store Estate programme in November 2016:

M&S has closed 21 stores as part of the programme – 18 closures and three closures and relocations to new sites.

The 18 closures are Andover, Basildon, Birkenhead, Bournemouth, Bridlington, Covent Garden, Dover, Durham, Fareham, Fforestfach, Keighley, Portsmouth, Putney, Redditch, Slough, Stockport, Warrington and Wokingham

The 3 closures and relocations are Greenock, Newry and Crewe (where the relocation extended an existing Simply Food store)

Additionally, M&S has closed one Food store (Monks Cross), one Outlet (Denton) and two stores which acted as satellites to a larger store (Barton Square Home which was part of the Trafford Centre store and Llandudno satellite which was part of Llandudno store)

M&S has opened three brand new Clothing & Home stores (Aberystwyth, Bracknell and Rushden Lakes)

M&S has converted one outlet store to Food only (Crown Point Leeds)

M&S has downsized three stores (Solihull, Pudsey and Bath – where space has been created for a Metro Bank)

M&S has begun to create space for a trial of an in-store opticians service (Bolton, York Vangarde, Derby, Manchester and Westfield White City)
              
             
           
                   
               Men’s Wearhouse Announces In-Home Wedding Apparel Service
               
                FREMONT, Calif.,  — The Men’s Wearhouse (NYSE: MW) today announced the launch of its latest innovation in wedding apparel service. Starting in early 2015, brides and grooms will be able to schedule an appointment to work with a Men’s Wearhouse expert formalwear stylist in their home or at a location convenient to them, in addition to offering best-in-class store service.
Doug Ewert, Men’s Wearhouse Chief Executive Officer, commented, “As North America’s largest provider of men’s formalwear, we are excited to bring a new level of convenience and personalized service to our customers.  By leveraging our leading market position and our expertise in style, quality and fit, we are now offering in-home formalwear consultations to brides and grooms for their special day.
“Weddings create moments that last a lifetime and we know that brides and grooms won’t trust their wedding attire to just anyone,” added Ewert. “Our experienced formalwear stylists will help couples select the perfect look for all the men in their wedding party. Whether that’s exclusive styles like Vera Wang tuxedos, Joseph Abboud custom suits, or something less traditional, our new in-home formalwear consultation service will make it easy to find your style, color and fit.”
Founded in 1973, Men’s Wearhouse is one of North America’s largest specialty retailers of men’s apparel with 1,756 stores.  The Men’s Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank, Moores and K&G stores carry a full selection of suits, sport coats, furnishings and accessories in exclusive and non-exclusive merchandise brands and Men’s Wearhouse and Tux stores carry a limited selection.  Most K&G stores carry a full selection of women’s apparel.  Tuxedo rentals are available in the Men’s Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank, Moores and Men’s Wearhouse and Tux stores.  Additionally, Men’s Wearhouse operates a global corporate apparel and workwear group consisting of Twin Hill in the United States and Dimensions, Alexandra and Yaffy in the United Kingdom.    
              
             
           
                   
               Men’s Wearhouse Introduces International Shipping for Online Customers
               
                FREMONT, Calif., Men’s Wearhouse continues to deliver world class customer service by introducing International shipping to customers in over 100 countries.  Customers in the USA and around the world can now shop www.menswearhouse.com and ship directly to themselves or send gifts to friends and family regardless of what country they live in.
Men’s Wearhouse introduced International shipping in response to customer requests to do so.  With this launch, the company extends its reach to existing customers who live abroad and to new customers who want to update their style by accessing the inventory of one of the largest men’s specialty retailers in the United States.  With International shipping to over 100 countries, affordable shipping rates, and order totals guaranteed at time of purchase, the company has made shopping for on-trend, designer men’s tailored and casual clothing easy and affordable for the International community.
“We have customers around the world that trust us as their menswear fashion expert but the only way they could shop with us was if they were based in the USA,” said Susan Neal, EVP at Men’s Wearhouse. “Now with our International shipping option, our customers will be able to shop and ship to over 100 countries anytime and anywhere that is convenient for them.  We are thrilled to offer this service and to introduce Men’s Wearhouse to customers around the world.”
This Press Release is courtesy of www.menswearhouse.com
              
             
           
                   
               Men’s Wearhouse Launches Omni-Channel Inventory Program
               
                FREMONT, Calif.,- Ongoing innovation at Men’s Wearhouse has led to the launch of its omni-channel inventory program, which gives customers visibility and access to all merchandise within the company’s distribution center and its 900+ retail locations from one location.   Now, regardless of whether a customer is shopping in a single store or online, they can see all merchandise available to them throughout the company and pick up any item at the store of their choosing.
To facilitate this endless aisle experience, Men’s Wearhouse has developed an employee-facing custom mobile app called “Find-It” and has introduced iPads in over 650 retail locations for employee use. The Find-It app utilizes the company’s eCommerce website www.menswearhouse.com.  It allows an employee to check inventory levels across the entire network and add an item to the customer’s order regardless of its location. 
Online customers now have the option of shopping nearby stores’ inventory as well as the company’s distribution center to expand the merchandise choices available to them from menswearhouse.com.  If they find an item they like at a nearby store location, they can reserve it online and pick it up at that store when it’s convenient. Once an online customer selects merchandise from a local store, they will be notified within an hour when the item has been located and put on hold at the selected store for pick-up. This not only saves time for the customer, but allows the stores to provide better customer service by being a step ahead in the sales process.
After a successful pilot in the Houston market, Men’s Wearhouse launched the reserve online, pick up in-store program in all stores company-wide.
“By giving our customers visibility to each store’s inventory, we can better serve their needs,” said Adam Harris, Director of Innovation at Men’s Wearhouse.  “The Find-It app and reserve online, pick up in-store rollout allows us to provide a truly omni-channel experience for ultimate convenience. And this is just the tip of the iceberg – by putting iPads in the hands of our employees in over 650 stores, we can rollout a multitude of other apps to increase efficiencies, improve productivity and continue to provide world class customer service to our customers.”
About Men’s Wearhouse

Founded in 1973, Men’s Wearhouse is one of North America’s largest specialty retailers of men’s apparel with 1,133 stores.  The Men’s Wearhouse, Moores and K&G stores carry a full selection of suits, sport coats, furnishings and accessories in exclusive and non-exclusive merchandise brands and Men’s Wearhouse and Tux stores carry a limited selection.  Most K&G stores carry a full selection of women’s apparel.  Tuxedo rentals are available in the Men’s Wearhouse, Moores and Men’s Wearhouse and Tux stores.  Additionally, Men’s Wearhouse operates a global corporate apparel and workwear group consisting of Twin Hill in the United States and Dimensions, Alexandra and Yaffy in the United Kingdom.  For additional information on Men’s Wearhouse, please visit the Company’s websites at www.menswearhouse.com, www.mooresclothing.com, www.kgstores.com, www.twinhill.com, www.dimensions.co.uk and www.alexandra.co.uk. 
This news is courtesy of www.menswearhouse.com
              
             
           
                   
               Mercedes-Benz Start Up Announces Details For The 2014/2015 Fashion Season
               
                TORONTO, ON – Mercedes-Benz Start Up is beginning its fourth year of operations and the next nationwide search for fashion’s rising stars starts this summer with three stops: Victoria (British Columbia) on August 12 and 13, Gatineau (Quebec) on August 18 and 19, and Burlington (Ontario) on August 20 and 21. As the program prepares to enter its next phase, IMG Fashion and Mercedes-Benz Canada are pleased to announce the evolution of the Mercedes-Benz Start Up program. 
Launched in 2011 in response to an industry need to discover, mentor and foster the careers of Canada’s emerging fashion designers; the program set out to weave across the country and provide these designers a platform to succeed in their own local environment. Through a wide-ranging network of professional mentors, designers were given access to expertise that would help them hone their craft and prepare for the world of fashion business. 
Commencing today, the fully re-launched, Mercedes-BenzStartUp.com website, is the place for designers to apply to the program and where fashion fans can keep up to date on designer and program news. To be eligible to participate, designers must have a registered Canadian business that has been operating for less than five years. 
If their application is accepted, designers will present their collection and business plan to a seasoned judging panel that will consult, assess and evaluate whether the designer is ready for the next step. From there, a select group of designers will have the opportunity to move forward and present their collection on the local runway the following day. This three-city semi-final phase will produce six designers who will then participate in the national finale at World MasterCard Fashion Week in October 2014. 
At this finale, one of the finalists will be chosen as the Awarded Designer. This designer will receive continued mentorship from the panel of experts, editorial coverage across leading domestic and international publications, a fully produced solo runway show in Toronto at the Fall Collections in March 2015. And new this season, the Awarded Designer will also receive a $30,000 bursary that will be administered by an experienced mentoring team who will guide and support the designer’s vision while ensuring that the funds are used most equitably. 
“Each year the Mercedes-Benz Start Up program gains momentum and evolves in order to meet the current needs of the industry landscape,” says Jarrad Clark, VP and Global Creative Director, IMG Fashion Events and Properties. “While the mentoring of designers in order to teach them how to establish long-term sustainable business remains the main goal of MBSU, the new additional monetary award, makes it possible for us to give designers much needed financial support, while also teaching them how to spend their money wisely.” 
Mercedes-Benz Canada’s Director of Communications and Public Relations, JoAnne Caza said, “It has been extremely gratifying and rewarding to see the progress of many very talented emerging Canadian designers as they participated in the Mercedes-Benz Start Up program over the course of the last three years. We are thrilled by how well the overall program has been accepted by the fashion industry at large and by these new designers who now better understand its mandate and want to be part of it. We are delighted to be fully committed for another three years and we have made several important changes that will ensure a more robust infrastructure that will ultimately benefit even more emerging Canadian designers.” 
Past Awarded Designers, Martin Lim, DUY, Malorie Urbanovitch and Cécile Raizonville of Matière Noire, received international accolades and have enjoyed many exclusive benefits and opportunities through the program, demonstrating the numerous advantages and tangible benefits to potential program participants for the 2014-2015 cycle. 
About Mercedes-Benz Start Up (MBSU):

Developed and managed by IMG Fashion and launched in 2011, Mercedes-Benz Start Up is an ongoing initiative that provides a national platform to discover and support emerging Canadian fashion designers. Now in its fourth year, the program travels from coast to coast, identifying the next generation of rising Canadian talent and provides them access to fashion business experts to help them hone a broad range of skills. Designers gain the knowledge and skill set required to develop a sustainable career in the fashion industry, while elevating their professional profiles through unique and exclusive opportunities. 
              
             
           
                   
               Michael Kors Expands Global Fashion Luxury Group with Acquisition of Versace
               
                LONDON– Michael Kors Holdings Limited (NYSE:KORS), a global fashion luxury group, announced today that a definitive agreement has been signed to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Italian luxury fashion house Gianni Versace S.p.A. for a total enterprise value of Euro 1.83 billion or approximately US$2.12 billion. Versace, long recognized as one of the world’s leading luxury fashion companies, is synonymous with Italian glamour and style.
John D. Idol, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Michael Kors Holdings Limited, said, “The acquisition of Versace is an important milestone for our group. Versace was founded in 1978. For over 40 years, Versace has represented the epitome of Italian fashion luxury, a testament to the brand’s timeless heritage. We are excited to have Versace as part of our family of luxury brands, and we are committed to investing in its growth. With the full resources of our group, we believe that Versace will grow to over US$2.0 billion in revenues. We believe that the strength of the Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo brands, and the acquisition of Versace, position us to deliver multiple years of revenue and earnings growth.”
Mr. Idol continued, “Donatella’s iconic style is at the heart of the design aesthetic of Versace. She will continue to lead the company’s creative vision. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Donatella on Versace’s next chapter of growth.”
“This is a very exciting moment for Versace,” said Donatella Versace. “It has been more than 20 years since I took over the company along with my brother Santo and daughter Allegra. I am proud that Versace remains very strong in both fashion and modern culture. Versace is not only synonymous with its iconic and unmistakable style, but with being inclusive and embracing of diversity, as well as empowering people to express themselves. Santo, Allegra and I recognize that this next step will allow Versace to reach its full potential. We are all very excited to join a group led by John Idol, whom I have always admired as a visionary as well as a strong and passionate leader. We believe that being part of this group is essential to Versace’s long-term success. My passion has never been stronger. This is the perfect time for our company, which puts creativity and innovation at the core of all of its actions, to grow.”
Donatella added, “Santo, Allegra and I will become shareholders in Capri Holdings Limited. This demonstrates our belief in the long-term success of Versace and commitment to this new global fashion luxury group.”
“Versace’s management team will continue to be led by Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Akeroyd, who has been an instrumental partner to Donatella in driving growth and success for Versace worldwide,” added John D. Idol. “He and Donatella have assembled strong senior management and design teams that will continue to lead Versace into its next chapter. We are extremely fortunate to be able to acquire such an extraordinary brand with an incredibly talented team.”
Jonathan Akeroyd, Chief Executive Officer of Versace, said, “Since I joined Versace over two years ago, our focus has been on leveraging the company’s heritage and strong brand recognition worldwide, which has allowed us to experience significant growth in all regions. Donatella’s unmatched vision has led to the continued and growing success of our brand. I am thrilled to be joining Capri Holdings Limited, which will be instrumental in accelerating our growth globally.”
Strategic Initiatives and Transaction Rationale
As part of our strategic plan for the long-term growth of Versace, we intend to execute on the following key initiatives:
Grow Versace to US$2.0 billion in revenues globally

Build on Versace’s luxury runway momentum

Enhance Versace’s powerful and iconic marketing

Increase global retail footprint from approximately 200 to 300 stores

Accelerate e-commerce and omni-channel development

Expand men’s and women’s accessories and footwear from 35% to 60% of revenues

The acquisition of Versace is expected to deliver a number of benefits for our Company, including:
Opportunity to help grow our group’s revenues to US$8.0 billion in the long-term

Expand our global luxury group to include three iconic founder-led brands defined by fashion luxury products with a reputation for world-class design and innovation

Diversify our geographic portfolio from:

66% Americas to 57% Americas

23% Europe to 24% Europe

11% Asia to 19% Asia

Potential to create long-term operational synergies

Transaction Details
The transaction is not subject to a financing condition. The cash portion of the purchase price is expected to be funded by a combination of cash on hand, drawings under the company’s existing revolving credit facility, and committed underwritten bank term loans from our advisors JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Barclays. The Versace family will also receive Euro 150 million of the purchase price in shares of Capri Holdings Limited. The transaction is expected to close in the company’s fourth fiscal quarter, subject to specified closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals.
Our New Name

Capri Holdings Limited (NYSE:CPRI) is the new name to be adopted by Michael Kors Holdings Limited upon the closing of the acquisition. Our name is inspired by the fabled island which has long been recognized as an iconic, glamorous and luxury destination. The island’s spectacular three rock formation, formed over 200 million years ago, is symbolic of the timeless heritage and strong foundation that is at the core of each of the three founder-led brands in our global fashion luxury group.
Financial Considerations

The company believes that the acquisition of Versace enhances the company’s economic value and will drive improved long-term shareholder value by accelerating long-term revenue and EPS growth potential. On a non-GAAP basis the acquisition is expected to be dilutive to earnings per share in the high-single digits in fiscal 2020, accretive in the low-single digits in fiscal 2021, and accretive in the high-single digits in fiscal 2022.
About Michael Kors Holdings Limited

Michael Kors Holdings Limited is a global fashion luxury group, consisting of iconic brands that are industry leaders in design, style and craftsmanship. Its brands cover the full spectrum of fashion luxury categories including women’s and men’s accessories, footwear and ready-to-wear as well as wearable technology, watches, jewelry, eyewear and a full line of fragrance products. The company’s goal is to continue to extend the global reach of its brands while ensuring that they maintain their independence and exclusive DNA. Michael Kors Holdings Limited is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker KORS.
About Versace

Founded in 1978 in Milan, Versace is one of the leading international fashion design houses and a symbol of Italian luxury worldwide. It designs, manufactures, distributes and retails fashion and lifestyle products including haute couture, prèt-à-porter, accessories, jewelry, watches, eyewear, fragrances, and home furnishings all bearing the distinctive Medusa logo. The Versace group distributes its products through a worldwide distribution network which includes over 200 boutiques in some of the world’s most glamourous cities.
              
             
           
                   
               Mini USA And Rapha North America Form Partnership To Bring Two Lifestyle Brands Together
               
                Woodcliff Lake, NJ – October 3, 2018 – MINI USA and Rapha North America announce a new partnership, bringing two premium lifestyle brands together. The partnership connects both MINI and the cycling apparel brand Rapha – both of whom have a shared British provenance and a passion for getting out on the open road – by offering a number of unique elements to both MINI and Rapha customers.
A key and highly visible element of the partnership is the allocation of customized MINI Clubman vehicles with roof-mounted bike racks positioned at Rapha Clubhouses across the U.S.  These MINI Clubmans provide “Tour de France” style mobility and support for Rapha’s regular curated cycling adventures with their customers.
Another element of the partnership, Rapha Cycling Club (RCC) members in the U.S. who test-drive and either purchase or lease a new 2019 MINI will receive a $500 credit. This credit can be used off the MSRP, or applied toward the purchase of a MINI bike rack or other MINI lifestyle or accessory items at the time of vehicle purchase. RCC customers will also receive a special package of co-branded Rapha+MINI accessories including a musette bag, essentials case and cycling cap.
The partnership also offers U.S.-based MINI owners who are interested in Rapha apparel to receive a special discount code for 20% off at Rapha.cc for a limited time only.
“MINI has always been a brand that embraces a strong minded community of active individuals who love to get out and enjoy life’s experiences,” said Thomas Felbermair, Vice President, MINI Region Americas. “In Rapha, I am pleased that we have found a partner that mirrors our brand philosophy and, like MINI, is totally at home both in our metropolitan centers and out on the open roads of the U.S. Our MINI Clubmans will allow Rapha customers a quick escape to reach the delightful rides across the U.S., from the Catskill Mountains of New York and the forested peaks of Washington to the monumental climbs across California.  With this partnership MINI once again delivers ‘more of what matters’.”
Rapha’s customers are able to enjoy the support of the versatile MINI Clubman vehicles, equipped with roof-mounted bike racks, at rides and events offered from Rapha’s US Clubhouses in Boulder, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington D.C.
“It’s a natural partnership, as both Rapha North America and MINI are fully committed to the outdoors while remaining deeply rooted at the intersection of design and performance,” said Jake Rosenbloum, North American Marketing Director for Rapha. “The two brands integrate these elements extremely well, and this leads to a rewarding experience for the customer — whether enjoyed on four wheels or two.”
Official press photos of MINI and Rapha apparel and b-roll of the MINI Clubman are also available for download in the MINI Clubman Newsroom on MINIUSANEWS.com.  Media interested in press updates on MINI USA can also follow us on Twitter at @MINIUSANEWS.
About MINI in the US

MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC, located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and includes the marketing and sales organizations for the MINI brand. The MINI USA sales organization is represented in the U.S. through a network of 126 MINI passenger car dealers in 39 states. MINI USA began selling vehicles in the U.S. in 2002 with the introduction of the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Hardtops. Since then, the MINI Brand in the U.S. has grown to encompass a model range of six unique vehicles.
Consumer information about MINI products is available via the internet at: www.MINIUSA.com.
About Rapha

Rapha was established in 2004 to bring more style and performance to cycling clothing. It now provides products for every road cyclist, from urban commuters to world class professional teams and continues to push the boundaries of innovation in cycling apparel and accessories. Alongside this, Rapha has cultivated a global community of passionate cyclists who come together as members of the Rapha Cycling Club (RCC), the largest club of its kind in the world. Rapha’s direct to consumer model and unique brand values come to life in its numerous rides and events around the world, its Rapha Travel offering and in the global network of Clubhouses that combine retail, a cafe and cycling culture under the same roof.
              
             
           
                   
               National Hockey League and Adidas Announce Partnership
               
                The National Hockey League (NHL®) and adidas today announced a seven-year partnership in which adidas will become the authentic outfitter of on-ice uniforms as well as an official supplier of licensed apparel and headwear for the League starting with the 2017-18 season. adidas Group-owned CCM will remain an official on-ice equipment supplier, delivering world-class product for NHL players, including sticks, skates, helmets, gloves and goaltending gear.
The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), NHL and adidas today also announced a partnership for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey in which adidas becomes the exclusive outfitter of both authentic and replica jerseys for the eight-team tournament next September. The 2016 World Cup of Hockey will be played at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto from Sept. 17 to Oct. 1, 2016 and be comprised of eight teams – Team Canada, Team Czech Republic, Team Finland, Team Russia, Team Sweden, Team USA, Team Europe and Team North America. More than 150 NHL players will compete in a best-on-best international hockey championship.
Teaming up with adidas continues our strategy of aligning with major partners who share our vision for growing the game and putting innovation at the forefront of everything we do for our players and fans.
Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner

“As an iconic performance brand with global reach, adidas is the perfect partner for us. With the World Cup of Hockey next year and the launch of our new partnership coinciding with our Centennial Celebration in 2017, there could not be a more appropriate time for us take our longstanding relationship to new heights.”, said Gary Bettman.
adidas will be instrumental in providing leading technology to produce hockey jerseys for the world’s best hockey players, while also serving our growing global fan base with innovative products.
Don Fehr, NHLPA Executive Director

“We look forward to partnering with the creative minds at adidas who collectively share our focus on growing the game of hockey around the world.”, said Don Fehr.
The adidas Group and the NHL have a successful, longstanding relationship through the League’s existing partnership with Reebok. This new partnership allows adidas to leverage its offerings as a leading sports brand and collaborate with one of the world’s most innovative sports leagues. The partnership will allow Reebok to continue to focus on and invest in strengthening its positioning as a leading fitness brand.
As part of its new strategic business plan, adidas is aggressively refocusing its resources to become hyper-relevant in America by increasing its presence in key U.S. sports. With hockey as the leading sport in Canada, this partnership will also drive growth for adidas’ Canadian business.
This partnership with the NHL is evidence of our comprehensive commitment to the athlete.
Mark King, adidas Group North America President

“Adding the league to our growing icon portfolio – which includes premier athletes and U.S. league partnerships across football, basketball and baseball – is just the start for us.  Everything we do at adidas focuses on making athletes faster and we’re ready to bring that attitude to the ice. This is an incredible opportunity to get our most innovative performance products on the world’s best hockey players, on and off the ice, and take the game to the next level.”, said Mark King.
The adidas NHL partnership news comes on the heels of adidas announcing the signing of Connor McDavid, the number 1 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. adidas plans to add more top NHL players to its growing roster of professional athletes.
In addition to merchandising rights, the partnership will bring adidas’ high performance training footwear and apparel to the locker room for every NHL team. At all key NHL events, including the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®, the Coors Light NHL Stadium Series™, the Stanley Cup® Playoffs and the NHL® All-Star Game, adidas will connect with fans through largescale brand activations. To spur growth and excitement in the game, adidas will work side by side with the NHL on a number of grassroots initiatives.
              
             
           
                   
               Neiman Marcus Files Registration Statement for Initial Public Offering
               
                DALLAS, Texas, – Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. announced today that it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or

jurisdiction.
              
             
           
                   
               New Look Acquisition by Brait SE
               
                New Look and Brait SE (“Brait”) announce that an agreement has been reached whereby Brait will acquire a c.90% interest in New Look Retail Group Limited (“New Look” or “the Company”) for c.£780 million, primarily from funds advised by Apax Partners and Permira (“the Acquisition”). The Singh family interests and the current management of the Company will acquire the remaining 10% of the Company. Anders Kristiansen, New Look’s CEO, Mike Iddon (CFO) and Roger Wightman (CCO) will remain with the Company. The transaction places an Enterprise Value on New Look of c.£1.9 billion.
Over the past 11 years, under the Apax and Permira Funds’ ownership, New Look has gone through a significant transformation and is now the leading fast fashion retailer in the UK for the under 35s with more than 800 stores worldwide. New Look is attractive to Brait for the following reasons:
Double digit EBITDA growth in recent years;

Solid cash flow generation;

Established UK footprint in the higher growth value segment of the apparel and accessories market;

Leading UK market value share; No. 2 overall womenswear and No. 1 in under-25s womenswear;

Strong growth prospects in France, Germany, Poland and especially China which is a priority market;

Strong brand awareness in particular amongst women in the UK;

Well-developed multi-channel offering via traditional stores and a fast growing e-commerce platform incorporating ‘click and collect’ options;

Well-invested infrastructure and systems including a state-of-the-art distribution centre

The scale and efficiency of New Look’s fast fashion operating model from source to customer (via shop-floor or e-commerce) is difficult to replicate; and

Partnering with an experienced, aligned and proven management team, and with the founder of the business.

New Look has net financial debt of c.£1 billion. Brait and New Look’s management are comfortable with the company’s current leverage ratio given its strong cash flow generation. Subject to market conditions, the Company will review financing alternatives in order to optimise the capital structure within the same leverage range.
Brait will fund the Purchase Consideration using available facilities and cash on hand.
Commenting on this transaction, Anders Kristiansen, CEO of New Look said:
“We are delighted to have announced this transaction. Brait have a track record of long-term and supportive investments – they give us the perfect platform to continue our strategy of growing the New Look brand in the UK, Europe and China. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our existing shareholders for their support over the years, and I am looking forward to working with Brait in the future.”
John Gnodde, CEO of Brait added:

“New Look is an attractive investment opportunity for Brait – it is a market leading brand, with a strong track record of double digit EBITDA growth, solid Cashflow conversion, international reach, and the potential to grow rapidly in a number of geographic markets including China. We have been highly impressed with the management team and look forward to partnering with them.”
Paul Mason, Chairman of New Look added:

“This is an ideal outcome for New Look. The Brait team demonstrated to us that they have the long-term vision to help Anders and the team grow this brand.”
Martin Halusa, Chairman of Apax Partners said:

“Funds advised by Apax Partners and Permira are glad to have accompanied New Look on its international expansion and ecommerce growth and delivered substantial returns to its investors. We would like to thank Anders Kristiansen and his team for their work in driving this strategy successfully.”
Mike Garland, Partner at Permira added:

“After 11 years of successful partnership, the New Look brand is stronger than ever and the company’s ecommerce and international operations are showing significant growth. We are very pleased with what we have achieved together and wish the New Look management team every success for the future.”
New Look was advised by Goldman Sachs International, JP Morgan Cazenove, Clifford Chance and Price Waterhouse Cooper on this transaction.
Enquiries
New Look

Tulchan Communications

Tom Buchanan / Will Smith

+44 (0)20 7353 4200
Brait

John Gnodde

+27 (0) 11 507 1000
Apax Partners

Alex Wessendorff

+44 (0)20 7872 6461
Permira

Noemie de Andia

+44 (0)20 7632 1159
Notes to Editors
About New Look

Founded in 1969, New Look has grown from a single store to become a dynamic, international, multichannel retail brand with a unique value-fashion offer in apparel, footwear and accessories for women, men and teenage girls. New Look is the No. 2 value retailer for women’s clothing and accessories market in the UK (source: Kantar Worldpanel for year to March 2015). The New Look Group has over 800 stores across the globe in 21 countries, including 19 in China and our estate of 569 UK stores places New Look in immediate reach of the majority of the British population.
About Brait

Brait is an investment holding company focused on driving sustainable long-term growth and value creation in its investment portfolio of sizeable unlisted businesses operating in the broad consumer sector. Brait recently announced the acquisition of Virgin Active.
About Apax

Apax Partners is one of the world’s leading private equity investment groups. It operates globally and has more than 30 years of investing experience. Apax Partners has advised funds that total over $40 billion around the world in aggregate. Funds advised by Apax invest in companies across four global sectors of Tech & Telco, Services, Healthcare and Consumer.
About Permira

Permira is an international private equity firm. Founded in 1985, the firm advises funds with a total committed capital of approximately €25 billion. Since 1985 the Permira funds have made over 200 private equity investments with a focus on driving transformation to build better businesses. Permira specialises in five key sectors: Consumer, Financial Services, Healthcare, Industrials and Technology. The Permira funds have a long track record of successfully investing in consumer companies around the world including Dr. Martens, Atrium, Hugo Boss, Valentino, Galaxy Entertainment, Akindo Sushiro, iglo group and Maxeda. Since 1997, the Permira funds have invested €6.7bn in 24 consumer companies.
              
             
           
                   
               Nickelodeon and Monnalisa Partner for a New Infants and Girls Collection with Pieces Inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants
               
                LAS VEGAS– Nickelodeon Viacom Consumer Products and Monnalisa, a world leader in fashion apparel for infants and kids, today announced their first collaboration for a new fashion collection featuring Nickelodeon’s world-renowned and beloved cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants.
The brand new clothing line for infants and girls will be distributed internationally in more than 70 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, and in the U.S. Monnalisa will officially launch the new collection with a special event at Pitti Bimbo Fashion Week, taking place at the end of June in Florence.
Monnalisa comments on this new collaboration: “The launch of Monnalisa Fun meets the need for a metropolitan, international, and casual way of dressing with a practical aspect, but for young fashion lovers! In this new line we have put color, joy and energy,” said Barbara Bertocci, Creative Director at Monnalisa SpA. “For its debut we chose to partner with a cartoon character full of optimism like SpongeBob. We are very enthusiastic about this partnership.”
Ron Johnson, EVP of Nickelodeon Viacom International Consumer Products adds: “SpongeBob SquarePants is beloved by all generations. He is universally relatable, and his innocence and persistent positivity make him appealing to adults and children around the world. We’re thrilled to partner with Monnalisa and to see SpongeBob SquarePants embraced by his youngest fans and their parents.”
SpongeBob SquarePants chronicles the nautical and sometimes nonsensical adventures of SpongeBob SquarePants, an incurably optimistic and earnest sea sponge, and his undersea friends. The series is seen in more than 170 countries and territories and in more than 35 languages. It is the most widely distributed property in Viacom Media Networks history.
About Monnalisa

Monnalisa, a leading high-end childrenswear company, established in 1968 in Arezzo, is distributed in over 60 countries all over the world through its own flagship stores (Milan, Arezzo, Florence, Forte dei Marmi, Naples, New York, Los Angeles), exclusive international department stores and over 1,000 multi-brand boutiques. The company closed 2013 with a turnover of 39 million Euro (forecast for 2014: 40 million Euro) with export taking 65% of the total production. Top-quality and interesting fashion content go alongside noticeable investment in research and development and great sensibility.
About Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP)

Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) manages the world’s third largest licensing business, representing leading properties such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer, and managing merchandising for Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, and Spike TV outside the US. All related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA)
About Nickelodeon

NICKELODEON is one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company’s portfolio includes television programming and production around the world, plus special events, consumer products, digital offerings, recreation, books, feature films and pro-social initiatives. Nickelodeon’s brands are seen globally in more than 450 million households in over 100 countries and territories via more than 70 locally programmed channels and syndication. Outside of the United States, Nickelodeon is part of Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.
              
             
           
                   
               NIKE Focuses Golf Innovation On Footwear And Apparel, Transitions Out Of Equipment
               
                NIKE, Inc. announced today that it will accelerate innovation in its Golf footwear and apparel business and will partner with more of the world’s best golfers. With this new focus, Nike Golf will transition out of equipment — including clubs, balls and bags.
“We’re committed to being the undisputed leader in golf footwear and apparel,” says Trevor Edwards, President, Nike Brand. “We will achieve this by investing in performance innovation for athletes and delivering sustainable profitable growth for Nike Golf.”
“Athletes like Tiger, Rory and Michelle drive tremendous energy for the game and inspire consumers worldwide,” says Daric Ashford, President of Nike Golf. “Over the past year the MM Fly Blade Polo, the Flyknit Chukka and Air Zoom 90 have all connected strongly with golfers. We’ll continue to ignite excitement with our athletes and deliver the best of Nike for the game.”
              
             
           
                   
               Nike Partners With The Nigeria Football Federation
               
                Nike and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) form a new partnership in which Nike, the world’s leading football brand, is designing and developing football kits for the men’s and women’s Nigeria national football teams from April 1, 2015, until at least 2018.
Nike is designing performance and training apparel, and equipment, including team kits and footballs, for Nigerian national football team players at every level of the game. There will be an exclusive-edition team kit for all NFF teams until the 2016-17 kit launches in mid-2016. In addition, Nike will design an assortment of products for Nigerians to show their support for the national team, to be available from mid-2016.
The Nigeria under-20 men’s team will be the first to don the new Nike kit at the under-20 football tournament to be hosted in New Zealand from May 31.
“We are very pleased to partner with the Nigeria Football Federation, one of Africa’s premier teams,” said Laurent Payre, Nike Africa VP / General Manager. “The passion for football in Nigeria is renowned and Nike is committed to supporting and advancing the game at all levels through inspiration and innovation for young men and women.”

NFF President Amaju Pinnick said, “This exciting partnership with Nike signifies our commitment toward building and strengthening a successful football future in Nigeria. The game enjoys a huge following across the country and we want to fuel participation and ultimately the success of our future national teams.” 
The partnership includes the following elements: supplying performance and training kits to all nine of the Nigeria Football Federation teams at every level, including the men’s and women’s senior teams, men’s and women’s under-20 teams, men’s and women’s under-17 teams, men’s and women’s Olympic teams, and the men’s beach football team.
Nigeria joins Nike’s set of federation sponsorships including Australia, Brasil, England, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea, the U.S. and others.


  


  
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