Contact: Liz Auerbach, 212-536-9659, liz_auerbach@ninewest.com; Quynh Dang, 212-536-9023, qdang@jny.com

NEW YORK, May 29 /Standard Newswire/ -- Nine West Group is expanding their product offering with the launch of a new casual line -- Nine West Vintage America Collection.  This new collection will encompass denim, footwear and accessories and will debut in stores this fall. Nine West will also align with Soles4Souls as the charity of choice, and emerging female vocalist Miranda Lee Richards as the ambassador of the Vintage America Voices campaign.

The Collection. Nine West Creative Director Fred Allard will oversee the concept and design of Nine West Vintage America Collection, which is inspired by his love of craftsmanship and design details.  The collection evokes a nostalgic American heritage feel with styles that have a relaxed, worn-in, and aged aesthetic. Incorporating metalwork, fringe, embossing, patchwork, and plaid in many of the designs, Allard also uses distressed leathers and fabrications throughout the collection.

"It was important to me to offer the Nine West customer a more casual option," says Allard. "I love the idea of going back to what we love from American fashion -- your favorite jean, rich leathers, relaxed boots. Vintage America Collection updates timeless pieces with a modern yet soulful sensibility."

Key styles from Nine West Vintage America Collection include moccasins, motorcycle boots, cowboy boots, belts, leather handbags, distressed denim, and more.  The collection will continue to offer the same price points as the core Nine West line, with shoes ranging from $59-$99, boots $79-$169, handbags averaging $145, and denim at $59 and $69. Beginning July 2009, the collection will be available in Nine West retail stores, ninewest.com, and better department stores.

Giving Goes Vintage. In keeping with the authentic spirit of the brand, Nine West Vintage America Collection is proud to support Soles4Souls, helping people worldwide with the gift of shoes. Nine West and Soles4Souls will work in conjunction to raise awareness and inspire others to make a contribution.  For contributions visit www.giveshoes.org or www.soles4souls.org.    

Vintage America Voices. Miranda Lee Richards, up-and-coming contemporary folk singer, represents and embodies the spirit and vision of the Vintage America Collection. In her role as ambassador, Richards will help spearhead the Vintage America Voices campaign, which includes a music sweepstakes hosted on Facebook.com that will encourage others to have their voices heard.  Lucky Magazine will also partner with Nine West via marketing and advertising support for the VAC campaign.

Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (http://www.jonesapparel.com) is a leading designer, marketer and wholesaler of branded apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company also markets directly to consumers through its chain of specialty retail and value-based stores. The Company's nationally recognized brands include Jones New York, Nine West, Anne Klein, Gloria Vanderbilt, Kasper, Bandolino, Easy Spirit, Evan-Picone, l.e.i., Energie, Enzo Angiolini, Joan & David, Mootsies Tootsies, Sam & Libby, Napier, Judith Jack, Albert Nipon and Le Suit. The Company also markets costume jewelry under the Givenchy brand licensed from Givenchy Corporation, footwear under the Dockers Women brand licensed from Levi Strauss & Co and apparel under the Rachel Roy brand licensed from Rachel Roy IP Company, LLC. Each brand is differentiated by its own distinctive styling, pricing strategy, distribution channel and target consumer. The Company contracts for the manufacture of its products through a worldwide network of quality manufacturers. The Company has capitalized on its nationally known brand names by entering into various licenses for several of its trademarks, including Jones New York, Evan-Picone, Anne Klein New York, Nine West, Gloria Vanderbilt and l.e.i., with select manufacturers of women's and men's products which the Company does not manufacture. For more than 30 years, the Company has built a reputation for excellence in product quality and value, and in operational execution.

About Soles4Souls
Nashville-based Soles4Souls™ facilitates the donations of both new and used shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Soles4Souls has distributed more than 5 million pairs (currently donating one pair every 13 seconds) to people in over 125 countries, including Honduras, Uganda, Romania, and the United States.  The charity has been featured in Runner's World and the Green Guide by National Geographic.  It has also appeared on CNN, NBC, ABC, FOX, CBS, BBC and hundreds of regional outlets around North America.  Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org for more information.