Macy's Announces Designer Capsule Collection Series to Launch with Kinder Aggugini in Spring 2011

NEW YORK, Oct 21, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Macy's /quotes/comstock/13*!m/quotes/nls/m (M 22.50, +0.07, +0.32%) today announced a new fashion initiative that will engage acclaimed fashion designers to create a series of rotating collections for the retailer's contemporary fashion "Impulse" department. Launching in February 2011 and continuing through the year, a new designer capsule will rotate onto the floor approximately every two months and will offer limited-edition women's apparel pieces to be sold in 235 Macy's stores and on macys.com. Kinder Aggugini, a London-based designer who has worked with fashion icons and design houses including John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith, Calvin Klein, Costume National and Versace, will be the designer to inaugurate Macy's international capsule collection series in February 2011 with a line that captures his covetable rocker-chic aesthetic.

"It is an incredible privilege to have the opportunity to bring established and renowned fashion designers from across the globe to Macy's fashion-seeking customer," said Jeff Gennette, Macy's chief merchandising officer. "The launch of this designer program affirms that Macy's is a unique destination for fashion, bringing sophisticated design and aspirational fashion to a customer that desires and demands constant newness in her wardrobe. We are confident that Kinder's unique styling and intriguing background will appeal to Macy's 'Impulse' customer and satisfy her desire for high-end fashion at an affordable price."

The Kinder Aggugini capsule will be the first collection to be revealed in the designer series. Distinctly Aggugini, the line will feature modern, feminine and figure flattering silhouettes in two contemporary color stories: grey and blue with purple prints and soft pink and black. Priced on average from $40-$140, with specialty pieces selling up to $300, the line will feature jackets, knitwear, dresses and shorts. Key items will include tailored leather and boucle jackets, soft cardigans, ultra feminine silk shorts and Kimono-style dresses with Kinder's signature touches. Clearly a reflection of Kinder's personality, this collection fuses his Savile Row skills with refined elements of his signature looks and rock n' roll attitude. Each piece is collectible, and when combined together, translates into a wardrobe full of surprises and total individualism. Other designers in the series will be announced individually in advance of each capsule.

"My first encounter with Kinder was in London at his runway show for Spring 2010," said Nicole Fischelis, group vice president and Fashion Director of Macy's. "I did not know anything about his amazing background, but I was blown away by the mastering of his craft, his interesting fabric mixing, unique prints and color sensibility. A story was unfolding with an edge of whimsy that was almost surreal."

"When I was approached by Macy's, I thought they were going to ask me to be in the Thanksgiving Day Parade," said Kinder Aggugini. "Imagine my surprise when I heard they wanted me to design a line for their stores all over the U.S. So I thought; a designer known for handcrafted luxury aimed to the fashion elite, to create a contemporary line for the kids of America? Oh yeah, sounds great! Let's do it! And we can make it different. Let's design it as if it was a runway collection, make this line about silhouettes, colors, draping and structure. The idea is to give it a chic look, that feels sexy and edgy and best of all, you can afford it."


Kinder Aggugini was born in the late 1960s in Italy, and as a result of growing up during the early birth of punk, he developed a thirst for rock n' roll at a young age. After moving to London in the 80s, Kinder enrolled into the famed St. Martins School of Art where he graduated in 1988. He began his career in London's Savile Row and later landed a job with John Galliano after showing up for his interview dressed as a police officer. He went on to work with icons such as Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith and prestigious luxury design houses including Calvin Klein, Costume National and Versace after the death of Gianni. In 1997, he served as a consultant for the most covetable luxury brands in the world through Kinder Fashion Design. After being fashion's best kept secret for years, Kinder stepped out from behind the scenes with his first solo collection of both men's and womenswear in Winter 2006. Entitled "Out of the Blue and into the Black," this collection offered painstakingly developed luxury fabrics that gave the collection a signature iridescence of dark navy hues. Kinder has created seven collections since, and showed his collection at London Fashion Week during Winter 2009.


For more information about the designer capsule collection series, please visit www.macys.com/pressroom.


About Macy's
Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer 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(R) and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade(R), as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.
resource: www.marketwatch.com/story/macys-announces-designer-capsule-collection-series-to-launch-with-kinder
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