Laura Vazquez Named President of HOLLYWOULD

NEW YORK, May 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Laura N. Vazquez was named president of HOLLYWOULD, a Kellwood company, according to Robert C. Skinner, Jr. Kellwood chairman, president, and chief executive officer.

A seasoned fashion executive with over 25 years in the industry, Vazquez most recently served as managing director of Adrienne Vittadini. At Vittadini, she was the driving force behind the vision that relaunched the brand and developed a unified apparel and accessory collection.

"Holly Dunlap and I are pleased to have Laura join the HOLLYWOULD team. We were searching for an executive with the appropriate blend of merchandising competence and business acumen, and a strong branding focus. Her vast experience with several key apparel brands will provide the leadership needed to support the expansion of HOLLYWOULD in becoming a global lifestyle brand," commented Skinner.

Dunlap, HOLLYWOULD founder and creative director, added "With Laura on board and Kellwood's support, I will be able to focus exclusively on design, the creative aspects of HOLLYWOULD, and my vision for the brand. My entire team is enthused with the arrival of Laura and the potential opportunities she brings to our company."

Prior to Adrienne Vittadini, from 1999 to 2001 Vazquez held the post of executive vice president of Perry Ellis women's sportswear, which was a licensed brand to Kellwood at the time. She began her career in the fashion industry with Ann Taylor. Over a 12-year period she rose from a store management trainee to divisional vice president before leaving to further develop her skills in product development and design with other apparel and retail companies.

Based in New York, Vazquez reports to Skinner. ABOUT HOLLYWOULD

Founded by creative director Holly Dunlap, HOLLYWOULD is an upscale luxe lifestyle brand featuring apparel, shoes and accessories inspired by the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle. HOLLYWOULD products are available at its boutiques in Palm Beach and New York City as well as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and select specialty stores. HOLLYWOULD is a Kellwood company.

ABOUT KELLWOOD

Kellwood Company is a $2 billion marketer of apparel and consumer soft goods, specializing in branded as well as private label product, and markets to all channels of distribution with product specific to a particular channel. For more information, visit http://www.kellwood.com/.