Visit Pensacola Invites the Public To Step Back in Time While Touring El Galeon

The 16th Century Spanish Tall Ship Sails Into Pensacola on October 21.

After sailing more than 40,000 nautical miles and visiting dozens of countries, El Galeon, a Colonial-era Spanish galleon replica, will sail into Pensacola Bay on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and dock at Plaza de Luna in Downtown Pensacola. The historic two-masted tall ship is owned and operated by the Nao Victoria Foundation, a Spanish non-profit organization.

El Galeon originally came to the United States from Spain in 2013 to celebrate Florida’s 500th birthday and has been traveling around the country ever since. The ship has made more than 25 ports of call since its arrival in 2013. The ship is set to depart Pensacola on Monday, Nov. 2, depending on weather and sailing conditions.

El Galeon is a full-scale reconstruction of the popular 16th Century sailing cargo vessel. Built by the Nao Victoria Foundation in 2009, the ship measures 170-feet long by 125-feet-tall, has a 30-foot beam, weighs 495 tons and draws 10.5 feet of water. The ship is commanded by Capt. Rosario Fernandez Rodriguez and maneuvered by 22 crewmembers. The galleon is similar to the one that Tristan de Luna, governor of Florida in the 16th Century, sailed when he arrived to what today is called Pensacola Bay.

EL GALEON will be open to visitors daily from 10 AM. to 7 PM starting on Thursday, Oct. 22, and ending Sunday, Nov. 1. Five of the six decks will be available for tour. Admission cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12. Children five and under are free. School groups are welcomed and invited to tour the ship with advanced arrangement.

“The Port of Pensacola is so happy to be a part of bringing another Spanish tall ship to Pensacola for a visit,” said Amy Miller, Port Director. “Our city’s rich nautical history is rooted in our deep ties to Spain and our Spanish ancestors who first settled this region more than 450 years ago. It’s exciting to be able to bring a piece of history to our downtown waterfront.”

“Pensacola represents the mutual history of Spain and the United States,” said Maria Davis, honorary vice consul of Spain in Pensacola. “Spain was the superpower of its day and in 1559 the Spanish made their first settlement in Pensacola. Even though that settlement was destroyed, Pensacola persisted being a Spanish colony.”

“An example of the importance of Pensacola to Spain is King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia’s visit here in 2009 to commemorate the 450th anniversary of Pensacola’s first settlement,” she further added.

For more information on El Galeon or to purchase tickets, visit www.elgaleon.org.

Visit Pensacola leads the effort of economic development through tourism in Escambia County. Comprised of over 200-member businesses, Visit Pensacola’s mission is to position the Pensacola Bay Area as a premier year-round travel destination through tourism marketing, communications, meetings and conventions, reunions and group tour initiatives. For more information about Visit Pensacola, call 1-800-874-1234 (toll-free) or go to VisitPensacola.com.

Heineken And RSVP Gallery Debut Exclusive Cap For “#Heineken100” Program

HEINEKEN USA® today released the third of its five 2015 #Heineken100 product collaborations: a custom jersey knit and lambskin strap-back cap by innovative Chicago fashion space RSVP Gallery. The ultra-limited offering, designed by RSVP Gallery Operator and Buyer Isimeme “Easy” Otabor, features a chrome buckle and subtle #Heineken100 branding on its interior. The piece will be unveiled tonight (October 19^th) at a launch event at RSVP Gallery, where five attendees will have the opportunity to take home the one-of-a-kind accessory.

Heineken and RSVP Gallery debut exclusive lambskin and jersey knit cap for #Heineken100 program. (PRNewsFoto/HEINEKEN USA Inc.)

Now in its sixth year, the #Heineken100 program, which celebrates the brand’s hyper-influential consumers with custom collaborative products, is partnering with legendary men’s fashion outposts in five of its consumers’ favorite U.S. cities. These include KITH in New York City, Union in Los Angeles, RSVP Gallery in Chicago, Alchemist in Miami and Concepts in Boston. Each partner is creating a custom product that will be unveiled at a VIP launch event and seeded to 100 national influencers.

Heineken and RSVP Gallery debut exclusive lambskin and jersey knit cap for #Heineken100 program. (PRNewsFoto/HEINEKEN USA Inc.)

RSVP Gallery is a Chicago-based conceptual menswear boutique offering merchandise that doubles as art. The name RSVP comes from the French phrase, “Répondez s’il vous plaît,” serving as an invitation for guests to visit the store, participate, become inspired and ultimately respond. All apparel, footwear, accessories, and reading materials are carefully curated and reflect RSVP Gallery‘s identity as a true lifestyle brand. For more information, visit the company’s online store at www.rsvpgallery.com.

Heineken and RSVP Gallery debut exclusive lambskin and jersey knit cap for #Heineken100 program. (PRNewsFoto/HEINEKEN USA Inc.)

“We were excited to be chosen as a #Heineken100 collaborator,” Easy said. “The program’s jersey knit theme inspired us to create a classic Chicago-style cap – an icon that, much like Heineken, will never go out of fashion.”

For the first time ever, the program has expanded to include a #Heineken100 City Guide, along with local activations in each of the five markets, for ages 21 and over. Created by the #Heineken100 retailers and HighSnobiety, the #Heineken100 City Guide highlights the favorite locales of its culturally connected partners.

Heineken logo (PRNewsFoto/Heineken)

“Heineken’s goal for this year’s program is to continue connecting with influencers around the world, in the cities they call home,” said Ralph Rijks, Senior Vice President, Heineken. “We partnered with RSVP Gallery because they are truly at the forefront of Chicago’s art and fashion spheres.”

The first 2015 product, a custom basics set designed by KITH NYC‘s founder Ronnie Fieg, dropped in August, followed by the September debut of Union Los Angeles founder Chris Gibbs‘ limited-edition sports coat. The next product collaboration is set to drop in November with a launch event at Alchemist in Miami. Boston’s Concepts will round out this year’s collection with the launch of its collaborative product in December.

Watch the #Heineken100 hashtag for more information.

HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation’s leading upscale beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, the world’s most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken, the world’s most international beer brand, Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders, Desperados, Amstel Light, and Newcastle Brown Ale. HEINEKEN USA also imports the Dos Equis Franchise, Tecate Franchise, Sol, Indio, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For the latest information on the company and brands, follow on Twitter @HeinekenUSACorp, or visit www.HEINEKENUSA.com.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® And More Than 70 Leading National Brands Kick Off The Season Of Giving With Annual St. Jude Thanks and Giving® Campaign

Kmart, Best Buy, ANN INC., Kay® Jewelers, Domino’s, Williams-Sonoma, Inc., HomeGoods and Others Unite To Help End Childhood Cancer

Now in its twelfth year, the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign has transformed the holiday season into a time of giving thanks by raising awareness and funds for the ongoing battle to end childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The campaign unites celebrities, media, retail and corporate partners in asking consumers to donate while they shop and support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Founded by the late actor/entertainer Danny Thomas, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE-designated COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent, and they won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

What began as a holiday-focused fundraising effort by St. Jude has now grown into an annual tradition that has raised more than $588 million. These funds support St. Jude’s mission to provide cutting-edge treatment and pursue visionary research.

Marlo Thomas, National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, helps kick off St. Jude Thanks and Giving, an annual campaign that has transformed the holiday season into a time of giving thanks by raising awareness and funds for the ongoing battle to end childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. (PRNewsFoto/St. Jude Children’s Research…)

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support we receive year after year during the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign,” said Marlo Thomas, National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Throughout the holiday season people open their hearts to the children of St. Jude and as a result, our doctors and scientists can continue their groundbreaking research and pioneering procedures that help us achieve our landmark survival rates. And, we are able to continue to ensure that no family pays St. Jude for anything – not for treatment, travel, housing or food – because we believe all a family should worry about is helping their child live.“

Beginning in November and running through the end of December, consumers can support St. Jude while they shop at a variety of businesses representing a cross-section of premier brands in retail, restaurant, travel, hospitality, media and beyond. Top returning campaign partners include Kmart, Best Buy, ANN INC., Kay® Jewelers, Domino’s, Williams-Sonoma, Inc.; HomeGoods, New York & Company, AutoZone, Brooks Brothers, GNC, Dollar General, Claire’s, Carnival Cruise Line, Justice, HSN, Marshalls, Chili’s® Grill & Bar; and Mazda, to name a few.

“Kmart’s long history of success in supporting charitable causes is due to the generosity of our Shop Your Way members, customers and associates. We’re proud of the impact our results have made for the families of St. Jude and thankful to St. Jude for its tireless work to defeat cancer and other diseases in children. St. Jude made holiday shopping at Kmart more rewarding and we’re excited to support an organization that clearly means so much to our members,” said Alasdair James, President and Chief Member Officer at Kmart.

This year, St. Jude partners are expanding and supporting the campaign in a variety of ways – from in-store fundraising to unique cross-promotions, events and online/mobile features.

“It is Best Buy’s privilege to partner in the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign, by making it convenient for our customers to give back while shopping in stores and online during the holidays,” said Sharon McCollam, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Best Buy. “By adding options to give through our credit card signature pads last year, we made it easier for customers to contribute during the checkout process. As a result of their generosity, we were able to contribute $9.7 million last year, and hope to do even more this year to support the children and families served by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.“

OTHER PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Several partners are offering merchandise products during the holidays to benefit St. Jude including

– Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers, HomeGoods, HSN, Kmart, New York & Company, The Limited, TUMI, Westfield, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. and their portfolio of brands; to name a few.

– Kay® Jewelers will once again offer its popular plush animals benefitting St. Jude, this year featuring Travis and Trey.

– AutoZone, returning for its 10th year as a St. Jude Thanks and Giving partner, will continue to ask consumers to donate at checkout via the credit pad.

– Customers will be able to donate through a fully integrated online shopping cart at Best Buy, Ann Taylor, LOFT, Claire’s and ICING. In addition, customers will now be able to donate via the pin pad at the register at GameStop, The Limited, Crazy8 and Janie and Jack locations nationwide.

– eBay is giving its customers the opportunity to give at checkout during the week of December 7. During this time, customers can also bid on celebrity items that will benefit St. Jude.

– Domino’s will ask consumers to donate to St. Jude via walk-up, telephone, online and mobile orders, as well as the opportunity to purchase a St. Jude Meal Deal during the campaign timeframe. For each Meal Deal purchased, Domino’s will donate $1 to St. Jude.

– Stage Stores and St. Jude will be featured on the Balancing Act on Lifetime TV this holiday season.

– Party City has joined the campaign this year and customers can make a donation at nearly 600 stores nationwide or donate online during checkout.

Hawaiian Airlines ‘Time Is Precious’ Partnership Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness

Proceeds From New Hawaiian Airlines Branded Fossil Watch Benefit ’Imi Hale, the Native Hawaiian Cancer Network

Hawaiian Airlines is honored to promote breast cancer awareness and raise funds for education and research through a new ‘Time is Precious’ partnership with watchmaker Fossil to support ’Imi Hale, the Native Hawaiian Cancer Network.

In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, co-branded Hawaiian Airlines/Fossil watches featuring a pink ribbon design will be available for purchase from October 15 to October 31 aboard Hawaiian flights between Hawai‘i and North America, Australia and New Zealand. The limited-edition watches may also be purchased through the Hawaiian Airlines online logo store. Sales proceeds will be donated to ’Imi Hale, a community-based health network dedicated to cancer prevention and healthcare access among native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

The watches, offered in pink or gray for $95, are housed in a custom tin case adorned with an airplane graphic, along with the word Hihahiwa (precious)

The co-branded Hawaiian Airlines/Fossil watches featuring a pink ribbon design will be available for purchase from October 15 to October 31 aboard Hawaiian flights between Hawai‘i and North America, Australia and New Zealand.

“We are extremely proud to help raise awareness of a life-threatening disease that touches the lives of so many people in our community,” said Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, director of community relations at Hawaiian Airlines. “In doing so, we couldn’t think of better partners than Fossil, a champion of cancer awareness nationally, and ’Imi Hale, which has worked tirelessly to help our ‘ohana, the larger family of our island home.”

The idea for the partnership originated from Hawaiian Airlines employees, some of whom have been personally affected by breast cancer, as a way to raise awareness about the disease and support research. The watches, offered in pink or gray for $95, are housed in a custom tin case adorned with an airplane graphic, along with the word Hihahiwa (precious) – a reminder of the beauty of time and that every moment should be treasured.

Sales proceeds will be donated to ’Imi Hale, a community-based health network dedicated to cancer prevention and healthcare access among native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

The ’Imi Hale Native Hawaiian Cancer Network has trained over 200 people to serve as “Cancer Patient Navigators” who assist patients with timely access to education, treatment and support services, said JoAnn Trask, ’Imi Hale project director.

“I lost my parents, grandmother and aunt to cancer and as a cancer survivor myself, I know how hard it is to get through the healthcare system,” said Jacqueline Nalani Perreira, cancer survivor and cancer patient navigator. “Every cancer patient should have someone to help them through the rough waters of cancer care and I am now privileged to be that helper, supporting patients and their families.”

Hawaiian’s partnership with Fossil and ’Imi Hale is among a host of company initiatives to support worthy causes throughout the state of Hawai‘i. The Hawaiian Airlines Foundation annually presents grants in three categories: education, culture and environment. In 2014, corporate giving supported 128 organizations, while more than 1,700 employees volunteered at events sponsored by 48 organizations. Additionally, Hawaiian matches miles (up to 500,000) donated to 10 designated charities, including the American Cancer Society Hawai‘i Pacific.

Hawaiian® has led all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for each of the past 11 years (2004-2014) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Consumer surveys by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and Zagat have all ranked Hawaiian the highest of all domestic airlines serving Hawai‘i.

Now in its 86th year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawai‘i’s biggest and longest-serving airline, as well as the largest provider of passenger air service from its primary visitor markets on the U.S. Mainland. Hawaiian offers non-stop service to Hawai‘i from more U.S. gateway cities (11) than any other airline, along with service from Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tahiti. Hawaiian also provides approximately 160 jet flights daily between the Hawaiian Islands, with a total of more than 200 daily flights system-wide.

Toys“R”Us® Kicks Off Its Annual Holiday Fundraising Campaign To Benefit The Marine Toys For Tots Foundation

Shaquille O’Neal, Affectionately Known as Shaq-A-Claus, Enlists Customers to Support Toys for Tots and #PlayItForward

Toys“R”Us® has announced the launch of its Annual Nationwide Fundraising Campaign to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Now through Sunday, December 6, customers can spread holiday joy to some of the 15.5 million U.S. children living in poverty by donating new, unwrapped toys at any Toys“R”Us or Babies“R”Us® store across the country and online at www.Toysrus.com/ToysforTots. The company will also collect monetary donations in-store and online through Christmas Eve. As the largest retail partner in the history of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Toys“R”Us has raised nearly $42 million and collected more than 4 million toys since the partnership began in 2004.

Help @ToysRUs & @SHAQ -A-Claus spread #holiday cheer to millions of kids in need. #PlayItForward

NBA Legend, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Shaquille O’Neal once again joins the company’s campaign as his alter ego Shaq-A-Claus, to encourage shoppers to donate to Toys for Tots. Throughout the campaign, Shaquille will also invite social media users to #PlayItForward, an initiative designed to further spread awareness of the millions of children living in poverty and to inspire families to donate to the cause.

Shaq-A-Claus is back to partner with Toys“R”Us and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation for another year to help spread holiday joy to some of the 15.5 million U.S. children living in poverty and is encouraging customers to #PlayItForward.

“Making wishes come true around the holidays is especially important to me, as I know how much one toy and one act of kindness can matter. When I was a kid, I was given my very own Dr. J autographed basketball, inspiring me to believe I could grow up to be a basketball star,” said Shaquille O’Neal. “For years, I would shop for presents at Toys“R”Us and distribute them to underprivileged children on Christmas morning. Now, in partnership with Toys“R”Us and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, I’m making it my mission as Shaq-A-Claus to give back and spread holiday cheer to the millions of needy kids in the U.S. I encourage everyone to join me this year and remember – every toy counts!”

Shaq and Geoffrey Team Up to #PlayItForward: To help Twitter followers give the gift of play to kids in need on #GivingTuesday, the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund will donate 1 toy to Toys for Tots, up to $125,000 worth, for every retweet of Shaquille’s #PlayItForward tweet on December 1.

#PlayItForward with Shaq-A-Claus and #GivingTuesday

Throughout the 10-week holiday giving campaign, fans and followers of Toys“R”Us on social media will enjoy exclusive content, including special messages from Shaq-A-Claus, fundraising updates and more. To motivate his own followers to #PlayItForward, Shaquille will also tweet and Instagram (@SHAQ), as well as post on Facebook at Facebook.com/Shaq.

And, Shaquille will make it even easier for Twitter followers to give the gift of play to kids in need this holiday season with a special tweet on #GivingTuesday. For every retweet of Shaquille’s #PlayItForward tweet on December 1, the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund will donate one toy to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, up to $125,000 worth of toys.

#PlayItForward with Shaq-A-Claus and #GivingTuesday

Time for Toys & Time for Cheer! #PlayItForward

“We are thrilled to partner with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation once again to provide toys to children who might otherwise go without one this holiday season,” said David Brandon, Chairman and CEO, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “We are honored to have Shaquille O’Neal back in his Santa suit, helping us #PlayItForward, and value his ongoing commitment to join us in spreading the joy of Christmas to kids in need around the country. Together, we’re enlisting the help of our team members and customers to donate more toys and dollars than ever before.”

Toy Industry Names Disney’s Bob Iger as 2016 Inductee into Esteemed Hall of Fame

The Toy Industry Association (TIA) announced it will induct Robert A. Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. Mr. Iger was selected by members of TIA in recognition of his significant contributions to the industry and the impact his work has had on the lives of children worldwide.

Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company (Courtesy of the Walt Disney Company)

Mr. Iger joins an impressive roster of 70 toy industry luminaries, including Jim Henson and George Lucas, who have been inducted into the Hall since it was established in 1984. The Toy Industry Hall of Fame is housed with the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong museum in Rochester, NY.

The 2016 ceremony honoring Mr. Iger will take place at the 16th Annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards on Friday evening, February 12, 2016 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The ceremony will kick off the 113^th North American International Toy Fair, February 13-16, 2016 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

In 1984, the Toy Industry Hall of Fame was established to recognize the people who have brought the value of play to the lives of children and adults. Every year for the past three decades, members of the industry have proudly nominated hundreds of men and women — from toy inventors to toy retailers — who have made their mark on the industry and created a love of play in the hearts of children of all ages.

Mr. Iger is the steward of the world’s largest media company and some of the most respected and adored brands around the globe. He has grown Disney‘s portfolio of beloved brands with the acquisition of Pixar (2006), Marvel (2009), and Lucasfilm (2012), three of the entertainment industry’s greatest storytelling companies. Always one to embrace new technology, Mr. Iger has made Disney an industry leader through its creative content offerings across new and multiple platforms.

“Just about every child around the globe has been touched by the magic of Disney,” said TIA President & CEO,Steve Pasierb. “Mr. Iger has done an impressive job of building on Disney’s rich history and growing their storytelling portfolio, creating new experiences and unforgettable memories for generations of kids to come.”

The Toy Industry Association™, Inc. (TIA) ( www.toyassociation.org / www.thegeniusofplay.org) is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and bringing toys and youth entertainment products to kids of all ages. TIA’s 750+ members account for an estimated 90% of the annual $22 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Association serves as the industry’s voice on the cognitive, social, emotional and creative benefits of play, and promotes play’s positive impact on childhood development to consumers and media. TIA also has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 30 years ago, and remains committed to working with government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.

Stoli® Vodka Unveils First Complete Packaging Re-Design In More Than Eighty Years

Pioneering Vodka Brand Introduces New, Contemporary Bottle; Design – Inspired by Bartenders – Features Improved Pouring Control and On-shelf Visibility

The New Bottle Is An Evolution Of The Original Iconic Version That Has Remained Unchanged For Nearly 80 Years.

For the first time since the brand’s inception more than eighty years ago, Stoli® Vodka has revealed a completely re-designed bottle and packaging for the full range of Stolichnaya® Premium Vodka products. The new bottle design features new elements that contemporize the brand for the millennial audience, while remaining true to Stoli’s longstanding heritage as an iconic vodka pioneer. The re-designed packaging was unveiled today during the 2015 TFWA World Exhibition and Conference in Cannes.

Considered a trailblazer in the vodka industry, Stolichnaya vodkas are bottled in Latvia and define the benchmark for quality with meticulously crafted liquid that meets the highest Alpha Spirit standard.

Stoli will roll out this striking new design for the Stoli portfolio worldwide, including the flagship Stoli Vodka and the full range of category-leading flavors in the U.S., beginning in November 2015 with full

Stoli(R) Vodka Unveils First Complete Packaging Re-Design In More Than Eighty Years (PRNewsFoto/Stoli Group USA, LLC)

distribution by early 2016. Significant upgraded features include:

— SLEEK BOTTLE PROFILE – A taller and more elegant bottle shape with an embossed brand “Stoli” logo on the neck. The new design improves both pouring and control for bartenders with the use of anti-slip embossing on the neck and base.

— ENHANCED ON/OFF PREMISE VISIBILITY – A new craft label texture, bold upgrade of the main Stolichnaya logo and subtle nuance details throughout the design better stand out to customers at point of purchase. The Stoli flavored products are also now color-coded on the neck to match the flavor for easier on-shelf product identification.

— RE-DESIGNED LABEL – A revised premium paper front and back label highlighting Stoli’s heritage and quality credentials including its qualification as a Certified Alpha Grade spirit, the highest quality level a spirit can reach.

“Any well-known brand of status and longevity should regularly update packaging to stay relevant to modern design trends and consumer tastes,” said Lori Tieszen, Chief Marketing Officer, Stoli Group USA. “We want to ensure that the extraordinary vodka we have inside of our bottle is supported by a packaging that’s equally as extraordinary. The new design celebrates Stoli’s authentic and pioneering heritage while making a bold visual statement reflecting our status as THE Vodka.”

Added Tieszen, “In redesigning our packaging, we sought input from some of the world’s top bartenders to ensure that the bottle was not only aesthetically pleasing, but included practical enhancements for our partners within the trade.”

“THE Vodka,” is a title celebrated by Stoli as a brand that has pioneered the vodka category since its inception in 1938. Stolichnaya was the original premium imported vodka in the United States, the first vodka brand in space, and the first brand to launch flavored vodkas in the 1960s.

Stoli Group® USA, LLC is the North American subsidiary of SPI Group, recognized globally for pioneering heritage and the outstanding Stolichnaya® brand of premium vodkas. Since its inception in 2014, Stoli Group USA already boasts one of the largest domestic distribution networks in the U.S. and is a growing distributor of premium spirits, led by the flagship Stoli® Vodka Brand, its category-leading flavors including Ohranj®, Razberi®, Vanil®, Citros(TM), and the ultra-premium luxury vodka elit(TM) by Stolichnaya®. In October 2015, Stoli Group USA announced an exclusive distribution partnership with the best-selling American craft rum, Bayou Rum®.

kate spade new york Unveils Expanded, Comprehensive Home Furnishings Collection

Iconic Lifestyle Brand Debuts Furniture, Lighting, Rugs and Fabric at High Point Market

Building on its success in the home category, kate spade new york announces significant expansion in the home furnishings category with the introduction of furniture, lighting, rugs and fabric. The comprehensive collection, comprised of 325 pieces across four categories, launches to the trade at the fall 2015 High Point Market in North Carolina (Ocotober 17-22), with a complete assortment of offerings for every room in the home.

kate spade new york launches a complete assortment of offerings for every room in the home, with furnishings, lighting, rugs and fabrics. (PRNewsFoto/kate spade new york)

The new kate spade new york home furnishings collection builds upon the brand’s successful offerings in tabletop, linens, bedding, stationery and giftware with Lenox, Town & Country Living, DWI Holdings and Lifeguard Press, respectively. Created in collaboration with best-in-class manufacturing partners, each category incorporates sophisticated design details and luxurious fabrications:

— Furniture (EJ Victor): colorful upholstered seating, dining, bedroom and occasional tables and mirrors featuring details ranging from hand-painted spots to a burl wood finish. E. J. Victor was founded by Edward W. Phifer III, Joseph B. Manderson and John Victor Jokinen in January 1990 to pursue the art of creating furniture excellence. To this day, E. J. Victor maintains an unwavering commitment to preserving time -honored quality construction methods used to create exquisite furniture for the home and offers several collections including Ralph Lauren, Kelly Wearstler, Aerin, Allison Paladino, Berber Kammlah, Jack Fhillips and Randall Tysinger.

— Lighting (Visual Comfort): brilliant sconces, table lamps and pendants with brass bows, spotted detailing and jewel-encrusted sputniks. Visual Comfort & Co. is the premiere resource for signature designer lighting, collaborating with the most influential names in design. Using authentic materials honed to meticulous standards, Visual Comfort delivers unparalleled quality and value.

— Rugs (Jaipur): timeless flat weave, hand-tufted and hand-knotted rugs in iconic animal, floral and geometric prints. Founded in 1978, Jaipur revolutionized the rug industry by creating an entirely new business model – working directly with artisans and uplifting their lives and communities as a result. Since then, the company have grown to become a global, award-winning brand, sharing our unique point of view through our range of rugs, textiles and other home decor products.

— Fabric (Kravet): clever fabrics and wallpapers in bright colors and signature motifs. Kravet Inc., established in 1918, is the industry leader in to-the-trade home furnishings. This fifth generation family business distributes fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, trimmings, carpets and accessories. The family’s commitment to innovation has helped the company transform from a small fabric house to a global leader, representing brands and designers from all over the world. In 2015, Kravet Inc. introduced CuratedKravet.com, a to-the-trade only e-commerce site offering designers unique furniture and accessories curated from around the globe.

The full home assortment will be available in spring 2016. The brand also accelerated nearly 60 signature items from the collection, which will be available for immediate purchase and shipping within the U.S. beginning October 16, 2015 on katespade.com. These select items range across categories and retail price points and include an iconic 9-x-12′ hand-knotted rose print rug ($14, 210), tufted pale aqua sofa ($5,950), a playful ampersand side accent table ($675), and a brass ribbon sconce ($380), among others.

“Each piece in our extensive collection reflects traditional and modern influences, but with a unique kate spade new york twist. We translated iconic kate spade new york designs like subtle bow accents, as well as signature colors and fabrics, such as shocking pink linen and turquoise velvet, into stylish and unique home items,” said Deborah Lloyd, President and Chief Creative Officer of kate spade new york. “We cannot wait to see how our customers layer our pieces into their homes to express their own interesting, personal style.“

Kate Spade & Company designs and markets accessories and apparel principally under two global, multichannel lifestyle brands: kate spade new york and Jack Spade. With collections spanning demographics, genders and geographies, the brands are intended to accent customers’ interesting lives and inspire adventure at each turn. The Company also owns the Adelington Design Group, a private brand jewelry design and development group that markets brands through department stores and serves jcpenney via exclusive supplier agreements for the Liz Claiborne and Monet jewelry lines. The Company also has a license for the Liz Claiborne New York brand, available at QVC, and Lizwear, which is distributed through the club store channel.