Rebranded C. Wonder Debuts An Exclusive Collection For QVC Scheduled March 3

QVC just got a little more wonderful. C. Wonder, owned by Xcel Brands, Inc., is scheduled to launch on Thursday, March 3 at 11AM (ET) with an exclusive collection created especially for QVC. The line features a collection of beautiful, spirited women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry designed to transport shoppers to a place they’ve never been. Lifestyle expert, fashion stylist to the stars and panelist on the E! hit show Fashion Police, Brad Goreski lends his expertise as Creative Director for the brand.

Founded in 2011, C. Wonder was initially imagined as a retail store that offered a magical customer experience with a selection of new and unexpected products that would surprise and delight anyone who walked inside.

Brad Goreski, Creative Director of QVC’s exclusive C. Wonder collection launching on March 3. (PRNewsFoto/QVC, Inc.)

The C. Wonder collection, which is inspired by the exploration of global travel, possesses a sophisticated preppy-chic aesthetic embodied with a modern worldly spirit. Ranging in price from $26 to $236, the line of classic pieces with a fresh spin includes a variety of apparel, bags, belts, shoes, scarves and jewelry – all of which feature luxurious details such as tassels, bright colors, bohemian prints and patterns and more.

“C. Wonder was celebrated for its design aesthetic of easy and covetable on-trend pieces that are iconic yet fashionable,” said Rachel Ungaro, Vice President, Fashion and Beauty Merchandising, QVC. “We are excited to bring this beloved brand to QVC and provide shoppers with an opportunity to discover C. Wonder. Brad’s fashion and lifestyle expertise will shine through as he showcases the collection and shares styling tips on how to incorporate the products into an everyday wardrobe.”

As C. Wonder arrives on QVC, the brand mirrors the excitement and whimsy of the store experience, while offering amazing products at great prices.

“I can’t wait to share my fashion knowledge and bring this renowned brand to QVC,” said Goreski. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase a new C. Wonder collection to loyal customers, while introducing the beautiful product to those new to the brand.”

Tune in to “C. Wonder – Fashion & Accessories” on March 3 at 11AM (ET) for a firsthand look at the collection as Brad offers styling tips and tricks. Beginning March 3, the full collection is scheduled to be available through QVC.com, the QVC apps or by calling 800.345.1515 FREE, while supplies last.

QVC, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation , is the world’s leading video and ecommerce retailer. The company is committed to providing its customers with thousands of the most innovative and contemporary beauty, fashion, jewelry and home products. Its programming is distributed to approximately 340 million homes worldwide through operations in the U.S., Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, France and a joint venture in China. Based in West Chester, Pa. and founded in 1986, the company’s website,QVC.com, is ranked among the top general merchant Internet sites. 

(QVC, Q, and the Q Ribbon Logo are registered service marks of ER Marks, Inc.)

Sam Edelman Debuts Spring 2016 Advertising Campaign

Sam Edelman has gone back to its roots for spring 2016, calling upon photographer Kelly Klein to shoot the brand’s latest ad campaign. No stranger to the brand, Klein was an early collaborator having shot campaigns for Sam Edelman in 2010 and 2011. Inspired by laidback luxury, the shoot took place poolside at a private residence in Palm Beach. The models’ faces are intentionally obscured throughout allowing the consumer to envision themselves in each moment.

“This series of images embodies the aspirational essence of our brand,” said Sam Edelman, designer, founder and division president for the Sam Edelman division of Caleres. “We want to inspire our customer to live life well, with effortless style.“

Sam Edelman Spring 2016 Advertising Campaign featuring the Gigi Sandal (PRNewsFoto/Sam Edelman)

The Sam Edelman iconic Gigi thong sandal is featured as the hero product of the campaign, and is shown in an array of spring colorways.

Images from the shoot will appear in print ads in Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair, Vogue, Footwear News and Women’s Wear Daily along with various regional publications. An extensive digital and billboard campaign will launch in tandem.

Since its inception in 2004, designer Sam Edelman’s eponymous brand has quickly emerged as a favorite among celebrities and fashionistas around the globe. Bringing more than 30 years of experience developing some of the most renowned contemporary shoe brands, Edelman’s designs reflect his creative sensibility, delivering items that are eminently fashionable and beautifully constructed at an attainable price point. With the addition of apparel, jewelry and handbags, Sam Edelman has grown into a complete lifestyle brand, dressing the “Sam Girl” from toe to head. With flagship locations in New York City’s Soho shopping district and on North Beverly Drive in Los Angeles, Sam Edelman continues to expand its retail presence worldwide. The Sam Edelman brand is a division of Caleres.

California Wine Exports Set Sales Record in 2015: Worldwide Demand Grows, Despite Strong Dollar

According to The Wine Institute, U.S. wine exports, 90% from California, reached $1.61 billion in winery revenues in 2015, an all-time record and a 7.6% increase from 2014. Volume was up 4.1% from the previous year to 461 million liters or 51.2 million cases. Since 1985,the Wine Institute has served as the administrator of the Market Access Program, a cost-share export promotion program managed by the USDA‘s Foreign Agricultural Service.

“California wines appeal to consumers across the globe who recognize the unique quality and excellent value of our wines.  Consumers are also attracted to California’s trend-setting lifestyle, innovative cuisine, beautiful wine country destinations and emphasis on environmental responsibility—all of which are reflected in our wines,” said Robert P. (Bobby) Koch, Wine Institute President and CEO.

Of the top 10 export markets for California wines, the European Union’s 28-member countries were the largest, accounting for $622 million, followed by Canada, $461 million; Hong Kong, $97 million; Japan, $96 million;China, $56 million; Nigeria, $29 million; Mexico, $26 million; South Korea, $23 million; Switzerland, $21 million; and Singapore, $15 million.

“More than 170 California wineries participate in Wine Institute’s California Wine Export Program and export to 138 countries supported by 15 representative offices around the world which develop markets in 25 countries,” said Wine Institute Vice President International Marketing Linsey Gallagher. “California wine exports have increased 91% by value in the last decade and we’re seeing a “premiumization” trend with dollar sales outpacing volume growth.  This growth is occurring despite heavily-subsidized foreign competitors, high tariffs and strong dollar.” 

Wine Institute’s six Regional Trade Directors in key export markets reported on 2015 exports:

Canada

“California wine sales continued to be strong in Canada last year despite unfavorable exchange rates. In 2015, U.S. wine sales surpassed wines from France and Italy for the first time to claim the largest share of import table wines in the Canadian market,” said Rick Slomka, Canadian Trade Director for the Wine Institute. “California wines have built a solid consumer base and enjoy substantial momentum in this market. California wineries have invested significantly to develop their business in Canada and anticipate continued growth, although at a slower pace.”

Continental Europe

“Despite a strong U.S. dollar and fierce competition from Old and New World wine countries, nearly all export markets in Continental Europe showed an increase. It is especially encouraging to see that our educational and promotional efforts in Germany, our largest market on the continent, are paying off with an increase of 32% in revenues,” said Paul Molleman, Wine Institute Trade Director for Continental Europe. “The 28-member European Union countries accounted for nearly 40% share of total U.S. wine exports in 2015.”

United Kingdom

“The United Kingdom has always been a receptive market for California wines, and a quarter of all U.S. wine exports by volume come to this country. Value increases are now out-stripping volume growth, with U.S. wine export value to the UK rising by 28% last year. The wine trade here has shifted emphasis to restaurants and casual dining, and a burgeoning independent retail sector, leading to increased interest in premium wines from the Golden State. California is better placed here than it has ever been before, and we expect further growth in 2016 and beyond,” said Wine Institute United Kingdom Trade Director John McLaren.

Japan

“California wine has been selling well in Japan but supply was a major challenge in the first quarter of 2015 due to the slowdown at the ports along the U.S. west coast. Japan’s California wine imports in January 2015 were down 40.5% by volume from the previous year, and the situation prevented Japanese importers from promoting our wines. After April 2015, the port issue was resolved and supply was back in line with growing demand,” said Ken-ichi Hori, Wine Institute Japan Trade Director.

“Once the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement goes into force, the import duty on U.S. wines will be completely abolished in eight years which will help the entire California category grow in Japan. This is critical for the California wine industry, since our competitors, Chile and Australia, already have free trade agreements with Japan, and benefit from a duty advantage over California wines.”

China

“With no reliable country-wide sales data, the 2015 numbers based on import/export data for China don’t tell the whole story on California wine performance, and, in fact, are misleading. Looking at consumption of California wines in the premium and super premium categories, the price range for most California wines, sales were up last year. The export decline was due to a drop in less expensive wines being imported following excessive importation in 2013-2014. Sales of higher-priced wines are quite healthy, while even lower-priced wines are selling through as depletions continue. The export data to Hong Kong shows a healthy 41% increase by value in exports, and we know that a portion of volume shipped to Hong Kong is destined for China. The market for California wines in China remains healthy and more consumer driven than in years past when gifting and group purchasing were significant drivers of sales,” said Christopher Beros, Wine Institute Trade Director for China.

Emerging Markets

“The strong dollar and difficult trading conditions affected California wine’s performance in emerging markets. However, the region produced clear success stories in 2015, such as Hong Kong, Mexico and South Korea where export value grew 41%, 7% and 5% respectively,” said Eric Pope, Wine Institute Regional Director for Emerging Markets.

“Removing obstacles to trade and ensuring that California wines have fair and equal access to international sales channels remain our top focus,” said Tom LaFaille, Wine Institute Vice President and International Trade Counsel.  “Unfortunately, more and more countries and provinces are “modernizing” their laws to benefit only local wine producers.  Wine Institute works closely with the U.S. government to continue to lead initiatives against discriminatory trade barriers which violate international agreements.”

 The Wine Institute‘s Export Program offers many tools to support California Wines category building efforts around the world, including a consumer website discovercaliforniawines.com in eight languages, social media campaigns in 16 countries, an educational California Wines PowerPoint tool, educational and entertaining video assets, and a strong partnership with Visit California to increase tourism to California wine regions.  The program organizes California’s participation in international trade shows and trade missions, hosts master classes and seminars as well as tastings for trade, media and consumers worldwide.  Last year’s active schedule of California wine country visits brought in 150 international media and wine buyers from 15 countries. For more information, see: Wine Institute’s California Wine Export Program

Cunard Kicks Blue Note Jazz-Themed Transatlantic Crossing into High Gear with the Addition of a Second Vocal Legend: Dee Dee Bridgewater

Cunard, Blue Note Records, and Blue Note Jazz Clubs are excited to welcome Grammy® Award-winning artists on two Cunard Blue Note Jazz at Sea Transatlantic Crossings aboard the Queen Mary 2 in 2016.This is on one of those special sailings and you will experience the best of jazz along with Cunard’s traditional entertainment offerings, on the grandest ocean liner in the world.

Blue Note Jazz at Sea in 2016 – Gregory Porter, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Herbie Hancock

Grammy® Award-winning artist, Herbie Hancock will join the Queen Mary 2 on the 1 August 2016 “Jazz at Sea” Transatlantic Crossing. The multi Grammy Award winning star will perform three, 45-minute intimate shows in The Royal Court Theatre. During the westbound Transatlantic Crossing Hancock will be joined by band members, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, bassist James Genus and guitarist Lionel Loueke.

Cunard also announced that jazz icon Dee Dee Bridgewater will be co-headlining Queen Mary 2’s third Blue Note jazz-themed Transatlantic Crossing from New York to Southampton on October 25, 2016.

Bridgewater is a Triple Grammy® Award Winner, a TONY® Winner, a UN Goodwill Ambassador, producer, record label head, and much more. Widely celebrated for her depth of artistry across mediums, Bridgewater will perform three intimate, powerhouse shows in The Royal Court Theatre as well as a Q&A session on board Queen Mary 2’s 7-night crossing.

Bridgewater’s career spans more than four decades, and began with her phenomenal debut in New York City in 1970 as the lead vocalist for the band led by Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, one of the premier jazz orchestras of the day. Bridgewater marked an early career in concerts and recordings with musical giants including Dizzy Gillespie, before beginning a career on Broadway, where she won a Tony Award for her role as Glinda the Good Witch in The Wiz. Her time on Broadway led to work in Tokyo, Los Angeles, Paris, and beyond. In London’s West End, she garnered a coveted “Laurence Olivier” Award nomination as Best Actress for her tour de force portrayal of jazz legend Billie Holiday in Stephen Stahl’s Lady Day.

Bridgewater joins booming baritone Gregory Porter on the Transatlantic Crossing. Fellow jazz musician Gregory Porter is also a Grammy® Winner and was awarded “International Jazz Artist of the Year” in 2015 by Jazz FM. (Porter’s upcoming participation was announced in November, 2015).

Jazz, soul and gospel singer, songwriter and actor Gregory Porter was born in Los Angeles, California and grew up in Bakersfield, California, where his mother was a minister. As a child, he fell under the spell of his mother’s Nat King Cole records, learning to imitate and sing like Cole. Luckily, this charismatic artist is here to breathe life, vitality, fun, excitement, passion and honesty into the musical genres he has loved from boyhood. Flutist Hubert Laws featured Porter’s vocals on his 1998 album, “Remembers the Unforgettable Nat King Cole.” Laws’ sister, Eloise Laws, helped him get cast as one of the leads in a new musical “It Ain’t Nothing But the Blues,” which eventually enjoyed a run on Broadway. His debut album, Water, appeared in 2010, and was followed by a second, “Be Good,” released two years later in 2012. Gregory’s latest album “Liquid Spirit” won last year’s Grammy Award for Best Jazz vocal album and reached the top 10 on the UK charts. Gregory was recognised this year by Jazz FM as “International Jazz Artist of the Year” and is described by the New York Times as “a jazz singer of thrilling presence, a booming baritone with a gift for earthy refinement and soaring uplift.”

“I am thrilled to join Cunard and Blue Note for such a unique musical experience on board Queen Mary 2,” said Bridgewater. “To me, jazz symbolizes liberty and freedom of expression, and I look forward to sharing this jazz experience with guests on board and with my dear friend, Mr. Gregory Porter.”

New Documentary Film From 217 Films Celebrates The Art Of America’s Gilded Age

Coming in December 2016 from filmmakers Michael Maglaras and Terri Templeton of 217 Films, the forthcoming documentary “America Rising: The Arts of the Gilded Age” shows us how “The Gilded Age” was the most prolific and ultimately the most vital era in the American arts.

This new film project is their seventh in ten years and their sixth “essay in film” project.

Writer and director Michael Maglaras has written, “After the Civil War, American arts and American artists come into their own on the world stage. In painting, in sculpture, in architecture, and in music, America finds its artistic soul and voice in the work created from the end of the Civil War through the first decade of the 20th century.”

Mark Twain 1907 photograph, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Using the work of painters as diverse as Childe Hassam, Winslow Homer, Thomas Eakins, and John Singer Sargent, “America Rising” creates a portrait of an America re-inventing itself after the tragic events of the Civil War as a major artistic force. With the great public sculptures of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, such as the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial in Boston (referred to in the film by Director Maglaras as “the finest piece of memorial sculpture in America”), “America Rising” focuses on how the rise of the middle class and the even greater rising of industrialists like Henry Clay Frick and others contributed to an America poised, through its art, to commemorate its past and invent its future. In the music of Charles Ives and Charles Tomlinson Griffes we hear an America escaping European musical tradition and embracing Modernism.

Augustus Saint-Gaudens, detail of the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial, 1897. Courtesy of the Saint-Gaudens

Childe Hassam, The Island Garden, 1892, Watercolor on Paper, Smithsonian American art Museum, Washington D.C./Art Resource, New York

With more than 100 paintings, sculptures, and photographs, as well as film footage of the era (including the only known footage of Mark Twain)…and featuring the on-camera contributions of Professor David Lubin, the Charlotte C. Weber Professor of Art at Wake Forest University, “America Rising” will surprise, as well as entertain viewers across the spectrum.

John Singer Sargent, Madame X (Madame Pierre Gautreau). 1883-1884. Oil on canvas, 82 1/8 x 43 1/4 in. (208.6 x 109.9 cm). Arthur Hoppock Hearn Fund, 1916 (16.53). Image @ The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Image Source: Art Resource, New York.

217 Films is an independent film company devoted to the American artistic experience. In 2005, Maglaras and Templeton released their first film “Cleophas and His Own” about the American painter Marsden Hartley‘s epic narrative of love and loss. Maglaras both directed and played the role of Hartley in this film. In 2008, they released a second film about Hartley called “Visible Silence: Marsden Hartley, Painter and Poet” – the first-ever documentary on the life of Hartley. In 2010, with their film “John Marin: Let the Paint be Paint!” they established, through the first full-length documentary on this important painter, that John Marin was one of the fathers of American Modernism. These films, among other distinctions, have been shown to acclaim at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. In 2012, they released “O Brother Man: The Art and Life of Lynd Ward.” In 2013, they released “The Great Confusion: The 1913 Armory Show.” Currently on tour is their latest film “Enough to Live On: The Arts of the WPA” celebrating the ways in which Franklin Roosevelt used the arts to raise the spirits of the American people during the Great Depression.

The Sacramento Bee called Maglaras a film maker of “Bergman-like gravitas.” His films have been described as “virtuoso filmmaking” (National Gallery of Art) “alive and fresh” (Art New England) “elegiac and insightful” (Naples Daily News) “unforgettable” (Journal of American History) and “comparable to that of the widely acclaimed Ken Burns” (New Britain Herald). David Berona, author of “Wordless Books,” said of “O Brother Man” “This film is stunning.” Judith Regan of Sirius XM called it “magnificent.” The Dartmouth’s review of “The Great Confusion” noted “Michael Maglaras brought the drama of the original show back to life.” Library Journal called it “An excellent analysis of an event that changed the art world.” The Blue Paper called Maglaras’s film on the arts of the WPA “a wonderful celebration of America, her people, and her possibilities.” Maglaras was recently featured in a full-length interview on Conversations from Penn State on Public Television.

217 Films Website: http://www.two17films.com
217 Films Blog: http://www.two17films.blogspot.com