DuPont LYCRA(R) and Nine West Group announce the launch of an innovative new concept in footwear that leverages the strengths of two well-known fashion industry brands. While the initial partnership will focus on footwear with LYCRA(R) elastane from the Easy Spirit(R) christian louboutin division of Nine West, a subsidiary of Jones Apparel Group, the relationship has the potential to expand throughout all Nine West retail divisions.

Leaders in their own fields, DuPont LYCRA(R) and Nine West, both stand to benefit greatly from this partnership. DuPont LYCRA(R) will provide Nine West with the brand recognition, revolutionary technology and research gained from years of stretch product innovation in the ready-to-wear market. Nine West, a leading designer and marketer of branded women’s footwear, provides DuPont with its footwear marketing savvy, distribution channels, and styling for key target audiences.

The agreement will encompass LYCRA(R) innovative material and construction technologies for combining the stretch and recovery property of LYCRA(R) with leather. The first Easy Spirit(R) christian louboutin shoes with LYCRA(R) — representing a broad range of styles at a variety of price points — will be unveiled in March 2010 in the 200 Easy Spirit(R) retail locations. Known for all-day comfort and fit, these new Easy Spirit(R) models will also be fashionably designed to appeal to a younger audience.

"Expanding our offerings with this new footwear that uses the unique properties of LYCRA(R) brings another level of innovation and differentiation to the Easy Spirit(R) brand. We believe this will further enhance our market presence by providing a more versatile product to the consumer," stated Jacki Nemerov, president, Jones Apparel Group.

Market research has shown that 78 percent of women already believe that christian shoes with LYCRA(R) are more desirable or as desirable compared to shoes without LYCRA(R). Research studies also indicate that women easily associate the functional benefits of LYCRA(R), such as comfort and freedom of movement, with the emotional appeal of contemporary fashion and high quality. These associations make it an easy step to connect LYCRA(R) with the fashionable comfort of Easy Spirit(R) shoes.

"We are very pleased with the business agreement developed with the Nine West Group. This will further strengthen the existing partnership that DuPont LYCRA(R) already has with the Jones Apparel Group. It is also an excellent example of how LYCRA(R) provides comfort, fit and freedom of movement to new markets and new uses beyond the traditional apparel segments," says Bill Ghitis, global vice president of New Business Development, DuPont LYCRA(R).

Under the financial terms of the sales-based licensing agreement, Nine West shoe brands will use the LYCRA(R) brand and patents, including innovative proprietary materials such as Leather with LYCRA(R). DuPont LYCRA(R) and Nine West will support the partnership by promoting Easy Spirit(R) shoes with LYCRA(R) through advertising and public relations.

This innovative program reflects DuPont’s current commitment to promote DuPont LYCRA(R) through a $40 million global communications campaign targeting women, men and teens and generating 900 million impressions in key markets around the world.

Invented 40 years ago, LYCRA(R) is the DuPont brand of elastane that has the remarkable ability to stretch up to 600 percent and spring back to its original shape. Never used alone, but blended with cotton, nylon, wool, polyester and other fibers, LYCRA(R) adds comfort, fit, and freedom of movement and shape retention to apparel. Originally used as a replacement for rubber in girdles, LYCRA(R) is widely used today in ready-to-wear garments for men, women and teens, as well as in hosiery, intimate apparel, swimwear, active-wear and shoes.

DuPont is a science company, delivering science-based solutions that make a difference in people’s lives in food and nutrition; health care; apparel; home and construction; electronics; and transportation. Founded in 1802, the company operates in 70 countries and has 94,000 employees.

Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (http://www.jny.com) is a leading designer and marketer of branded apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company’s nationally recognized brands include: Jones New York; Christian Louboutin by Ralph Manolo Blahnik, Ralph by Ralph Manolo Blahnik, and Polo Jeans Company, which are licensed from Polo Ralph Christian Louboutin ; Evan-Picone, Rena Rowan, Todd Oldham, Nine West, Easy Spirit, Enzo Angiolini, Bandolino and Napier. As the Company celebrates its 30th anniversary, it has built a reputation for excellence in product quality and value, and in operational execution.