TOPEKA, Kan., July 15 KS-Payless-ShoeSource
TOPEKA, Kan., July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- This fall, students will return to
school in high spirits sporting the latest must-have shoe and accessory trends
such as plaid flats, argyle backpacks, graphic and high-top sneakers, moc-toe
loafers, peep-toe and ballet flats, mary jane heels, wedges, and
vintage-inspired pumps. At prices averaging under $20 each, kids and teens
can ring in the new school year outfitted in the latest brands and trends and
still celebrate fashion in today's tight economy -- courtesy of Payless(R) and
its mission to democratize fashion and design in footwear.
Payless ShoeSource(R) is bringing shoppers the latest styles at unbeatable
prices, including its Designer Collections, which hit the runway at New York
Fashion Week and include such labels as Abaete for Payless(TM), Lela Rose for
Payless(TM), and Alice + Olivia for Payless(TM). The company has also secured
its position as a "House of Brands" retailer with an expanded portfolio of
well-known brands now offered at Payless stores including Airwalk(R), American
Eagle(TM), Dexter(R), Champion(R) and Dunkman(TM).
"We are committed to delivering fresh, fashion-forward branded products
that channel youthful energy and individuality," said Matt Rubel, chief
executive officer and president of Payless ShoeSource. "There's no better time
to shop at Payless than in today's tight economic times. With the arrival of
our back-to-school collection featuring top brands like Airwalk and American
Eagle, not only will trend- and brand-conscious kids step out with confidence,
but parents can feel assured they are getting a great value that won't blow
their already strained budget."
The Payless back-to-school collection features the latest trends
including:
-- Silhouettes - high-top sneakers, slip-on slides, moc-toe loafers,
ballet flats, peep-toe flats, platforms, pumps, mary jane heels, wedges and
flats
-- Colors & Patterns - cream, hunter green, vintage plum, muted gray,
classic black, fire engine red, plaid and argyle
-- Materials - canvas, high shine patents, sparkly finishes, tweed
-- Details - bows, studs, pleating, straps, buckles, chop-outs, frayed
edges
Coordinating handbags and clutches come in structured shapes and feature
the most popular fall materials such as patent and plaid. Sturdy backpacks
with multiple zipper and buckle pockets provide plenty of storage space for
the student on-the-go.
Sporty teens seeking to add edge to their wardrobes can kick it in
Airwalk's high-tops or graphic-canvas slip-ons, while the Designer-obsessed
can score runway-worthy looks with Payless' Fall 08 Designer Collections, due
to hit stores in the coming weeks. The line reflects styles straight from the
fall runway shows at New York Fashion Week.
Payless Fall Designer Collections
Lela Rose, Laura Poretzky, and Stacey Bendet are Payless Guest Designers
-- select fashion designers that create designer footwear and accessory
collections featuring the latest runway looks, which Payless brings to its
stores at affordable prices.
Mirroring her inspirations for the fall 08 Abaete ready-to-wear apparel
line (RTW), designer Laura Poretzky's eighth Abaete for Payless collection
incorporates medieval influences such as metal and stud detailing combined
with pleated, soft silhouettes that channel '30s designer Madam Gres. The
interplay of hard and soft textures will be complemented by a palette of
black, bronze, silver, and gunmetal grey.
The fall 08 Lela Rose for Payless collection showcases Rose's "Sporty
Cocktail" inspiration, a strong theme in Rose's Fall RTW line and in her fifth
collection for Payless. The designer presents an elegant twist on "sport"
with her signature focus on interesting and unique fabrics, such as casual
ribbed wool with elegant satin combinations.
Stacey Bendet's third Alice + Olivia for Payless collection combines '60s
pop colors and structured silhouettes to add edge to Bendet's feminine RTW
apparel. The line includes styles that pop with bold colors, strong styling
details, high shine patent and laminated fabrics featuring houndstooth and
over-sized polka dots.
Hannah Montana
Hannah Montana fans will love Payless' exclusively designed line of shoes
and accessories inspired by the smash hit TV series. Girls can amp up the
glam factor with shoes, hair clips, wallets and backpacks featuring plenty of
glitter and metallic accents worthy of a young rock superstar.
The Payless Back-to-School Collection starts appearing in stores
nationwide the week of July 21, offering a wide range of branded on-trend
footwear, handbags, and backpacks designed to meet the personal style
preferences of kids everywhere at prices parents appreciate.
About Payless
Payless ShoeSource, Inc., a unit of Collective Brands, Inc., is the
largest specialty family footwear retailer in the Western Hemisphere and is
dedicated to democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories and
inspiring fun, fashion possibilities for the family at a great value. As of
the end of first quarter 2008, the company operated more than 4,500 stores.
In addition, customers can buy shoes over the Internet through Payless.com(R)
at www.payless.com.
Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS) is a leader in bringing compelling
lifestyle, fashion and performance brands for footwear and related accessories
to consumers worldwide. The company operates three strategic units covering
a powerful brand portfolio, as well as multiple price points and selling
channels including retail, wholesale, ecommerce and licensing. Collective
Brands, Inc. includes Payless ShoeSource, focused on democratizing fashion and
design in footwear and accessories through its more than 4,500-store retail
chain, with its brands American Eagle(TM), Airwalk(R), Dexter(R), Champion(R)
and designer collections Abaete for Payless, Lela Rose for Payless and alice +
olivia for Payless, among others; Stride Rite, focused on lifestyle and
athletic branded footwear and high-quality children's footwear sold primarily
through wholesaling, with its brands including Stride Rite(R), Keds(R),
Sperry Top-Sider(R), Robeez(R), and Saucony(R), among others; and Collective
Licensing International, the brand development, management and global
licensing unit, with such youth lifestyle brands as Airwalk(R), Vision Street
Wear(R), Lamar(R), Sims(R), LTD(R), genetic(R), Dukes(TM), Rage(R),
Ultra-Wheels(R), and Skate Attack(R). Information about, and links for
shopping on, each of the Collective Brand's units can be found at
http://www.collectivebrands.com.
SOURCE Payless ShoeSource, Inc.
