ABN Newswire

Yahoo! (NASDAQ:YHOO) and Alibaba Reach Agreement on Comprehensive Plan for Alibaba Stake

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:45:52 GMT

Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO) and Alibaba Group Holding Limited today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement for a staged and comprehensive value realization plan for Yahoo!'s stake in Alibaba.

The first step is the repurchase by Alibaba of up to one-half of Yahoo!'s stake, or approximately 20% of Alibaba's fully-diluted shares. The purchase price will be based on a valuation of Alibaba to be established through equity financings that Alibaba intends to undertake to finance the transaction, subject to a floor valuation of approximately US$35 billion. The agreement includes substantial financial incentives for Alibaba to raise the additional equity at a valuation higher than US$35 billion. At the minimum price and assuming the initial repurchase of the full 20% stake, Yahoo! would receive from Alibaba consideration of approximately US$7.1 billion, composed of at least US$6.3 billion in cash proceeds and up to US$800 million in newly-issued Alibaba preferred stock.

The agreement also establishes a framework for Yahoo! to monetize its remaining interest in Alibaba in stages. First, at the time of an initial public offering (IPO) of Alibaba in the future, Alibaba will be required either to repurchase one-quarter of Yahoo!'s current stake at the IPO price or allow Yahoo! to sell those shares in the IPO. Second, following such an IPO, Yahoo! has registration rights and rights to marketing support from Alibaba to enable Yahoo! to dispose of its remaining shares, at times of Yahoo!'s choosing following a customary lock-up period.

This agreement is a result of extensive discussions between the two parties and a comprehensive review of both taxable and tax-efficient alternatives. Yahoo! and Alibaba believe this agreement to be the best path to align incentives and maximize value for shareholders of both companies and it paves the way for Alibaba to achieve future public market liquidity for all of Alibaba's shareholders. For Yahoo!, the agreement provides for a staged exit over time, balancing near-term liquidity and return of cash to shareholders with the opportunity to participate in future value appreciation of Alibaba.

"Today's agreement provides clarity for our shareholders on a substantial component of Yahoo!'s value and reaffirms the significance of our relationship with Alibaba," said Ross Levinsohn, Interim CEO of Yahoo!. "We look forward to continued collaboration with the Alibaba team on business initiatives as we explore joint opportunities for growth and benefit from Alibaba's future. I want to thank Jack Ma, Joe Tsai and the Alibaba team, as well as Tim Morse, Michael Callahan and our Yahoo! team for their dedication in achieving this successful outcome."

"This transaction opens a new chapter in our relationship with Yahoo!," said Jack Ma, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alibaba Group. "I look forward to working with Ross Levinsohn and the Yahoo! team as Alibaba builds China's leading e-commerce company. Yahoo!'s global audience reach will provide attractive partnership opportunities for Alibaba to explore markets outside of China. The transaction will establish a balanced ownership structure that enables Alibaba to take our business to the next level as a public company in the future."

"We look forward to delivering the proceeds of the near-term transaction to our shareholders, and to the further enhancement of value and the additional monetization in the future that this agreement enables," said Timothy R. Morse, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Yahoo!

In addition to the share repurchase, the companies have also agreed to amend their existing technology and intellectual property licensing agreement. Among other things, this amendment will result in Yahoo! granting Alibaba a transitional license to continue to operate Yahoo! China under the Yahoo! brand for up to four years, while restrictions on Yahoo!'s ability to make other investments in China will be terminated. Alibaba will make an upfront lump sum royalty payment of US$550 million to Yahoo! and continuing royalty payments for up to four years. In addition, Alibaba will license certain patents to Yahoo!. Upon closing of the repurchase transaction, the Alibaba shareholders' agreement will be amended so that the parties' respective rights will be commensurate with the parties' post-closing level of ownership in Alibaba. Yahoo! will continue to be represented on Alibaba's board of directors with the right to appoint one of four existing directors.

Yahoo! intends to return substantially all of the after-tax cash proceeds to shareholders following the closing of the transaction. While the form of the return of capital to shareholders has not yet been finalized, Yahoo!'s board has increased Yahoo!'s share buyback authorization by US $5 billion concurrently with this transaction.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Alibaba will be required to close the repurchase with respect to at least one-quarter of Yahoo!'s current stake in Alibaba regardless of the amount of financing raised, and up to one-half of Yahoo!'s current stake if it obtains the requisite financing. Alibaba intends to finance the repurchase through a combination of its own cash resources, debt, equity and equity-linked financing. The transaction is expected to close within approximately six months.

UBS Investment Bank acted as lead financial advisor to Yahoo! and Allen & Company LLC and Goldman Sachs & Co. also served as financial advisors. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP acted as lead legal counsel to Yahoo! and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP also acted as legal counsel. Munger, Tolles, & Olson LLP acted as legal counsel to the Yahoo! Board of Directors. Credit Suisse acted as lead financial advisor to Alibaba and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz acted as lead legal counsel to Alibaba. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP acted as counsel to Alibaba on certain financing and Hong Kong legal matters and Fenwick & West LLP acted as counsel to Alibaba on intellectual property matters.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Yahoo! will host a conference call to discuss today's announcement at 5:45 a.m. Pacific Time / 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time Monday, May 21, 2012. A live webcast of the conference call, together with a supplemental presentation concerning the transaction, can be accessed through the Company's Investor Relations website at:
http://investor.yahoo.net/

The dial-in number for the live conference call is (866) 659-9165. Participants calling from outside the United States may dial (617) 399-5178. The passcode 73540611# is required to access the call. In addition, an archive of the webcast can be accessed through the same link. An audio replay of the call will be available for one week following the conference call by calling (888) 286-8010 or (617) 801-6888, passcode: 35326266.

About Yahoo!
Yahoo! is the premier digital media company, creating deeply personal digital experiences that keep more than half a billion people connected to what matters most to them, across devices and around the globe. And Yahoo!'s unique combination of Science + Art + Scale connects advertisers to the consumers who build their businesses. Yahoo! is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. For more information, visit the pressroom (pressroom.yahoo.net ) or the company's blog, Yodel Anecdotal (yodel.yahoo.com ).

About Alibaba Group

Alibaba Group is a leading e-commerce company based in China. Since it was founded in 1999, Alibaba Group has grown to include the following core businesses: Alibaba.com(HKSE: 1688; 1688.HK), Alibaba Group's flagship company and a global e-commerce platform for small businesses; Taobao Marketplace, China's leading C2C online shopping destination; Tmall.com, a popular B2C online marketplace in China for quality, brand name goods; eTao, a comprehensive shopping search engine; Alibaba Cloud Computing, a developer of advanced distributed cloud computing services; and China Yahoo!, one of China's leading Internet portals. Alipay, a leading third-party online payment service in China, is an affiliate of Alibaba Group.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements (including in the quotations in this press release) concerning the agreement entered into by Yahoo! with Alibaba Group Holding Limited, including, without limitation, statements about the expected timing of closing of the transactions contemplated by the agreement, the ability of Yahoo! to monetize its holdings in Alibaba in both the near-term and in the future, potential future actions by Yahoo! and Alibaba concerning future business initiatives between Yahoo! and Alibaba and the potential for an initial public offering of Alibaba shares, and other expected benefits of the agreement and related agreements. Risks and uncertainties may cause actual results and benefits of the transactions contemplated by the agreement and related agreements to differ materially from management expectations. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, the failure to consummate or delays in consummating the transactions contemplated by the agreement; uncertainty regarding the future valuation of Alibaba; uncertainty regarding the financing of the transactions; uncertainty regarding if and when there will be an initial public offering of Alibaba shares; uncertainty regarding any future business initiatives with Alibaba; general economic and market conditions; and the possibility that some or all of the expected benefits of the agreement and related agreements may not be realized. All information set forth in this press release is as of May 20, 2012. Yahoo! does not intend, and undertakes no duty, to update this information to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. More information about potential factors that could affect Yahoo!'s business and financial results is included under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Yahoo!'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, as amended, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

Yahoo! is the trademark and/or registered trademark of Yahoo! Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owner.

Yahoo! Media Relations Contact: 
Dana Lengkeek
(408) 349-1130 
danal@yahoo-inc.com

Yahoo! Investor Relations Contact:
Joon Huh
(408) 349-3382
jhuh@yahoo-inc.com


Charles Sipkins
Sard Verbinnen & Co
(310) 201-2040
csipkins@sardverb.com


Alibaba Group Contact:
International - John Spelich
Alibaba Group
+852 9017-7444
johnspelich@hk.alibaba-inc.com

U.S. - Paul Kranhold/Jenny Gore
Sard Verbinnen & Co
(415) 618-8750
pkranhold@sardverb.com
jgore@sardverb.com

Fashioning Our Industry: May 31st Keynote Breakfast With The Gilt Groupe Founders

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Sat, 19 May 2012 05:00:30 GMT

(Global Fashion Wire) - Fashioning Our Industry announces a keynote breakfast with Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, the founders of Gilt Groupe. This event is the first in a series of keynote breakfasts produced by Fashioning Our Industry to bring together successful fashion entrepreneurs. The breakfast is May 31st at the AmericanAirlines/One World Headquarters at 8:00 AM and features a keynote address on their experience founding Gilt and strategies for creating a successful e-commerce business. The event includes a free copy of Maybank and Wilson's new book, By Invitation Only, book signing, and networking.

RSVP at http://giltgroupekeynote.eventbrite.com.

Additional copies of By Invitation Only will be available for purchase at the event. For every book sold, Gilt Groupe will make a donation to the Fashioning Our Industry scholarship fund, which benefits emerging designers and students pursuing careers in fashion, business, and law. Additional donations to the scholarship fund may be made at Scholarship Donation Page (donations are not tax deductible and 100% of contributions go towards the scholarships).

The event is hosted and sponsored by American Airlines. Other sponsors include Loeb and Loeb, LLP, Kaptive, Global Fashion Wire, and Commonwealth Limousines. Learn more about the sponsors at www.nycfashionconference.com/sponsors.

The next keynote breakfast will be announced in mid-June.

To learn more about Fashioning Our Industry, visit: http://www.nycfashionconference.com

Follow on Twitter at @NYCFshnIndustry, or like on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/nycfashionconference.

About Fashioning Our Industry

Fashioning Our Industry was founded with the goal of bringing together entrepreneurs and other professionals in fashion, law, marketing and branding, and fashion to discuss trends and possibilities for the fashion industry in New York City. Industry professionals, branding and technology experts, lawyers, financiers, designers, and entrepreneurs attended the inaugural conference in February, 2012, which consisted of short keynote presentations and panel discussions on topics relevant to the fashion industry. The conference was sponsored by Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, Women in Business, Nolcha Fashion Week, OS Fashion, and Fashion Mannuscript.

American Airlines is a subsidiary of AMR Corporation (NYSE:AMR) (PINK:AAMRQ).

Rob Sanchez
T: +1-917-720-2537
E: rob@nycfashionconference.com

Pansy Croft
T: +1-646-389-9357
E: pansy@nycfashionconference.com

World Fashion Week (WFW) Pre-Events Series To Kick-Off at The Historic 1st Edition Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week, Australia

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Thu, 5 Apr 2012 13:39:43 GMT

(Global Fashion Wire) - As a prelude to the Inaugural Ceremony - Ist. Annual World Fashion Week (WFW) to be held in New York City in fall 2013, and as part of the WFW Pre-Events Series, Perth, Western Australia, will welcome leading WFW nominated fashion designers from Europe, Africa, Middle East and Latin America, advocating for a fair and sustainable global fashion industry.

April 19th to 23rd 2012 will see Perth come alive with an array of West Australian and leading international designers showcasing their Spring/Summer 2012/2013 collections at WA's first ever fashion trade event; Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week.

During Savior Faire Perth Fashion Week and for the first time in Australian fashion history, the launch of "Dreamtime" will showcase Western Australia indigenous designers. Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week will set up a program for indigenous artists, textile artists and designers that will provide the tools and the platform for indigenous creatives to gain recognition in an international arena.

"Showcasing our indigenous designers will create awareness, will empower and have a positive affect in the community. We will guide indigenous creatives and provide all the tools from business through to design to help them create their own sustainable business on an international level," said Ms. Sylvia Giacci, SF PFW Director.

In addition to the much anticipated Savior Faire Perth Fashion Week, a group of outstanding international couturiers, nominated and summoned by WFW, will officially represent their countries: The Netherlands by Addy Van Der Krommenacker, United Arab Emirates by Furne One, Argentina by Gabriel Lage, Austria by Thang De Hoo, Cameroon by Blaz Designs, and South Africa by Hendrik Vermeulen.

"We are honored to join forces with Savior Faire Perth Fashion Week in Australia, encouraging the expansion of world fashion while promoting international fashion business relationships and understanding, with the principles of fair trade and social development. It will be remarkable to witness Australian indigenous creations on the runway" said Mr. Paco De Jaimes, President of WFW. "WFW works to expand the potential power of fashion; as a tool for poverty eradication, women empowerment, economy development, and Corporate Social Responsibility within the global fashion and textile industries" Mr. De Jaimes concludes.

For more information on World Fashion Week, visit: http://www.worldfashionweek.tv

About World Fashion Week (WFW)

WFW is the global voice of Fashion, an "Olympic Style" platform for the local fashion industries around the World, which provides them with a forum for exposure and recognition. Its major role is to contribute to the harmonious growth and development of the global fashion industry and work towards a greater good, harnessing and supporting relationships to keep the global fashion industry sustainable and fair.

The Inaugural Ceremony - 1st. Annual World Fashion Week will be officially hosted in the City of New York, USA, in Fall 2013.

WFW promises to be one of the most anticipated and global trade events of the XXIst. century, leaving a sustainable legacy to the world's next generations.

About Perth Fashion Week (PFW)

Savoir Faire PFW's mission is to "empower the local West Australian fashion community by creating ever growing business opportunities through events that connect people, encourage individuality and nurture creativity. Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week 2012 will be a dynamic event, attracting a wide range of international buyers, media, designers, models and the fashion savvy eager to see W.A talent. The 5-day schedule will create an interactive and dynamic environment - creating priceless opportunities furthering local and international fashion industry.

To receive daily updates on the latest in fashion, Subscribe to Global Fashion Wire (GFW), visit: http://www.globalfashionwire.com/alerts2.asp

Global Fashion Wire
AUS: +612-9247-4344
USA: +1-347-208-7231
http://www.globalfashionwire.com

Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week To Showcase Indigenous Designers

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Thu, 5 Apr 2012 13:21:35 GMT

(Global Fashion Wire) - Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week 2012 is delighted to announce for the first time in Australian fashion week history the launch of "Dream Time" which will showcase WA Indigenous Designers. Perth Fashion Week will set up a programme for Indigenous artists, textile artists and designers that will provide the tools and the platform for Indigenous creatives to gain recognition in an international arena.

Perth Fashion Week Director, Sylvia Giacci, has been putting the infrastructure in place for the past year to bring the Dream Time Project to life. "I am thrilled to finally see the Dream Time Project come to fruition and for it to be an integral part of Perth Fashion Week. Ms Giacci says. "This has never been done before in Australia and it is time for us to embrace our heritage and break down the barriers".

"Showcasing our Indigenous designers will create awareness, will empower and have a positive affect in the community. We will guide Indigenous creatives and provide all the tools from business through to design to help them create their own sustainable business on an international level".

Perth Fashion Week has sought advice from Traditional Owners of The Kimberley to ensure the correct protocols are adhered to on Indigenous matters as Indigenous Australians, place great importance on artistic activity as a way of expressing experiences and emotions and teachings. Perth Fashion Week has a duty of care to make sure that this is honoured.

"I had a discussion with Donna Karan who was absolutely thrilled that Dream Time was being implemented into Perth Fashion Week. She has shown great interest and we would love to have Donna involved as a mentor for our Indigenous designers", Giacci says.

"Perth Fashion Week is a cultural event that will showcase our state like it has never been done before and there is no better forum than having our own fashion week to highlight the breathtaking beauty especially when we have the eyes of an international audience".

Perth Fashion week 2012 is set to take place April 19th to 23rd, and will follow a 5 day schedule attracting buyers, media, W.A.'s top models and international delegates.

For more information on visit Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week & the 'Dreamtime' Showcase, visit: http://www.perthfashionweek.com.au/dreamtime

About Perth Fashion Week (PFW)

Savoir Faire PFW's mission is to "empower the local West Australian fashion community by creating ever growing business opportunities through events that connect people, encourage individuality and nurture creativity. Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week 2012 will be a dynamic event, attracting a wide range of international buyers, media, designers, models and the fashion savvy eager to see W.A talent. The 5-day schedule will create an interactive and dynamic environment - creating priceless opportunities furthering local and international fashion industry.

To receive daily updates on the latest in fashion, Subscribe to Global Fashion Wire (GFW), visit: http://www.globalfashionwire.com/alerts2.asp

Source: Global Fashion Wire (http://www.globalfashionwire.com)

Global Fashion Wire
AUS: +612-9247-4344
USA: +1-347-208-7231
http://www.globalfashionwire.com

Betty Tran To Transform Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week Runway

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Tue, 3 Apr 2012 12:24:45 GMT

(Global Fashion Wire / The Fashion Catalyst) - Who is Betty Tran? - Betty Tran is confident, successful and flawlessly chic. She exudes an aura that summons attention. She's a multitasking success story; with impeccable style!

Betty Tran is the creative behind the self titled designs of Perth's most promising label - set to showcase on the Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week runway on Saturday 21st April at midday.

Having already creatively directed a string of established labels, and with one label under her umbrella (Betty Sugar, a young, fresh and trend focused label), it's little wonder why Betty Tran is making her debut with such a timeless and structured label at Perth's most anticipated fashion event.

When I caught up with Betty to ask her a few questions, I was humbled by her kind, yet focused and business-oriented nature - make no mistake, this is a woman who knows the recipe for success! And it's her aim to dress YOU for success.

She is passionate about tailoring, and has made it her ambition to ensure her client's walk out of her boutique feeling like their need's have been tailored to, and her garment's structured to their bodies needs'.

Typically, when I asked Betty what message she had for her wearer, she said, "Vicky, I am so lucky to have so much support from such an early stage of my career. Sylvia Giacci was there at my very first show when I launched my very first Spring/Summer collection. Special thanks go to Sylvia. I especially want to thank Jess Yeh and Juliet Chen also, they have both been behind every single campaign of the Betty Sugar label as well as the Betty Tran label now.

Recently, I have been extremely fortunate to have Carillon City (owned by the Hawaiian family) come on board and support me also; with the opening of my new boutique in Carillon Arcade. They're all amazing people, and I would not have done it without them."

This is Betty Tran - a grateful, grounded, lovely soul, whose proof is in her Australian made garments! Being the mould and make of success herself, with the creative direction and backing of some very successful women, I'm tipping this is the label to watch; the designer to wear... and certainly the lady on everyone's lips.

Book your tickets to the Betty Tran Runway Event at Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week now: http://www.ticketbooth.com.au/event/preview/10296

View more amazing articles by The Fashion Catalyst: http://www.thefashioncatalyst.com

To receive daily updates on the latest in fashion, Subscribe to GFW: http://www.globalfashionwire.com/alerts2.asp

Vicky Sofield
Editor
The Fashion Catalyst
E: info@TheFashionCatalyst.com
http://www.thefashioncatalyst.com

Global Fashion Wire
AUS: +612-9247-4344
USA: +1-347-208-7231
http://www.globalfashionwire.com

Global Fashion Wire Designer Spotlight: Mariam Seddiq

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Mon, 2 Apr 2012 13:12:32 GMT

(Global Fashion Wire) - Global Fashion Wire is pleased to introduce our latest Designer Spotlight: Mariam Seddiq. The The m a r i a m.seddiq woman is perceived to be strong independent, empowering and self sufficient.

After winning a scholarship with her graduate collection at the Whitehouse institute of Design, Mariam Seddiq completed her Masters at the renowned Academia Italiana Arte - Moda Design in Italy.

Her design aesthetic is juxtaposition of structured layering and fluid drapery. Seddiq draws much of her inspiration from her background and culture, which creates contemporary clothing with Unique twists.

Seddiq has already received her fair share of success showcasing her collections in New Zealand, Italy, and Australia. She had the privilege of meeting Vivienne Westwood and Eva Cavalli.

An applaud and approval from one of the world's best designers in Westwood surely cements the talent of this young designer. An Artist at heart. Seddiq was invited to produce a canvas on behalf of Beck's Bier for Marie Claire's Celebration of MAFW anniversary, which ranked in the top ten under Akira Isogawa and above Nicola Finetti. Seddiq's work has also featured in an installation at Exclusive club in Florence, and was selected by a well-known Italian Stylist/Artist to Showcase."

The m a r i a m.seddiq Autumn/Winter 12 Launching end of April, just in time for fashion week, will be consisting of minimalistic evening wear and fluid drapery with colourblocking yet maintaining a high visual effect to illuminate the physically powerful characters that manifest in today's women.

Menswear on its accord echo's the change in the roles of the sexes; his style is more articulated, soft and displaying masculinity in a feminine radiance.

He is not afraid of displaying his softer side to win attention yet at the same time he retains his hunter gatherer characteristics...

m a r i a m.seddiq homme will have a beautiful line of merino wool T's & long sleeve tops. This Merino wool range will keep the m a r i a m.seddiq man warm in winter and cool in summer. Merino wool is an investment piece in a mans wardrobe.

m a r i a m.seddiq wants to soon fast track from the one to watch, to the one everybody wants.

m a r i a m.seddiq website is coming soon, but to stay informed of this talented designer, Visit Mariam Seddiq blog or visit the Mariam Seddiq Facebook Page.

Mariam Seddiq Blog: http://www.mariamseddiq.blogspot.com
Mariam Seddiq Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Mariam.SeddiqLabel

Source: Global Fashion Wire (http://www.globalfashionwire.com)

Mariam Seddiq
E: mariam@mariamseddiq.com
http://www.mariamseddiq.com
http://www.mariamseddiq.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/mariamseddiqLabel

Rosie and Broken To Unveil Their Spring Summer 2012/13 Collection at Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Mon, 2 Apr 2012 12:46:00 GMT

(Global Fashion Wire / The Fashion Catalyst) - Inspired by a treasure box of mystery, youth and sensuality, Rosie & Broken will unveil their spring summer 2012/13 collection to style strummers at Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week on Friday 20th April, 2012.

Known for producing staple wardrobe pieces for the playful, daring, and flirty; with a hidden romantic edge, Rosie & Broken are designed and made in Australia (with love) and even have their own jewellery line to compliment the garments.

This cocktail-chic label has only been online since August last year however, they've wasted no time in doing their bit for the community, with part proceeds of sales from their label being donated to The Centre for Cerebral Palsy (TCCP) - to help raise awareness for people living with Cerebral Palsy in Western Australia.

So if you're looking to explore a label that creates stylish and playful garments for weekends, then this is the one to watch at New Gen. Tickets are on sale now and word has it that they're selling very fast, so be quick and follow this link: http://www.ticketbooth.com.au/event/preview/10288

View more articles from The Fashion Catalyst at:
http://www.thefashioncatalyst.com.au

About Rosie and Broken

There is beauty in everything.

It is a sweet reminder of the sleek, the edgy, the cosmopolitan and urban chic aesthetic that forms the inspiration behind the alia, 'Rosie & Broken'. The name emerged from a distinct juxtaposition of something bittersweet which gave room for interpretation. Inspired by a treasure box of mystery, youth and sensuality, Rosie & Broken explores thought-provoking ideas to integrate the frivolity of life with the structured working society in which we can sometimes find ourselves lost.

"The Rosie & Broken woman radiates confidence, effervescence, natural beauty and understated elegance. She has an affinity for beautiful fabrics, delicate detailing and a signature aura, and never compromises on comfort."

Designed and made in Australia with love.

Vicky Sofield
Editor
The Fashion Catalyst
E: info@TheFashionCatalyst.com
http://www.thefashioncatalyst.com

Global Fashion Wire
AUS: +612-9247-4344
USA: +1-347-208-7231
http://www.globalfashionwire.com

With Grace Launch Their Second Collection 'Riviera Dreaming' at Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week 2012

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:25:34 GMT

(Global Fashion Wire) - With Grace is thrilled to announce its Riviera Dreaming collection launch at Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week on Friday 20 April, 2012. With Grace will make its catwalk debut at the Perth Fashion Week 'New Generation' show - a showcase of emerging designer labels. The With Grace show will feature the support of national labels including Siren Shoes and Owl of Eden, as well as a very special collaboration with Melbourne-based headpiece design label, Lunatic. The unveiling of the 2012-13 collection video, shot by Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week videographer Justin Griffiths @ Viviens Creative, also awaits guests.

Launched in early 2011, With Grace is fore-fronted by model/aspiring stylist turned designer, Emily Grace Bathgate. With Grace is the perfect solution to a most frequent problem: the hunt for affordable yet luxe-looking pieces with enough individuality and exclusivity, within Western Australia. This label is sure to fill a little gap in Perth Fashion's tummy - and, in fact, has already begun to do so!

The With Grace aesthetic is best described as elegant bohemian - each piece tells the tale of another time and place, gives the wearer a great feeling of distinctiveness, and guarantees turning heads.

Riviera Dreaming sees a new take on bohemian elegance and on the label's aesthetic, with an injection of resort-style glamour. Heavy influence of the 1970's is again explored by the label in its newest and most enchanting collection, with a side of sexy this year.

The Riviera Dreaming aesthetic draws on day dreams of a make-believe and highbrow poolside party nestled on the Mediterranean coast, starring cocktail-sipping guests and style icons such as Stevie Nicks, Ali McGraw, Marie Helvin, Farrah Fawcett... the list goes on. The women are exuberating glamour, confidence, class and sexiness in luxurious maxi dresses, long, floaty skirts, tailored, elongating pants and shimmering accessories.

While the 70's period fashions have been well-explored of late by designers globally, the point of difference in this collection lies in its real modern-day influences: the style icons of today, what they wear, why they wear it. There is a real emphasis on classical, timeless silhouettes, and if the first With Grace collection, Romanticism, offered individuality, this collection well and truly raises the stakes.

Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week is WA's most anticipated directional first ever fashion trade event - hosted annually to coincide with the Australian Spring/Summer peak buying season. Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week 2012 offers established and emerging designers the opportunity to showcase their collections on a professional runway and provides a platform to truly maximise their exposure.

"The With Grace wearer shall this year shine like a beacon; glistening with sex appeal, exclusivity and lusciousness, dressed in crepes, sequins and lace. Each piece in this collection boasts exciting and vivid uniqueness, and contrasts in lengths, colours and more play on the adventurous side of fashion and show a new side of the label" -- Emily Bathgate, Designer.

With Grace is proudly designed and made in Western Australia with love.

To ensure you get your seat amongst the elegant & savvy fashionistas at the Savoir Faire New Generation Show, book your ticket at:
http://ticketbooth.com.au/event/preview/10288

For further information or to subscribe for updates, please visit the With Grace Website:
http://withgracedesigns.com.au/

Or visit the With Grace Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/With-Grace/141537025862520

About With Grace

Designer, Emily Bathgate, saw a gap in the market for vintage-inspired women's wear with a unique, contemporary and ever-stylish twist. She tired of her chosen style of dress being limited by finances and distance. Enter 'With Grace' with its affordable, yet luxe and distinctive pieces.

'With Grace' is designed by a fashion stylist - so, naturally, styling is kept in mind throughout the entire designing process. This results in collections full of pieces that are incredibly wearable, both individually and with other pieces from the same collection. Each piece is considered with an overall outfit in mind: an outfit that will set the wearer apart from the crowd, leave her feeling Grace-ful and looking absolutely stunning.

All collections are both designed and made in Australia; in fact, the entire process - from sketch to store orders - will occur within Australia. No sweat-shops, no internationally sourced fabrics: just pure Australian women's wear.

Source: Global Fashion Wire (http://www.globalfashionwire.com)

Emily Bathgate
With Grace, Director and Designer
T: +61-407-771-380
E: hello@withgracedesigns.com.au
http://www.withgracedesigns.com.au

Global Fashion Wire
http://wwwglobalfashionwire.com

Global Fashion Wire Designer Spotlight: Sylvia Lee

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:25:02 GMT

(Global Fashion Wire) - Aussie couture designer recruited for Diane Von Furstenberg design team in New York.

Sylvia Lee's, best birthday present arrived early this year when Pamela Trantalles, Director at Fashion Future and a board of influential Australian fashion industry members handpicked her to be a part of the Global MENTOR Program with none other than fashion icon and wrap dress queen, Diane Von Furstenberg.

Sylvia will be off to the Big Apple where she will call the Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF) head office and New York City home for the next four months.

Sylvia will be starting with the DVF team on April 11 - her birthday, to further develop her fashion industry experience and learn from one of the world's iconic designers and business woman.

Sylvia Lee, who has won various industry awards for design, courted controversy when she designed a see-through nude gown for Miss Universe Australia 2011. Worn by Scherri-Lee Biggs for the Miss Universe competition in Brazil last year, the $24K gown made international headlines, with claims that the dress was "too sexy" and "see-through" for prime time TV.

A last minute campaign and a change of heart by the show's producers eventually allowed Biggs to compete who made the semi finals.

The controversy seems to have done Sylvia a world of good. "I've been receiving a huge amount of enquiries from brides-to-be worldwide, asking for a replica of that dress", says Sylvia.

Since her Miss Universe success Sylvia has been in demand in the bridal and pageant circuit. She has also been in the celebrity dressing circles, recently dressing Lauryn Eagle for the up and coming Celebrity Apprentice Australia series.

Sylvia looks forward to her stint with Von Furstenberg and hopes to use this opportunity to enhance her skills and refine her craft. "Diane is an inspiration for me - she has been an influential industry figure for so long. Her career is one that I strive to emulate. She has a classic, timeless but always chic style and signature look that inspires me."

Expect big things from Sylvia on her return late July, when she will start working on the launch of her Spring/Summer 2013 collection.

"My collection then will be more refined, specialised and glamorous. This time around I will be focusing heavily on cocktail and evening dresses and aim to establish myself as the 'go to girl' for special occasion dressing."

As for New York, Sylvia plans to take a big bite out of the Big Apple with the ACER Tablet awarded by Acer ANZ- sponsors of the internship program.

"I'll be taking the dress with me in the hopes of collaborating with photographers and stylists and seeing how far I can go with that."

For more information visit Sylvia Lee's website at;
http://www.sylvialee.com

Or visit and Like Sylvia Lee Facebook page;
http://www.facebook.com/SylviaLeeDesigns

About Sylvia Lee

An engineer-turned-designer, Sylvia Lee is a pursuing her lifelong dream of creating ethereal, sensual, original and award winning designs that bring out a woman's true and purest beauty.

"For the pure passion and desire to create beautiful designs that evoke emotions and accentuate sensual femininity..."

Sylvia Lee Designs bring out a women's inner beauty to shine on the outside, and redefine the feminine form for the modern woman. It celebrates femininity while expressing the strength, integrity, sophistication, charm and allure of today's young women.

Source: Global Fashion Wire (http://www.globalfashionwire.com)

For more information contact:
Sylvia Lee
email: info@sylvialee.com
mobile: +61-433-771-731
http://www.sylvialee.com
http://www.youtube.com/sylvialeedesigns
http://www.facebook.com/sylvialeedesigns

Pamela Trantalles
Pam@FashionFuture.com.au

Global Fashion Wire
http://www.globalfashionwire.com

Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week - Meet The Designer: Ruth Tarvydas

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:03:52 GMT

(Global Fashion Wire/The Fashion Catalyst) - Tarvydas; Perth's answer to sexy, glamour gowns with a sometimes dark and edgy twist.

Adorned by starlets across the globe, when a Tarvydas signature gown walks a red carpet - everyone stops and stares! And when designer Ruth Tarvydas parades a collection on any runway, you can be sure an A-list celebrity will be opening the show - with a slew of others front row.

Starting out in the 1960's as "pop couture", the label was Australia's first to export overseas and was first stocked at London's Selfridges in 1983. The lucrative 40 career of Ruth Tarvydas has secured her a star on Perth's answer to European shopping; King Street, and has brought her media attention the world over.

Set to showcase the latest collection 'Dark Angels' at Savoir Faire Perth Fashion Week on Thursday 19th April at 9pm, Tarvydas also promises an after party every glamazon will remember for years to come.

Tickets are on sale now at Ticket Booth by following this link:
www.ticketbooth.com.au/event/preview/10274.

For more information on Ruth Tarvydas, visit:
http://www.ruthtarvydas.com/

To view more articles from The Fashion Catalyst, visit:
http://www.thefashioncatalyst.com

About Tarvydas

Tarvydas is the glamorous, edgy and sexy Australian label that is well known for creating amazing pieces that are exciting and ahead of the trends.

Pioneered by WA icon Ruth Tarvydas, Tarvydas has been in the headlines since 2004, when Rebecca Twigley turned heads at the Brownlow's in 'that red dress'. The label dominated once again this year when cricket WAG Jessica Bratich stole the show and made front page headlines throughout Australia, earning her lucrative offers and launching her into the spotlight.

The label started out in Australia in the late 60's with a teenage Ruth Tarvydas launching her range as fresh new take on 'pop couture' and has now expanded into a global company spanning Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the UK, France, Italy, Switzerland Greece, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and the USA. Ruth Tarvydas was the first Australian fashion label to export overseas and first stocked at Selfridges in London in 1983.

We have attracted many celebrity fans such as Emma Watson, Amy Winehouse, Jodie Kidd, Rachael Hunter and Australia's own Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins, pop stars Rihanna, Javine, and Girls Aloud to name a few. From specialist boutiques to department stores Ruth Tarvydas and the 'Ruthless' by Ruth Tarvydas collections continue to attract rave reviews - in the words of our dedicated clients "you transform the moment you slip on one of the pieces from this edgy, sexy, elegant and highly sought after label."

Vicky Sofield
Editor
The Fashion Catalyst
E: info@TheFashionCatalyst.com
http://www.thefashioncatalyst.com