Recognition Group Press Release
December 16, 2004NEW YORK, December 17, 2004 – Lil' Kim, together with World Recognition International (WRI), today announced a long-term partnership to launch her own clothing collection.
The line combines runway-inspired fashion with quality and affordability, and is called "Hollyhood" – a name that honors both Lil' Kim’s Brooklyn Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood and classic Hollyhood style. Manufactured by WRI and designed by Lil' Kim for the trendy fashionista, the debut collection of tops, denim, active and fashion wear for women will be available at select specialty and department stores worldwide in Fall 2005.
"I've always expressed my love for fashion through my music," says Lil' Kim. "I am thrilled to now have the platform through World Recognition International to create a high-quality collection of clothes for trend-setting women throughout the world. "Hollyhood" is a label for those who believe in my philosophy that there are no rules when it comes to fashion—it's about having fun and choosing to dress in a way that makes you feel good."
"World Recognition International is excited to partner with an innovative personality, such as Lil' Kim, who enjoys worldwide celebrity, a cross-pollinated fan base, and an impressive track record as an influential tastemaker in the fashion industry," said Neil Mossberg, CEO of WRI. "Armed with an industry-leading clothing production team and investor group, World Recognition International is well equipped to bring Lil' Kim's vision to life."
For the first time ever, the superstar’s cutting edge style will be translated into designs executed with the highest quality fabrics and detailed finishes. Lil’ Kim will work in conjunction with WRI to turn her unparalleled fashion sense into an entire lifestyle inspired brand. Backed by WRI's elite infrastructure of sales, distribution and marketing, the "Hollyhood" collection will make its debut at the Magic Trade Show in Las Vegas in February 2005.
“With the launch of this new collection, WRI celebrates the mystique of Lil' Kim – a style icon whose reputation is unrivaled as a visionary in contemporary fashion," comments NaVell Shorter, General Manager of WRI. "I did not want to rush into the fashion industry until I felt that I had the right team behind me," said Lil’ Kim. “WRI is that team.”
"Hollyhood’s" debut collection will feature 40 separate pieces in its core collection, which will include t-shirts, denim, active and fashion wear for women, ages 16 - 36, with retail prices ranging from $25 to $200. Additionally, a more upscale and limited edition collection designed with special attention by Lil" Kim, ranging from $75 to $2000 retail, will premier at better designer trade shows later in 2005.
About World Recognition International
World Recognition International, LLC (WRI) is an investment vehicle formed to capitalize on the growing market for celebrity-driven apparel brands. WRI provides turn-key production, sales and marketing infrastructure for new clothing collections. WRI is led by a team including entrepreneur & venture capitalist Kaleil Isaza Tuzman, brand specialist & former VIBE Magazine CEO Keith Clinkscales (Chairman), urban fashion veterans Neil Mossberg (CEO) and NaVell Shorter (General Manager). Winner Communications is WRI’s media partner. Developed by New York-based merchant bank Recognition Group, WRI's first venture is the formation of Lil' Kim's contemporary clothing collection "Hollyhood." For more information, visit www.wrint.com.