"Celebration of American Style" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. (PRNewsFoto)
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Cotton Incorporated Honors Fashion Designers At Its 14th 'Celebration of American Style'
MONTVALE, N.J (PRNewswire) October 31, 2002 - Five fashion designers were honored Thursday, December 5, 2002 as fashion industry leaders gathered for a gala evening at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, for Cotton Incorporated's 14th "Celebration of American Style".
"Cotton Incorporated has a long history of working with key designers. The five designers showcased tonight continue that tradition. They are today's most distinctive and talented designers, and have been singled out because they not only embody the spirit of American style, but also serve as inspiration to the young designers of tomorrow," praised J. Berrye Worsham, president and chief executive officer, Cotton Incorporated.
Those chosen this year were Kenth Andersson, Stephen Hardy for Squeeze, Jerry Kaye for Perry Ellis, Lilly Pulitzer and Lars Nilsson for Bill Blass. The highlight of the evening was a specially produced fashion presentation, "The Best In American Cotton Design", featuring vignettes of each honoree's designs.
Kenth Andersson's successful philosophy is that he designs clothes to compliment a woman's style, never to overpower her. His made-to-order collections have a loyal following of professional and high profile women. In 2001, Andersson expanded into ready-to-wear with distribution in the retail market. "Colorful cotton fabrics dazzle the eye and go beyond the imagination for the ultimate in luxurious comfort and long-lasting sophistication," explained Andersson of his relationship in designing primarily in cotton fabrics.
Stephen Hardy for Squeeze is the first in junior clothing to present a truly designer approach to denim. Squeeze's made-to-order collection features one-of-a-kind pieces, embraced by celebrities such as Destiny's Child, Britney Spears and Brandy. Hardy's ready-to-wear line focuses on up-to-the-minute trends, washes and silhouettes. The designer stated, "Cotton, the king of versatility -- always fashionable, always forward."
Jerry Kaye, executive vice president and design director for Perry Ellis Menswear, has been at the helm of one of America's legendary menswear manufacturers for the last six years. Kaye has infused the line with his own sophisticated wit and creativity, never veering from the original philosophy behind the Perry Ellis collection -- that the clothes remain wearable and classic, while modern with the highest quality of fabrications. "The softness and durability of cotton makes it an ideal starting point for designing my collection," noted Kaye.
For Lilly Pulitzer, it all started with a fruit stand in Palm Beach and ended up with the now famous "Lillys." Her first dress was designed to camouflage fruit stains: a comfortable sleeveless shift made of bright, colorful printed cotton in pink, green, yellow and orange. Before long, everyone wanted one, including school chum Jackie Kennedy. True American classics, the Lilly Pulitzer collection is more popular than ever as a new generation discovers its timeless quality and spirit of fun. Lilly says it best, "Versatile and comfortable, cotton suits us and our customer because it's often associated with the happy times of life."
Lars Nilsson was appointed head designer for Bill Blass, Ltd. in January 2001. He came to the position with quite a designer pedigree, having worked in Paris for several prominent courtiers. Moving to New York at the end of the 1990s, Nilsson became design director for Ralph Lauren women's wear. Immersing himself in New York culture and history, he refined his understanding of the modern American woman and how fashion fits into her lifestyle. With his first collection for the house of Bill Blass, he honors the late designer's spirit of timeless elegance, while offering his own prescription of style for today's clients. Nilsson commented, "Combining cottons with silk fabrics offered a very contemporary and elegant feel to this resort collection."
"Amongst fashion's most original talents today, each of these five designers brings a unique and distinct perspective to his or her designs, yet they have one thing in common -- they all love to work in cotton, from basics to haute couture. A 'Celebration of American Style' is a salute to the imagination and vision of the best and brightest in design," heralded Ira Livingston, senior vice president, consumer marketing, Cotton Incorporated. "In addition to the spotlight at the Metropolitan Museum event, each designer has been invited to design a unique outfit for our trade advertising campaign."
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