PitchandShip.com

Fashionista Blog Interviews Shoshanna Gruss about New QVC Line

Leading up to the debut of her new fashion jewelry collection on QVC, Shoshanna Gruss was interviewed by Fashionista, and revealed that she and her fellow designer and mentor, Judith Ripka, share not just the same dog-walking routes on New York’s upper east side, but also the same choice of dog breeds.  They both have Maltese dogs.  There is little new in this short interview, but one tid-bit stands out.  Shoshanna reveals that, as a young woman, she had trouble finding clothing that made her feel good, despite the benefits of a privileged upbringing.  She attributes her success to the making of an inclusive fashion line that can be comfortably worn by women of all shapes and sizes.  Fashionista Aug. 10, 2010

Judith Ripka Mentoring Shoshanna Gruss on her New Fashion Jewelry Line for QVC

Veteran fine jewelry designer Judith Ripka, who has sold her own line on QVC since the late 90s, helped fashion designer Shoshana Gruss with the creation of her first jewelry line, which will debut on QVC, August 10th.  The two designers met several years ago through mutual friends and reportedly see each other while walking their dogs on Manhattan’s upper east side.  About Gruss’s new line for QVC, Ripka said, “Shoshanna is the creative vision, and I mentor her…in the fundamentals of jewelry design.”  When QVC’s executive vice president of design, development and global sourcing, Doug Howe, was asked if Gruss’s new line represented an attempt to target a younger demographic, he demurred.  “It’s not necessarily a concerted effort to be younger…the strategy is to continue to be relevant.”  Women’s Wear Daily Aug. 5, 2010

Priscilla Presley to Launch New Jewelry Collection on QVC, August 9th

Actress, author and widow to the King of Rock and Roll, Priscilla Presley is scheduled to introduce The Priscilla Presley Jewelry Collection — featuring necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets inspired by the style icon’s personal experiences — on QVC next Monday, August 9 at 9 AM (ET).  The line was developed in partnership with bsp, a Los Angeles-based brand extension and business development firm, who announced the premiere in a press release today.  According to the company’s website, their other celebrity-brand clients include: Britney Spears, Sheryl Crow and the AMC’s Mad Men television series.

Glamour Jewelry Collection to Debut on HSN, August 18th

The Glamour Jewelry Collection — part of the Condé Nast magazine’s new merchandising push — will debut on HSN, August 18th, at 2am EDT, and will be offered for sale on-line beginning August 3rd.  In a statement released today, John Bosco, SVP of merchandising at HSN, said, “We are excited to offer our customers an exclusive jewelry collection from Glamour that captures this season’s must-have trends and styles … In working with one of today’s top fashion publications, we are confident this collection will appeal to HSN’s consumers and integrate seamlessly with our existing … jewelry pieces.”  The collection is the first deal HSN has struck with a publication to create a namesake line.  HSN Press Release Jul. 22, 2010

Designer Arnold Scaasi to Retire from Dress-Making

Famed, longtime designer Arnold Scaasi announced on Monday that he will be closing his made-to-order dress business, although he plans to continue his fashion jewelry line, which he pitches on HSN.  Scaasi has crafted couture dresses for New York society women and personalities ranging from Barbara Streisand to Barbara Bush for more than five decades.  The New York Times  Jul. 19, 2010

QVC Schedules Cat Deeley Premiere for Friday, June 18 at 4 PM (ET).

The fashionable, So You Think You Can Dance host has created a vintage jewelry collection for the network, which has delighted Debra Puzio, director of merchandising for QVC.  She said, “”Cat is the perfect addition to our list of A-list designers … We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with her on her exciting new venture.”  QVC Press Release Jun. 16, 2010

UK Newspaper Advises on World Cup Football-Inspired Fashions

One of the recommendations, coming under the heading of “subtle support,” is a Butler & Wilson Crystal Union Jack bangle, offered for sale for £76.50 at QVC UK.  Coming under “fearless fan” are such things as a Union Jack scarf (pictured left).  The Flintshire Chronicle (UK) Jun. 7, 2010

“Mrs. Donald No. 3″ to Pitch Jewelry on QVC

Van Cleef & Arpels Kicks Heidi Klum Out of QVC Clover Business

A suit brought by French jewelry giant Van Cleef & Arpels alleges that cloverleaf designs in The Heidi Klum Collection — which had been sold on QVC — infringe on their trademark designs.  Klum has cried foul, but has pulled out of pitching the line on QVC.  Fabsugar asks whether discontinuing the lines is tantamount to an admission of guild by Klum in a poll here. New York Daily News Aug. 10, 2009

HSN Counters Oscars with Paula Abdul Jewelry and Accessories

Paula Abdul’s Forever Your Girl line of jewelry and accessories will be offered Sunday, Feb. 22, at four different times: midnight to 2 AM, 10 AM to noon, 4 to 5 PM, and 9 – 11 PM.  OK! Magazine Feb. 20, 2009  Also, a pumped-up Paula tells People magazine that the line will soon extend into fragrance and active wear.  People Feb. 20, 2009