From American Idol to Plus-Size Jeans Model

From American Idol to Plus-Size Jeans Model

LANE BRYANT Announces American Idol Finalist, Kimberley Locke, as New Spokeswoman for Designer Jeans Collection

NEW YORK, June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Lane Bryant, the nation's largest women's plus-size specialty apparel retailer, is proud to announce that Kimberley Locke, "American Idol" Finalist and Curb recording artist, will be the new face behind the retailer's Seven7(TM) designer jeans collection. Locke will appear in the new advertising and marketing campaign for the new Seven7(TM) Jean Collection, featuring designer styles and fit for plus-size women sizes 14-28 launching in Lane Bryant stores July 11th.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050629/NYW016 )

Customers will recognize Kimberley Locke as the talented and soulful vocalist from season two of FOX's "American Idol". Following "American Idol", Kimberley signed with Curb Records and released her debut album, One Love, in May 2004. Her first single from that album, 8th World Wonder, debuted at number one on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles Sales list.

"Being in the public eye gives me the opportunity to show people that women who are just like me, who are curvy, voluptuous, and have full figures can be beautiful, too," says Locke.

Lane Bryant, known for designing figure-flattering jeans for plus-size women, has created the Seven7(TM) jeans with special details such as whiskering, rhinestone embellishments and embroidered pockets. Each pair is beaten and faded by hand to create an authentic vintage look. Darker colors and a stretch fabric that retains its shape make this jean both stylish and comfortable. Available in an assortment of washes including Ink, Pacific and Thunder, Seven7(TM) jeans can be worn with a casual top for an afternoon shopping trip or dressed up for a night out on the town. Customers will find a variety of styles and washes in prices ranging from $79.50 to $99.50.

The Seven7(TM) Collection also features a line of tops to compliment the new jean styles. Customers will find various styles including sleeveless lace tops, printed wrap blouses, and embellished mesh tunics. The Seven7(TM) tops are available in a variety of summer and fall colors ranging in price from $49.50 to $59.50.

"We are excited to have Kimberley Locke as the new spokeswoman for our Seven7(TM) jeans," says Lorna Nagler, president of Lane Bryant. "We believe that Kimberley is a great talent and a great beauty who will be a perfect role model for our curvy customers."

Kimberley Locke will be making special in-store appearances at select Lane Bryant stores across the country. Customers looking to meet the new model can log onto http://www.lanebryant.com/ for more information. The entire Seven7(TM) jeans and top collection will be available at Lane Bryant stores nationwide as well as online at lanebryant.com beginning July 11th.

With over 700 stores, Lane Bryant, the nation's largest women's plus-size specialty apparel retailer, provides stylish, high-quality fashion for plus-size women in sizes 14-28. Lane Bryant offers a wide selection of apparel from career to casual-as well as accessories, hosiery and intimate apparel.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050629/NYW016 AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN3 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Lane Bryant

CONTACT: Erin Serrano, Publicist, Lane Bryant, +1-212-279-2183

Web site: http://www.lanebryant.com/

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