Liz Claiborne Inc. Names Deborah Lloyd Co-President, Creative Director for Kate Spade

NEW YORK, Oct. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Liz Claiborne Inc. today announced that Deborah Lloyd will join Kate Spade as Co-President, Creative Director, effective November 1, 2007. Ms. Lloyd, who was previously EVP, Design and Product Development at Banana Republic, will oversee all creative aspects of the Kate Spade and Jack Spade Brands, including, product design, merchandising, creative services and public relations. Ms. Lloyd will report directly to William L. McComb, Chief Executive Officer of Liz Claiborne Inc.

Ms. Lloyd joins Kate Spade after a six year tenure at Banana Republic where she had responsibility for driving design for all products, for both the Women's and Men's businesses, including accessories and fragrance. Prior to Banana Republic, she spent five years at Burberry, where she was instrumental in re-launching Burberry's Women's London Collection, while working closely with Rose Marie Bravo in reinvigorating that business.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. McComb said: "Kate Spade is an important brand with considerable growth potential. It is at a unique stage in its development and requires significant focus and supervision to take it to the next level. With her vast industry experience, unquestionable design talent and ability to drive, articulate and execute a cohesive vision, Deborah Lloyd is one of few people who can take us there. Not only is she creatively versatile, but she thinks and acts like a merchant and has the intuitive ability to embrace both what Kate and Andy developed, as well as the overall power of this brand. Deborah naturally resonates to this consumer and her creative stewardship and proven track record make her the perfect choice for this co-president role. We are thrilled to have her as part of our team."

Ms. Lloyd said: "This opportunity came at a time when only something as creative and entrepreneurial as this could have pulled me away from my present role. What was so compelling was the instant connection that I had to the brand, and I love what it stands for. I really believe Kate Spade is a jewel, and I am very excited to further develop it as a lifestyle brand."

Mr. McComb added: "We are still in the process of identifying a co-president for Deborah, someone who will complement her strengths and bring additional vision to the entire operation. Until that person is named, Michael Blitzer, who has been serving in that role on an interim basis, will continue. Although Kate and Andy Spade are not part of the day-to-day business, they remain involved in the advisory board that provides strategic and creative insight for the brand as we continue to grow the business."

Liz Claiborne Inc. designs and markets an extensive range of branded women's and men's apparel, accessories and fragrance products. Our diverse portfolio of quality brands -- available domestically and internationally via wholesale and retail channels -- consistently meets the widest range of consumers' fashion needs, from classic to contemporary, active to relaxed and denim to streetwear. For more information, visit http://www.lizclaiborneinc.com/.