FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
contact: Maria Palombini
Couture Marketing Director
maria.palombini@nielsen.com

COUTURE DESIGNERS SEE A 20% SURGE IN RETAILER APPOINTMENTS ON OPENING DAY
Top Retailers Arrive in Large Numbers at Couture 2009 for First Access to Debut Collections from the World's Most Exclusive Designers and Brands

(Las Vegas, NV, May 29)--- Once again, Couture, now in its 14th year as the ultimate destination for jewelry and timepiece design, opened its doors to world’s leading retailers eagerly waiting to see the most exquisite and intricate collections at the most anticipated jewelry event of 2009. Couture’s most coveted Cornerstone and VIP retailers utilized a full day of appointments ensuring first  access to debut collections and fashion-forward designs.

Isaac Levy, founder of Yvel, unveiled his new Daniel by Yvel collection yesterday and saw a great response. “We were overwhelmed today. We had people lining up at the booth, literally lining up,” said Levy.

Retailers have been very responsive to many of the new lines being shown at Couture. Craig Rottenberg of Long’s Jewelers says, “We are thrilled to see the designers really having embraced the “new consumer paradigm.  The pieces we are seeing here at Couture are beautifully styled and are at the perfect price point. They’re spot on”. He went on to share his insight on current economic conditions by simply saying, “There is a light at the end of the tunnel and it’s not too far away!”

"As challenging as the last nine months have been for many, being at Couture together has reinforced how important it is for the Couture community to network and strategize about their businesses in both short and long terms," said Liz Hitchcock, Group Show Director of Couture events. We developed many additional networking opportunities, aside from the show floor, including key educational components like America’s Best Jeweler peer to peer educational sessions to make sure everyone has a real chance to meet and spend time with old friends and new.” 

Robin Levinson of Levinson’s Jewelers was delighted to see everyone come to Couture 2009. Levinson says. “I know what a challenge the last nine months have been for our industry and seeing all my peers here at Couture creates a great positive energy.”

Couture officially welcomed the Couture community on Wednesday evening, including the design stars of the jewelry world, key members of consumer and trade press, and cornerstone and VIP retailers. “VIP’s” joined more than the 200 leading brands and designers to honor the 39 nominees of the Couture Design Awards 2009. Casino mogul, Steve Wynn, kicked off the evening’s festivities welcoming Couture back to the magnificent Wynn and shared his perspective on the shifting sands in the luxury market. Jill Zarin, star of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” made a surprise visit and hosted the nominations for the Couture Design Awards 2009. Best in Category Winners will be announced at the much-anticipated Couture Design Awards Ceremony taking place on Saturday, May 30 at the Encore.

For real-time Couture 2009 updates follow Victoria Gomelsky, editor-at-large of Nielsen Jewelry Group, on Twitter. To follow Victoria's tweets either search her full name (Victoria Gomelsky) or look her up under the user name @vika22 on twitter.

Couture 2009 continues through Tuesday, June 2, 2009 For up-to-date information about the events at Couture, visit www.couture09.com.

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About Couture 2009

Couture is the world's most exclusive annual collection of leading international design icons and emerging stars designers and the best of Couture retailers. Set in the magnificent Wynn Resorts, Couture is the only destination where more than 85% of the world's most recognized designers and brands exclusively choose to show during Las Vegas Market Week. Now in its 14th year, Couture continues to be the benchmark for the industry standard for excellence making it the unparalleled event experience for the most prestigious designers and retailers in the world. Couture is an event produced by Nielsen Business Media.

About Nielsen Business Media

Nielsen Business Media, a part of The Nielsen Company, is a leading market-focused provider of integrated information and sales and marketing solutions, helping businesses go to market more effectively and efficiently. Serving more than 30 individual industries, spanning entertainment, media and marketing, retail, travel and performance and design, Nielsen Business Media provides business-to-business products and services in print, online and in person. With more than 40 publications, over 135 trade shows and conferences, and 195 digital products and services, Nielsen Business Media offers insight, analysis and face-to-face contacts to help professionals better understand their markets, serve their customers and grow their businesses.