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AMERICASMART Celebrates Accomplished Formalwear Designers, Retailers Creating a Lasting Impact on the Industry

August 8, 2006

ATLANTA, August 2006—For more than a decade AMERICASMART-ATLANTA has honored special occasion and formalwear designers and retailers for their dedication and commitment to the apparel industry. This year, during the Atlanta Women’s & Children’s Market®, PREMIERE® and AMERICASMART FirstLOOK®, August 24—28, the celebration continues with the official announcement of the 11th Annual DIVA award nominees.

The DIVA awards spotlight distinguished designers and retailers in the following categories: bridal, prom, pageantry and special occasion. The most recent designer category, Quinceañera, was unveiled last year powered by the overwhelming demand for these occasion-specific dresses and accessories. Additionally in the retailer category, AMERICASMART honors three rising stars that have made a quick impression on others within the industry.

DIVA nominees are strategically selected by an independent panel of prominent specialty retailers and industry experts making up the 2006 DIVA Nomination Committee. The 2006 DIVA winners will be chosen by their peers as well as a committee comprised of the industry’s top media. Winners will be announced during an elegant ceremony held on Thursday evening, Oct. 19, 2006 in conjunction with the Atlanta Women’s & Children’s Apparel/Accessories Market® featuring Bridal (Oct. 19—22).

The 2006 DIVA Designer nominees are:

Bridal

• Maggie Sottero
• Allure
• Casablanca
• Mary’s Bridal

Brides Maides

• Alfred Angelo
• Forever Yours
• Beloise
• Tiffany

Prom

• Jovani
• Alyce
• Mori Lee

Quinceañera

• Mori Lee
• Alyce
• Tiffany

Mother of the Bride

• Montage
• Ursula of Switzerland
• Tadashi

Shoes

• Touch-ups by Benny Walk
• Coloriffics
• Dyeables

Flower Girl

• Tip Top Kids
• Daydream Heirlooms
• Mon Cheri

Pageantry

• Sherri Hill
• Claires
• Landa
• Tony Bowls Collection

Special Occasion

• La Femme
• Nicole Bakti
• Badgley Mischka

In addition to the esteemed and accomplished designers, AMERICASMART also honors retailers that have made an impact within the industry. The 2006 DIVA Retailer nominees are:

Prom

• All the Rage
• Dimitra’s Designs
• Elizabeth Michaels

Bridal

• Treasures Formal & Bridal
• Catan Bridal
• Jewel’s Bridal Boutique

Special Occasion

• Zola Keller
• Susan Lee
• Susan Rose

Rising Star

• Sarasota Bride
• Heyward & Hanna
• The White Room

Pageant

• Gregory Ellenburg
• The Crowning Touch
• Regalia

For more information on AMERICASMART-ATLANTA and its annual markets, please call 1-800-ATL-MART or visit the new and revamped AmericasMart.com.To obtain media credentials, contact Tara Tuschinski at ttuschinski@americasmart.com or 404-220-2384.

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AMERICASMART-ATLANTA is the largest wholesale marketplace of its kind in the world, and is a leading international market source for a wide variety of consumer goods. It hosts 23 wholesale markets and six Market Wednesdays that annually attract more than 548,000 attendees from every U.S. state and 80 countries.

The Atlanta Women’s & Children’s Apparel/Accessories Market®, held five times a year, showcases more than 11,000 apparel lines, represented in 48 categories of merchandise. The offerings are further enhanced by an expansive collection of temporary product, which occupies more than 500 exhibit booths during each Market.

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