NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Haute Hippie fashion house ( www.hautehippie.com ) this evening hosted an exclusive reception at its new Manhattan showroom to present the 2017 Spring Collection, and to introduce the brands new creative and management team to top fashion influencers and industry executives. The Haute Hippie brand, which was acquired late last year by an investment group, has been dramatically expanding its retail presence behind new collections designed by new Creative Director and top designer Cady Vaccaro, as well as an infusion of both financial and human capital to support strategic initiatives including an omni-channel sales strategy, expanded marketing programs and new fashion/retail management executives. The brand recently launched its new e-commerce website ( www.hautehippie.com ) which has been well received by customers and delivered its strongest online sales ever during the Black Friday holiday weekend. Digital customers took advantage of exclusive offers on current collections and one of a kind Haute Hippie pieces as well as on the bestselling styles that the brand has built its reputation on. Creative Director Cady Vaccaro describes the look as "eclectic and luxurious, while maintaining a strong sense comfort and leisure". Vaccaro describes the brand as "gypset", a term that is an amalgamation of "jet set luxury fashion and gypsy free-spiritedness". Ms. Vaccaro, joined Haute Hippie in 2016 as the Creative Director and principal designer for the label. Previously, Vaccaro was one of the lead designers at Alice + Olivia serving for almost 10 years and contributing to the success and growth of that brand. Vaccaro said, "I love this iconic brand and I look forward to bringing continuing to bring my vision for the brand to life going forward." Haute Hippie also announced its new top management team which includes Ms. Sandy Sholl as CEO, Mr. Husein Jafferjee as COO and Mr. Gary Epstein as EVP. Ms. Sholl is a visionary leader and highly trusted influencer who has pioneered cultural movements in the fashion industry for more than 30 years. As an investor/owner of Haute Hippie, Sandy has taken on the role of CEO, managing the business and the long-term growth strategy for the brand. As Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the MadaLuxe Group, Sandy continues to build the company she started as an innovative global leader in the luxury fashion space while actively running North America's largest distributor of luxury fashion and accessories for men and women. Mr. Jafferjee has served as chairman of the board of Haute Hippie since early in 2016 and has recently taken on the role of COO at the fashion label, managing day to day operations. Mr. Jafferjee remains on the board of alice + olivia where he served as the chief operating officer from 2009 to 2015 during its rapid growth. He is recognized for being instrumental in building the infra structure, that helped drive the company to over $250 million in retail sales today. Jafferjee has held similar roles at theory, helmut lang and Jbrand. Prior to alice + olivia, Mr. Jafferjee spent nine years at Elie Tahari, and was the executive vice president responsible for overseeing all non-design aspects of the business. Husein is a well-known leader in the industry having spent years at theory, Helmut Lang, J Brand, Mexx and Henri Bendel. Mr. Epstein is serving as the EVP and interim Chief Marketing Officer for Haute Hippie, and a board liaison for Hilco Global - the largest investor behind the label. Epstein will build a marketing team with responsibility for all the marketing including advertising, e-commerce, social media, as well as other management responsibilities for the company. Mr. Epstein will continue his current role as EVP at Hilco Global with responsibility for business development, branding, market research, and communications at the multi-million-dollar financial services company. Ms Sholl – CEO at Haute Hippie said "This is an exciting time for this iconic brand. The Haute Hippie label is a highly recognized within the advanced contemporary/luxury marketplace with a loyal customer base." The brand currently has a strong retail presence, selling its collections in over 150 stores throughout the United States. Currently the label is sold in countries globally and featured in department stores such as Neiman Marcus. Sholl continued, "This iconic brand has a strong retail network and a passionate following around the world. We believe there is significant growth potential for Haute Hippie and we plan to continue to add new creative and financial support to fuel our growth plan". Haute Hippie opened its new corporate office, show room and design centre in Manhattan's Flat Iron District at 15 W. 27th Street. Media Contact: Gary C. Epstein 847 418 2712 gary@hautehippie.com
Gary Epstein 847 418 2712
