SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VÆL PROJECT, an emerging men’s footwear and accessory collection, is pleased to announce the formation of their creative advisory board. “We have put together an advisory board of iconoclasts who represent the best and most creative minds in the fashion industry,” states M Coleman Horn, the founder and Creative Director of VÆL. “These are pioneers in the fashion industry that are undeniably in a league of their own and VÆL is fortunate to have their support and expertise as a driving force behind our success as a new brand.”

The VÆL Creative Board of Advisors is as follows:

Shawn Stussy, who is often referred to as the “Godfather of Streetwear”, stemming from his iconic, namesake brand, Stussy. Stussy systemically changed the fashion industry with the launch of his line in 1984 and quickly became one of the most influential designers of streetwear. His pioneering nature, die-hard entrepreneurial spirit, and meticulous eye for detail make him a profound influencer on the strategic direction of VÆL.

Mossimo Giannuli was the youngest CEO to bring his million-dollar company to the NYSE in 1995. He challenged the status quo of streetwear fashion when he created his self-titled brand, “Mossimo”, to be one of the top grossing streetwear companies in the world and currently holds an exclusive license agreement with Target Stores. Presently, he has significant interest in Paul Frank and Modern Amusement. Mr. Giannuli brings to the board a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide and foster the explosive development of VÆL.

Thom McElroy has brought the youth market to the masses through his creative design and advertising approach over the past 19 years. McElroy formed his design firm, McElroy Design, in 1989 and sold it 10 years later to Foote, Cone, and Belding. Thom then co-founded Volcom, a youth lifestyle label whose initial impact on streetwear and action sports are still reverberating loudly today. His experience and visionary approach to branding are an incredible asset to VÆL.

Robert Beauchamp was the Fashion Editor of GQ Magazine and the Editorial Fashion Director for Esquire Magazine. He is the founder of the international marketing firm, Beauchamp-Mastronardi & Associates and currently is the Luxury Market Consultant to American Express. Bob yields his unmistakable eye for fashion will help ensure that VÆL’s design consistently challenge industry trends and pushes the creative evolution of the brand’s staple silhouettes. In addition, his extensive press experience will ensure that VÆL is consistently illustrating the most effective placement of the brand.

McElroy states, “I am happy to put my creative resources and extensive experience toward a company that I see is as capable as VÆL and poised to have a significant and lasting impact on the world of fashionable, functional men’s footwear and accessories.”

Industry buyers and press are eager to view the latest designs by VÆL in the recently released Spring 2010 Line. SP10 is VÆL’s answer to a footwear market caught in the doldrums where both style and value have been compromised. The VÆL SP10 line gives customers more aggressive design cues underscored by premium US hide leathers, Vibram™ soles and US leather thong laces. The complex textures and colors of the SP10 line, subtly contoured by custom perforated leather, give the shoes and the wearer unparalleled value by delivering designs that break away from the monochromatic trend. Highlights include a natural cork footbed on VÆL’s first open-toed sandal, technical runners, and in an industry first vulcanization process set on Vibram™ outsoles.

PROJECT Show Presence

VÆL has been selected as the PROJECT trade show's exclusive footwear partner in the "Special Cut" initiative for the 2009 PROJECT Las Vegas. Upcoming opportunities to see the SP10 line and meet the designer and principals of the firm are presently scheduled in New York City July 20 - 22; and Las Vegas, NV September 1 – 3.

About VÆL Project

VÆL Project is a men’s footwear and accessory collection designed to have an iconic impact on the global creative class. VÆL designs are a unique blend of the urbane and the streetwise and appeal to the demands of the most discerning fashion forward consumer. VÆL designs are carefully crafted from concept to completion using materials of unsurpassed quality. VÆL undertakes each design project with a commitment to best practices in human rights and ecological responsibility.

More information on the PROJECT SHOW, Las Vegas is available at: www.projectshow.com

Contacts :

VÆL Project
James Vaccaro, Director of Marketing at VÆL
310-228 7839
james@vaelproject.com