Trip to Costa Rican Rain Forest Spurs New Fashion Design Business for Massachusetts Woman

News Release            
                        
For more information, contact:

Jean Clement, Limelight
(909) 679-6388
jean@limelightpr.com

NEEDHAM, MA, May 16, 2000 -- While some businesses trace their beginnings to a garage, the origin of Belle von der Goltz Designs is more spectacular. When founder Belle von der Goltz witnessed the breathtaking flora and fauna of Braulio Carrillo National Park, a rain forest in Costa Rica, from the parks aerial tram, she knew she wanted more than photographs to remember her trip. Assuming other travelers did as well, Belle, who has a passion for fine scarves, thought a wearable, packable souvenir would be the ideal solution. Her "Rain Forest" 100% silk scarf, featuring a brilliant blue macaw and the bold, beautiful colors of the rain forest, has been a hit with tourists to the national park.

Belle von der Goltz Designs (www.bellescarves.com) now offers an exclusive line of five exquisite silk scarves for the discerning woman. The four latest designs take the wearer to centuries past with an artists intricate renditions of 15th century Venice ("Gondolieri"), ancient Greece ("Corinthia"), King Arthurs court ("Tapestry"), and the Dutch monarchy ("Caravelle"). The scarves are produced in the Far East of 100% silk twill. They measure 36 inches square and feature hand-rolled edges, rich color saturation, and clarity of print.

"Producing the Rain Forest scarf was so fulfilling that I knew I wanted to create others incorporating my love of art and history and my travels," Belle says. "I have always loved scarves; for me they are the ultimate accessory."

Born in the United States a descendant of Mary Chilton who came to the U.S. on the Mayflower, Belle lived and studied in Europe and Latin America. She has traveled extensively and speaks five languages.

"Im thrilled with the response my scarves have received," Belle adds. "Im honored that some women, instead of wearing them, have chosen to use them to decorate their homes, either as framed art for their walls or as pillow covers for their sofas."

The scarves range in price from $150 (Rain Forest in cotton) to $190 and can be purchased directly from Belle von der Goltz Designs through the companys web site, http://www.bellescarves.com.

Belle von der Goltz in 1998 founded Belle von der Goltz Designs in Needham, MA, a suburb of Boston. She has studied at Parsons School of Design in New York and was a fashion model and pop recording artist while living in Europe. In addition to operating her company, Belle is anchor for Media One/Channel 3 News in Needham and is co-host of "Onscreen," Channel 3s monthly movie review.

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