PROFILE AWARDS HONORS FIRST TIME EXHIBITORS AHLSTRÖM DESIGNS BEST IN ACCESSORIES SHOW AT INDUSTRY 212

Hot new jewelry design company bursts onto the New York fashion scene with award-winning collection and celebrity placements.

The Profile Awards were announced during a special reception held on the first day of Industry (212), New York's largest apparel and accessories show, which took place at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, September 29- October 1, 2003. With ten categories that recognize achievement across the Accessories, Junior, Casual Lifestyle/Better, Young Contemporary/Contemporary and Streetwear markets, the Profile Awards have not only become a much anticipated highlight of the show, but also an accurate barometer of some of the hottest trends in the fastest-growing segments in the fashion marketplace.

The distinguished panel of fashionista judges consisting of Joiee Thorpe, Associate Accessories Editor, Teen People, Stephanie Romano, Fashion Editor, Tobe Report and Donna McCoy, Fashion Market Editor, Honey, winnowed a field of more than 700 exhibitors to select the designers and brands featuring the most important looks and styles for the Resort 2003 and Spring 2004 seasons. The clear Lucite award featured a silhouette of a dress form with a hanger on top and the New York skyline etched in its center.

First-time exhibitor at the Industry 212 trade show, Ahlström Designs, which showed its line of trendy and chic couture inspired accessories, won the award for Best of Accessories. What set apart the Ahlström line from the others was the tremendous amount of interest shown by many Hollywood celebrities wearing the line.

"I have been an artist for my entire life, and to win an award for my jewelry designs was an amazing moment for me. The Profile Award for Best Accessories in the Industry 212 Show is an award that recognizes the hottest trends in design. I am looking forward to continuing this success with my future lines," states Cindy Ahlström, designer.

Chief Operating Officer of Ahlström Designs, Susan Ahlström adds, "It was a thrilling moment when they placed the award and ribbon in our hands on Monday night in front of the buyers and our fellow exhibitors on the floor of the show. We were proud to receive the Profile award from the distinguished judges on the Industry 212 panel. To be recognized as an industry leader in fashion accessories is very important to a new company, and to win this award with our first collection is especially gratifying as we establish Ahlström Designs as the leader in bringing couture fashion trends to affordable and wearable fashion jewelry and accessories each season."

Industry (212) is an affiliate of MAGIC International, a subsidiary of Advanstar Communications. MAGIC International is the world's largest and most widely recognized organizer of trade shows in the apparel industry. For more information on Industry (212), please visit www.industry212.com. For more information on MAGIC International, visit www.magiconline.com.

Ahlström Designs is a boutique jewelry design firm located in historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, across the Potomac River from our Nations Capital, Washington DC.

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