NEW YORK, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Jones Apparel Group
(NYSE: JNY) today announced the launch of Bandolino apparel.  Building on the 30-year heritage of Bandolino footwear, the apparel line will be available to major department store customers during November market and in-stores for Fall 2003.  Bandolino apparel will be a perfect complement to the very successful footwear line targeting today's modern consumer at a moderate price point. According to Lynne Fish, President of Moderate Apparel Brands, Bandolino's strong presence in department stores creates an exciting platform of consumer acceptance and desire upon which to leverage an apparel introduction.

Peter Boneparth, President and CEO, Jones Apparel Group, Inc., added, The launch of Bandolino apparel is indicative of the power of our brands and our ability to create opportunities across the multiple core competencies of the Jones Apparel Group.  Bandolino's long tradition and strong brand awareness are hallmarks of what the consumer is seeking.

Targeting the fashion aware, moderate consumer, Bandolino apparel will deliver versatility and functionality while offering a wide assortment of jackets, pants, skirts, sweaters, and blouses.  Accessibly priced, Bandolino apparel will provide a well-edited assortment utilizing seasonless fabrics with stretch, novelty textures, embroidery details, and color accents. Bandolino's new apparel line will deliver the current fashion trends for multiple uses from career to weekend to special occasion.

A focused key item marketing program, Bandolino's Best will offer the consumer seasonal must have items relevant to in-season trends. Bandolino's Best is a quick edit of the most current trends and offers the consumer easy to understand direction.  Bandolino apparel will be supported by national advertising in key fashion magazines, as well as by in-store fixture programs and POS graphics.

Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (www.jny.com), a Fortune 500 Company, is a leading designer and marketer of branded apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company's nationally recognized brands include:  Jones New York; Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Ralph by Ralph Lauren, and Polo Jeans Company, which are licensed from Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation; Evan-Picone, Rena Rowan, Norton McNaughton, Gloria Vanderbilt, Erika, l.e.i., Energie, Currants, Jamie Scott, Todd Oldham, Nine West, Easy Spirit, Enzo Angiolini, Bandolino, Napier and Judith Jack.  The Company also markets costume jewelry under the Tommy Hilfiger brand licensed from Tommy Hilfiger Corporation and the Givenchy brand licensed from Givenchy Corporation.  Celebrating more than 30 years of service, the Company has built a reputation for excellence in product quality and value, and in operational execution.

Certain statements herein are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such forward-looking statements represent the Company's expectations or beliefs concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties, including the strength of the economy and the overall level of consumer spending, the performance of the Company's products within the prevailing retail environment, and other factors which are set forth in the Company's 2001 Form 10-K and in all filings with the SEC made by the Company subsequent to the filing of the Form 10-K.  The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Make Your Opinion Count - Click Here

http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X67893336

SOURCE  Jones Apparel Group, Inc.

    -0-                             10/25/2002

/CONTACT:  Wesley R. Card, Chief Operating and Financial Officer, or Anita D. Britt, Executive Vice President Finance, +1-215-785-4000, both of Jones Apparel Group/

/Web site:  http://www.jny.com  /

(JNY)

CO:  Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
ST:  New York
IN:  FAS TEX
SU:  PDT

JA
-- PHF008 --
3765 10/25/2002 08:02 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com