NEW YORK, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (NYSE: JNY) today announced that it has signed a letter of intent with Collection XIIX, Ltd. to license the Jones New York brand for women's scarves, shawls and wraps. The Fall 2002 collection of scarves will be launched to the trade in the March 2002 market for the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Mary E. Belle, President of Licensing, stated, "Jones New York Scarves will further complement our apparel and outerwear offerings with a shared focus on superior quality product, innovative styling, and marketing strategies that will make a difference to the Jones New York consumer."

Elaine Gold and Drew Pizzo, Principals, Collection XIIX, Ltd., added, "As our business has grown, we have been seeking another important brand to complement our distribution strategy. We are thrilled to be associated with Jones Apparel Group to fulfill our vision."

The Jones New York Scarves showroom will be located in the Collection XIIX, Ltd. Showrooms at 385 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York.

Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (www.jny.com) 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, Erika, 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.

Collection XIIX, Ltd., privately held, is a leading marketer of scarves and cold weather accessories in department stores and specialty stores nationwide, Canada, Mexico and Europe.

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 2000 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.

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SOURCE Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
Web site: http: //www.jny.com
CONTACT: Wesley R. Card, Chief Financial and Operations Officer, or Anita Britt, Senior Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations, both of Jones Apparel, +1-215-785-4000