NEW YORK, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (NYSE: JNY) today announced that it has signed an exclusive license agreement with Rem Eyewear, which will manufacture and distribute women's and men's optical eyewear under the Jones New York brand to upscale optical chains, optical specialty retailers, and dispensing ophthalmologists. The collection, previously licensed to Lantis Eyewear Corporation under a license which expires on December 31, 2003, will be re-launched to the optical trade in March, 2004 at Vision Expo East. Jones Apparel Group and Lantis recently renewed their license agreement for Jones New York sunglasses distributed in department stores that carry Jones New York apparel.

Peter Boneparth, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jones Apparel Group, Inc., stated, "We are pleased to enter into this separate agreement with Rem Eyewear for Jones New York optical eyewear, which will allow us to reach and service a broad range of Jones New York female and male consumers with high quality, modern classic optical designs that will meet their lifestyle demands."

Mike Hundert, President and CEO, Rem Eyewear, stated, "We have assembled an extraordinary group of people to champion the Jones New York eyewear opportunity. Jones New York is one of America's most powerful brands, which enjoys high credibility for fashion and affordability, perfect credentials for the eyewear category."

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; Polo Jeans Company 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, and footwear and accessories under the ESPRIT brand licensed from Esprit Europe, B.V. Celebrating more than 30 years of service, the Company has built a reputation for excellence in product quality and value, and in operational execution.

Rem Eyewear, Sun Valley, Ca., currently celebrating its 50th year, is a leading marketer of optical eyewear and sunwear for men and women under their own Rembrand brand and the licensed Barbie, Cosmopolitan, Converse, Esquire, Lauren Hutton New York and Timberland brands, with a reputation for excellent quality and service.

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 2002 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.

SOURCE Jones Apparel Group, Inc.