Former Lifetime Network CEO Andrea Wong Joins Board Of QVC’s Parent, Liberty Media

The cable industry is a small, tight-knit world, and you never know who is going to end up where. But we learned Thursday that Andrea Wong, former president and CEO of Lifetime Entertainment Services, was named to Liberty Media’s board.

Liberty is QVC’s parent company.

“Andrea’s extensive experience in media and expertise in programming will be valuable in helping guide Liberty,” Liberty CEO Greg Maffei said in a canned statement. “We look forward to her contributions as our newest board member.”

Wong had joined Lifetime from The Walt Disney Co.’s ABC, where during her 14-year tenure she served in a variety of roles, most notably as an executive vice president where her responsibilities included reality programming.

We interviewed Wong several times when she was at Lifetime, and she had a bumpy tenure at the women’s channel. She brought over Bravo’s hit “Project Runway,” but only after a prolonged legal battle. The ratings for the network were good.

Then last year Lifetime’s joint ownership, Disney and A&E Networks, was unraveled. Wong left this week, and her vacancy was filled Tuesday with an A&E Nets veteran, History Channel’s GM Nancy Dubuc.

Dubuc is a talented, ambitious executive that we once profiled.

We wonder how active a voice Wong will have regarding QVC.

Before Lifetime, Wong worked in the areas of corporate planning and high-yield finance. Wong obtained her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an M.B.A. from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Happy Birthday, Fellow April 28 Taurus Babes

Jay Leno had a roller-coaster year.

Today, April 28, QVC president Mike George and HSN president Mindy Grossman are doing presentations at the Barclay’s Capital Retail Conference in Manhattan.

But that’s enough home shopping news for today. Let’s move on to more important stuff: It’s our birthday.

A year ago today, it was 92 degrees, much too hot for spring. And truth be known, it was not really the usual joyful celebration, even though nobody loves birthdays more than us. We were still quite devastated from our layoff three months prior.

This year things are different. First, it’s freezing out. It was about 40 degrees or cooler this morning. Second, we’ve been forced to do that “reinvention” thing, and it’s working on both a professional and personal level.

Penelope Cruz

As astrology buffs, we always keep track of the fellow Taureans who share our birthday. That’s why we kept a close watch on Jay Leno last year. Like us, he was a hard worker and talent who was underappreciated by management. He got screwed, like some other people we know. While we rooted for his 10 p.m. show, we saw he was struggling. He didn’t want to reinvent himself.

So when Leno got his late-night slot back (karma at work), we felt no sympathy at all for Conan O’Brien. People complained that Leno was not such a nice guy for displacing O’Brien. Since when does being a nice guy mean being a doormat?

Like us, there are two fellow April 28 babies with Latin blood: Penelope Cruz and Jessica Alba. Cruz has had a great year in terms of her career. And she’s with Javier Bardem. Lucky girl.

Jessica Alba

Alba, well, she always seems happy when we see her with photos of her kid.

Ann-Margret, who attended Northwestern like us, is still going strong and performing.

Jorge Garcia, who plays one of the most beloved characters on “Lost,” is also our birthdate mate. Garcia is Hurley.

And the wife of our former co-worker, Eric Smith, was born today.

We’ve left the worse for last. One of the most vile and evil dicators ever, Saddam Hussein, was born April 28. Well, there’s always a black sheep in the family.

Here’s what astrologer Eugenia Last predicts for those of us born today:

“Happy Birthday: Concentrate on the present and forget the past and you will be able to look forward to the future. The outcome is in your hands — simply stay calm and do what needs to be done. Taking care of both personal and professional business will lead to your victory. As long as you know what your goals are, you will have no trouble attaining them.

Jorge Garcia

Birthday Baby: You are sensitive, caring and very protective. You are hardworking, a good listener, strong and determined.”

From astrologer Holly Mathis:

“You take projects to a new level this year. In June, you’ll attract people to help you exceed previous limitations. Follow curiosities in September: They lead to love. Libra, Capricorn people adore you.”

Donald’s Better Half Melania Trump Debuts Her QVC Jewelry Line Friday

Melania Trump

It was Melania Trump’s birthday Monday, and it is our’s Wednesday. Good times and fresh starts for Taurus, the bull. Is anyone tired about hearing about our birthday yet? Too bad.

Anyway, QVC Tuesday put out the official announcement about Donald Trump’s wife coming to QVC this Friday at 9 p.m.

The Slovenian beauty, as QVC describes her, is debuting her Timepieces & Fashion Jewelry line on the home shopping network.

“I am thrilled to work with QVC to bring my personal inspiration and design aesthetic to life,” the model said in a canned statement. “I’m proud to debut my collection of premium, affordable timepieces and jewelry and make it available to millions of women across the country. Now women everywhere can add a touch of luxury to their everyday lifestyle!”

Here’s QVC’s bio of Melania.

“Born in Slovenia, Melania Knauss began her modeling career at the age of 16. The Slovenian-born brunette has appeared in high-profile ad campaigns, and has worked with some of the top photographers in the fashion industry, including Patrick Demarchelier, Helmut Newton, Arthur Elgort, Ellen Von Unwerth, Peter Arnell, Antoine Verglas and Mario Testino.

At 5 feet 11 inches, Melania has a captivating presence in front of the camera. She has graced the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, British GQ, Ocean Drive, Avenue, In Style, New York Magazine. Melania’s style has been noted to be one of natural elegance. In the words of Manolo Blahnik, “She is a true beauty. She has it.”

Melania’s philanthropic interests more and more represent her humanitarian side, and she remains an indefatigable and dedicated New Yorker. She was Honorary Chairwoman for Martha Graham Dance Company in April 2005, is an active member of the Police Athletic League, which honored her with Woman of The Year 2006, has been an Honorary Chairwoman for The Boy’s Club of New York for five consecutive years, and in 2005 The American Red Cross awarded her with Goodwill Ambassador, which she has proudly served for four years.

In April of 2008, she was asked by Love Our Children USA and NASDAQ to participate in the Fifth Annual National Love Our Children Day and the beginning of National Child Abuse Prevention month by ringing the closing bell at NASDAQ. In February 2010, she was the chairwoman of the American Heart Association’s Annual Heart Ball, which raised $1.7 million for heart disease research.

Melania married Donald Trump in January 2005. In March of 2006 they had their first child, Barron William Trump.

QVC is apparently thrilled to have her. But then, who wouldn’t want a charming Taurus in their camp?

“We are excited to bring Melania’s exquisite collection to QVC,” Debra Puzio, QVC’s director of merchandising, said in her canned statement. “Each piece is as stylish and stunning as Melania and I believe that her personality and aesthetic will truly resonate with our customers.”

ShopNBC Names QVC Vet Scott Garozzo Director Of Jewelry

QVC and Lord & Taylor veteran Scott Garozzo has joined ShopNBC as Director of Jewelry, the home shopping network said Monday.

Most recently, Garozzo served as senior vice president of merchandising & product development at SHR & Simmons Jewelry Co. Prior to that, he held merchandising positions in the jewelry category at QVC and Lord & Taylor.

Garozzo is being granted inducement stock options as of his first day of employment with ShopNBC, covering the right to purchase 25,000 shares of the company’s common stock. The options will have an exercise price equal to the closing price of the company’s common stock on the date of the grant.

Designer Dell’Olio Says ‘Open Issues’ Need To Be Settled For His Collection To Stay On QVC

Fashion designer Louis Dell’Olio met with QVC officials Thursday to discuss the future of his clothing line, but said that there are still issues that need to be resolved in order for his collection to continue to be sold on the home shopping channel.

On his blog, Dell’Olio left a somewhat cryptic blog about what happened Thursday.

Here it is:

My dear friends.

First, I must thank you for all of the support and love you have shown Jac and myself. If it weren’t for all of you, this meeting would have never taken place. Jac came with me to the city for moral support. I also went into the meeting with all of your suggestions and good wishes.

I am pleased to be able to report to you that I met with the QVC representatives in New York City at the Linea offices, to discuss the future of the Linea/QVC relationship. The meeting was a positive one, but there are certain important matters yet to be agreed upon. It is my hope that this can be accomplished quickly and satisfactorily.

 I will be able to continue to provide you with my Linea collection through QVC. I will report back to you as soon as the open issues are resolved.

Blinddogs, if and when this should happen, I need to know which green you want matched….an A# would help!!!!!! All my LOVE….and a big THANK YOU……………Louis

Dell’Olio’s QVC fans, who call themselves the Linea Ladies, mounted a campaign to keep the designer on QVC when they heard the network planned to dump his Linea line in the fall. They phoned the offices of QVC president Mike George and John Malone, the chairman of QVC parent LIbery Media, and sent letters to the companies.

On the heels of that campaign, where the Linea Ladies threatened to boycott QVC, the home shopping channel asked to meet with the designer to talk about the future his QVC collection. That’s the meeting that took place.

Here’s hoping that Dell’Olio irons out any “issues” with QVC, because we like his clothes, too.

Will QVC President Mike George And HSN President Mindy Grossman Take Us Out For Our Birthday Next Week?

QVC president and CEO Mike George will do a presentation at the 2010 Barclays Capital Retail and Restaurants Conference next Wednesday, according to the home shopping channel’s parent Liberty Media.

He will appear at 10:15 a.m. on April 28 at the Crowne Plaza Times Square in Manhattan. Grossman will be doing her presentation on HSN at the same soiree at 11:45 a.m.

Hey, since Grossman and George are both going to be in town for our birthday, we want to ask them both: How about doing lunch? Or getting together for a drink?

We look forward to hearing from them.

ShopNBC To Debut Record 40 New Products During ‘Beauty Discovery Week’

Dr. Robert Rey

ShopNBC says it will launch a record 40 new beauty products during its first-ever “Beauty Discovery Week,” which kicks off at 10 p.m. Friday.

The beauty bonanza will conclude on April 28, our birthday.

Beauty Discovery Week launches with the show series, “Beauty Confidential,” on Friday night, which showcases the latest beauty must-haves from some of the industry’s top beauty experts.

During the event, viewers will be educated and entertained as “Christi Harris demonstrates how to get the brows you’ve always wanted,” ShopNBC said in its press release Thursday.

ShopNBC promises us that Frank Rizzieri from Rsession Tools will show viewers how they can achieve runway-ready hairstyles in the comfort of their own home.

Frank Rizzieri

Eric Sakas from Vapour Organic Beauty will prove that cosmetics can be both beautiful and good for the skin.

Dr. Robert Rey from Sensual Solutions will provide answers to younger looking skin.

The event will also include ShopNBC’s problem-solution oriented show series, “ShopBeauty.” During this program, even more beauty experts will be assembled to offer products that solve common beauty problems.

Also debuting during Beauty Discovery Week is the all-new show series on ShopNBC, “Beauty You Love.” Comprised of top-rated customer picks and favorites, the show will air Monday at 11 a.m. and Tuesday at 2 p.m.

In addition, ShopNBC will launch a new bath-and-body-line brand in a self-titled show, “Fruits & Passion,” which will premiere on ShopNBC with two shows: Sunday at 3 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Dimitri James

In addition to the 40 plus new beauty products debuting on ShopNBC’s Beauty Discovery Week, featured will be a number of existing ShopNBC beauty brands, such as Skinn Cosmetics by Dimitri James.

“The industry’s top beauty insiders have been gathered to bring the latest innovations, beauty insight, and wow-products to women of all ages on Beauty Discovery Week,” Donna Tarantino, ShopNBC’s director of beauty, health & fitness said in a canned statement.

“It’s all about the customer at ShopNBC, and for those tuning into this event, we want to make their experience as entertaining and interactive as possible while solving their everyday beauty problems,” she said. “We look forward to taking the customer experience to the next level with this new beauty event on ShopNBC.”

HSN To Present at the Barclays Capital Retail Conference April 28 (We Won’t Be There, That’s Our Birthday)

HSN will appear at Barclays Capital Retail and Restaurants Conference in Manhattan on April 28 at 11:45 a.m., the company announced Tuesday.

HSN CEO Mindy Grossman do a presentation at the gathering. We can’t make it, as we’ll be out celebrating our birthday.

To listen to a live broadcast of Grossman’s presentation, visit the investor relations section of the Company’s website at http://www.hsni.com. For those unable to participate, an archived broadcast will be available shortly following the presentation.

Hot Flash: Designer Louis Dell’Olio Meets Thursday With QVC Officials About The Future Of His Clothing Line

It looks like the QVC customer campaign to keep designer Louis Dell’Olio on the home shopping network may be working.

On Monday Dell’Olio wrote on his blog that he has a meeting set for Thursday with the honchos at QVC.

Here is his post:

My Dear Friends,

As of this posting, my “discussion” with QVC regarding Linea’s future will take place this Thursday afternoon. I want you all to know that I am taking all of your thoughts, suggestions and ideas with me. I have continually read all of your postings and can’t thank you enough for your untiring support and guidance. You have aided me in focusing on what is most important for Linea. You are one strong, intelligent group of women. It is an honor to know you. Obviously, you a force to be reckoned with……….always, with Love……..Louis

As we’ve said before, campaigns by fans — and threatened boycotts — to keep a cancelled TV show on the air, for example, only rarely work.

But it looks like all the irate phone calls that Dell’Olio’s “Linea Ladies” made last week and Monday to QVC president Mike George and the honchos at QVC’s parent Liberty Media, John Malone and Greg Maffei, may be working. These ladies were threatening to boycott QVC and take their disposable income elsewhere.

Last week Dell’Olio, who just celebrated his 10th anniversary on QVC, wrote in his blog that the home shopping channel had informed him it wasn’t placing any new orders or reorders for his Linea line come the fall.

Liberty Media Says It’s QVC’s Decision Whether Or Not to Drop Designer Louis Dell’Olio’s Line

John Malone

Monday morning fashion designer Louis Dell’Olio’s QVC fans decided to protest his possible exit by calling John Malone’s office at Liberty Media. Liberty owns QVC, and cable legend Malone is chairman. The guy who really runs that show on a day-to-day basis, however, is Liberty president Greg Maffei. Malone is more a big-picture guy.

Anyway, we decided to give Liberty’s PR department out in Denver a call Monday afternoon to find out how many calls they had received, etc. We also checked in with QVC, to find out of president Mike George’s phone was ringing off the hook.

At Liberty, corporate spokeswoman Courtnee Ulrich told us they have been getting calls from Dell’Olio’s fans, who have named themselves Linea Ladies, after the name of his QVC collection. She didn’t have a count as to how many calls Liberty had fielded about Dell’Olio, but she said, “We forward everything along to QVC.”

The hubbub started last week when Dell’Olio revealed on his blog that QVC had informed him it would stop ordering his line in the fall. His loyal QVC fans, who love his beautifully tailored classic clothes, sprang into action, coming up with a campaing to pressure QVC to keep Dell’OLio on.

That strategy included phone calls and letters to QVC president Mike George, as well as Malone and Maffei.

“We appreciate the feedback that we’re getting from customers,” Liberty’s Ulrich said. “But it’s an operating decision, so any changes will be coming out of QVC.”

That means it is QVC’s decision to make.

There is some hope for Dell’Olio’s QVC line. He blogged Friday that he had been contacted by QVC folks, and they want to sit down with him and discuss the future of his collection. That means there may be actually be a future for the designer beyond this fall at the Q.

When we checked in with QVC, spokeswoman Erin Mulholland was cordial, but close-mouthed. She wouldn’t comment on how many calls George had received, or about QVC possilby reconsidering its decision to drop Dell’Olio.

For those interested, Liberty will report its first-quarter earnings May 7 at noon (ET). Maffei will host the call, and QVC’s George ususally speaks, as well.

Replays of the conference call can be accessed through 3:00 p.m. (ET) May 14 by dialing (719) 457-0820 or (888) 203-1112 plus the pass code 5583834#.

Just for your information, the first-quarter earnings conference call will also be broadcast live via the Internet. All interested participants should go to Liberty’s website at http://www.libertymedia.com/events to register for the web cast.

Replays of the call will also be available on the Liberty Media website. The conference call and related materials will be archived there for one year.

But maybe this Dell’OLio mess will have been solved by then.