HSN’s Joy Mangano Invents A Book

HSN is crowing that it will be launching the sale of mother-of-invention Joy Mangano’s first book, hand-signed no less, this Saturday. It is being published by Simon & Schuster and is called “INVENTING JOY: Dare to Build a Brave and Creative Life.”

“My life is proof that, no matter who you are or where you’re from, you have the power to change the world,” Mangano said in a canned statement. “I know it, because I’ve lived it, and I continue to live it every day at HSN. My book is about helping others find and take that first step in creating a better life and better world — and I am so honored to be debuting it here with my HSN family.”

The company that Mangano founded — IDL, a subsidiary of HSN — holds more than 100 patents and trademarks for her inventions, the No. 2 home shopping network said in a press release Wednesday.

“Since joining HSN more than 15 years ago, she has simplified everyday challenges for millions with innovative products that make a real difference, and INVENTING JOY might be her most important invention yet,” the release goes on.

“The book is an entertaining and binge-worthy read that will unlock the best and brightest version of you. And filled with lively anecdotes, catchy principles, and high-octane inspiration, it serves as a powerful and encouraging blueprint for readers who want to live with more success, confidence, and happiness.

HSN’s book package will include a signed copy of the book plus a set of free readers with a slipcase and a coupon book mark for $19.95 with free shipping and handling.

“We are proud to be the home of Joy and help her write the next chapter in her unending story of success,” HSN President Bill Brand said. “INVENTING JOY will not only delight, inspire and encourage readers, but take them on a relatable journey, celebrating life’s trials and tribulations.”

HSN Honchos Out After QVC Acquisition

When news broke earlier this year that QVC’s parent company was buying HSN, we knew a lot of executives would be exiting once the reorganization began to merge the two home shopping networks. Well, that other shoe dropped this week.

Liberty Interactive Corp. announced a slew of appointments and promotions.

Not on the list: The honchos at HSN, who will be gone. This includes HSN President Bill Brand, who who have met and interviewed over many years. We will be sad to see him go. But is is typical for the old management team to leave following an acquisition — just like layoffs are common as departments get merged.

http://www.stockhouse.com/news/press-releases/2017/10/12/qvc-group-announces-plans-for-new-leadership-team-and-structure-to-drive-global

HSN has been without a CEO since Mindy Grossman left to head up Oprah Winfrey’s Weight Watchers. And QVC, the domestic channel, has been without a chief forever. Both networks have seen their sales drop during the past few quarters, facing a difficult retail market in America.

Now both those home shopping networks will have heads, Mike George said in Liberty’s press release.

Steve Hofmann was named president of QVC US. He is currently president of QVC International, a unit that has performed very well for Liberty Interactive.

“QVC US brings the QVC shopping experience — combining the best of retail, media and social—to customers in the US,” the press release said. “It is our largest business unit with over $6B in revenue in 2016.”

Mike Fitzharris was named HSN’s president, He is currently CEO, representative director and chairman of QVC Japan.

In addition, Doug Howe was named chief merchandising officer.

And the press release had a goodbye to Brand and his cohorts at HSN.

“I’d like to acknowledge and thank Bill Brand, Rod Little, and Judy Schmeling, who comprise the Office of the Chief Executive at HSNi, who will be stepping down post the transaction closing,” George said.

“They have steered the company well through the changes of the last several months and have been a trusted sounding board to me and our other leaders as we plan for the future. Each has made extraordinary contributions to HSNi, building the company into one of the premier lifestyle retailers. I’m grateful for all their support and look forward to working with them in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.”

To our surprise, Liberty filed a statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission that included a transcript of George’s comments following the big announcement. We’re not sure if he was talking to Wall Street analysts or employees.

http://www.hsni.com/secfiling.cfm?filingid=950103-17-9965&CIK=1434729

Here’s what George had to say about his execs and their activity in advance of the completion of QVC’s purchase of HSN:

SO THEY’VE BEEN HAVING LOTS OF FUN AND SOME STRESS AND CHALLENGE, KIND OF WORKING THROUGH THAT EFFORT. THINKING ABOUT WHERE THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SYNERGIES, FOR COST SAVINGS, BUT ALSO FOR REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES, GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES. SO THOSE TEAMS HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED. THEY’RE HARD AT WORK. A NUMBER OF YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THAT EFFORT.

AND THEN AT THE SAME TIME WE’VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT ORGANIZATION DESIGN. HOW DO WE BRING THESE COMPANIES TOGETHER WITH AN ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE THAT WILL MAKE SENSE, THAT WILL LET EACH OF THE BRANDS UNDER THIS NEW COMPANY ACHIEVE ITS FULL POTENTIAL.

Here is George’s shout-out to Brand, et al. What do you think of it?

NOW BEFORE I GET INTO THOUGH, ONE OF THE THINGS I DID WITH THE HSNI TEAM WAS I TALKED A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE LEADERS AT HSN, WHO HAVE BEEN SUCH GREAT PARTNERS TO ME IN TAKING THIS FORWARD. SOME OF THEM WHOM WILL CONTINUE ON IN THE COMBINED COMPANY, AND WE’RE THRILLED ABOUT THAT, SOME OF WHOM ARE MOVING ON.

AND THAT’S THE REALITY OF THIS KIND OF ACQUISITION IS YOU GET SOME GREAT NEW PEOPLE AND YOU LOSE SOME GREAT PEOPLE. AND BILL JUST WARNED ME, HE SAID DON’T GO TALKING ABOUT EVERY PERSON ON THE EXECUTIVE TEAM, JUST KIND OF GET THE NEWS. SO I WON’T EMBARRASS EVERYONE ON THE EXECUTIVE TEAM, LIKE I DID IN THE POWER MEETING. BUT FULL DISCLOSURE, BUT I DO WANT TO JUST TAKE A MOMENT TO APPRECIATE BILL AND ROD AND JUDY.

[APPLAUSE]

THEY HAVE BEEN TREMENDOUS PARTNERS TO ME AND THE WHOLE TEAM AND THEY HAVE BEEN SO FOCUSED ON WHAT’S RIGHT FOR HSN, WHAT’S RIGHT FOR THE NEW COMPANY, WHAT’S RIGHT FOR OUR PEOPLE, AND THEY SHOW UP EVERY DAY TRYING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. AND YOU KNOW IT DOESN’T ALWAYS GO THAT WAY, BUT YOU SORT OF TAKE THAT FOR GRANTED HERE AT HSN BECAUSE THAT CULTURE’S DEEP EMBEDDED IN THE COMPANY.

AND SO IT’S BEEN MY GREAT PRIVILEGE AND HONOR TO GET TO KNOW THE THREE OF THEM AND ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE TEAM AND AGAIN THRILLED THAT SOME WILL BE STAYING WITH US, BUT OF COURSE ROD, JUDY, BILL, A FEW OTHERS WILL BE MOVING ON AS WE MOVE TO CLOSE. AND ARE JUST GRATEFUL FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE TO SUPPORT THIS EFFORT SO THANK YOU.

[APPLAUSE]

And don’t let the door hit you in the ass on your way out.

However, we are pretty sure that Brand and the gang have nice contracts that give them generous golden parachutes if HSN is purchased.

Kirks Folly, Marianna Jacobs, Somers and Brand

We’re behind on our blogging, been busy at work, but here are some tidbits and observations.

Kirks Folly will be bringing its whimsical fairy dust, jewelry and home décor back to QVC on Sept. 29. The line, which beacons the angels among us, is either the silliest thing you have ever seen or something you fanatically love. Jenniefer Kirk posted on Facebook about her return.

Back in the day Jenniefer and then-QVC host Judy Crowell would get dressed up in elaborate outfits, and sell Kirks Folly from an elaborate set. Don’t know if we’ll be seeing that again.

Sterling silver designer Marianna Jacobs and her husband Richard have been on several home shopping networks selling their handmade jewelry. Most recently they did a stint on Evine before joining HSN.

Marianna was on HSN host Colleen Lopez’s “Designer Gallery” show on Sunday with her Travelers’ Journey line and it looked like she had a makeover. She was totally glam – blown-out hair, tailored attire, totally different that her former free hair, casual hippy kind of look. And her husband Richard isn’t mentioned, as far as we could tell. They used to appear on-air together. What’s up?

We briefly saw Suzanne Somers – who sent from HSN to Evine to QVC — recently with QVC host Rick Domeir. We thought she looked good as she touted her new book, which in part touts her long-term marriage. Our mom thought Somers looked terrible. We will tell you what was terrible: The way Domeir was fawning over her.

By now we all know that HSN, in advance of Hurricane Irma, let its employees go off the safety and packed up a crew to televise from makeshift studios in Nashville, Tenn. We have seen a promo several times now where our buddy Bill Brand, HSN’s president, thanked viewers for their good wished and prayers. With Mindy Grossman’s exit to join Oprah Winfrey’s Weight Watchers leaving a vacuum at the top at HSN, Brand may be her replacement.

What Does HSN’s Sale To QVC’s Parent Mean?

We’ve been busy at work, and in addition to that we wanted time to mull over Liberty Interactive Corp.’s purchase of HSN Inc. before we blogged in more detail about it.

For some reason we couldn’t find the conference call that Liberty and HSN honchos held on the deal last week, even though it was supposed to be archived on John Malone’s fiefdom’s website. But we did finally read through the slide-show presentation that went with the call.

Click to access QVC_HSN_Investor_Presentation.pdf

First of all, the initial press release on QVC’s parent paying $2.1 billion for HSN was unclear, in that it did not spell out that there were no plans to merge the nation’s two largest home shopping networks. The investor slide presentation did bring clarity, saying that QVC and HSN will be maintained as distinct brands, which means five channels — QVC, QVC2, BeautyiQ, HSN and HSN2.

The goal is to preserve the “unique identities, cultures and customer following” for the networks.

But at the same time, according to the presentation, the plan is to “optimize five U.S.- based networks (QVC, QVC2, BeautyiQ, HSN, HSN2) and create complementary programming.”

Okey-dokey. Sounds a little contradictory to us.

The other goals are, straight from the presentation, to:

Collaborate on best-in-class digital platforms (mobile, personalization, social, marketing) and next-gen shopping innovations

Extend HSN’s Shop by Remote platform to QVC

Strengthen brand portfolios

Extend top HSN brands to QVC International and Zulily,

Leverage Zulily as brand feeder with younger customers, utilize QVC global development
capabilities

Explore cross-marketing opportunities to better engage existing and potential customers

Share best practices and tools, leverage top talent and create new professional-growth opportunities

Pursue integration opportunities to enable combined company to operate more efficiently,
fund innovation and enhance customer value, including:

Combining technology platforms where appropriate

Leveraging enhanced scale of supply chain and customer service networks

Eliminating redundant corporate and support services

Reducing costs through purchasing synergies

So we can expect to see HSN brands expand globally and pop up on QVC’s numerous international channels.

There were some very interesting additional facts in the presentation, as well. QVC has 8 million customers, and 6 million of them don’t shop at HSN today, according to Liberty. We find that hard to believe, since we shop at both nets and Evine as well, but that’s what they said. HSN has 5 million customers.

By cross-marketing, QVC can try to get some of HSN’s customers to shop with it.

QVC has 29 on-air hosts, while HSN has 24, just FYI.

And of course, whenever one company buys another one there is always talk of synergies, which basically means people are going to lose their jobs. In this acquisition, there’s a lot of places where QVC and HSN have overlap and where cost-cutting can happen. A lot of it may be behind the scenes, however.

For example, cable networks have what are called affiliates sales departments, the executives and sales reps who negotiate the contracts for QVC and HSN to get carried on your cable system or by your DBS provider, be it Comcast or DirecTV. You won’t need two affiliate sales departments to handle that function.

And with QVC and HSN under one roof, whoever survives in affiliate sales will now have a bundle of five networks it can bring to cable companies. Just like a Discovery Communications with its many networks or a Viacom, the QVC-HSN affiliate sales reps can tell a Comcast that if it carries smaller startup channels like BeautyIQ, it will get a better deal on the larger channels, QVC and HSN.

There are other “synergies.” Some vendors supply goods to several home shopping networks. One of our readers recently reported that she had ordered bedding from Paula Deen’s line on Evine, but when the order came it was Northern Lights, as we recall, which is sold by QVC. The point is that one manufacturer is making items for both channels.

Vendors who manufacture goods for QVC and HSN might get squeezed, with Liberty trying to negotiate much cheaper deals because it has leverage as a major customer of such companies.

The big advantage of this merger, as everyone and their mother has pointed out, is that this will increase QVC’s and HSN’s scale as digital players, putting them in a better position to compete against giant Amazon. The digital sales of both those home shopping channels have soared over the past few years, and with distribution centers and those of their sister companies, Zulily and Cornerstone, they gain traction against the big “A.”

HSN and its Cornerstone unit have warehouses in cities such as Piney Flats, Tenn., Fontana, Calif., Roanoke, Va., Monroe, Ohio, and Scottsdale, Ariz.

For QVC and Zulily, there are fulfillment centers Rocky Mount, N.C., Florence, S.C., Suffolk, Va., Ontario, Calif., Lancaster and Bethlehem, Penn., McCarran, Nev., and Lockborne, Ohio.

Liberty needs a lot of distribution points to beat Amazon at its own quick-delivery game, but are all the above too many? We’ll see.

Liberty crowed about HSN in its presentation, saying that it brings a “rich legacy of innovation” to the QVC Group.

Liberty cited HSN’s “highly engaging programming and events, including movie tie-
Ins” and “American Dreams entrepreneur search series.”

There was also a shout-out to HSN’s leading brands, including Joy Mangano’s
Ingenious Designs, Andrew Lessman’s ProCaps Laboratories, IMAN Global Chic, Jennifer Flavin Stallone’s Serious Skincare, Wolfgang Puck Kitchen, Diane Gilman
Fashion and the Concierge Collection.

QVC’s top honcho, Mike George, will ride herd over the new and larger QVC Group.
But what will happen with the top management at HSN?

Former CEO Mindy Grossman has flown the coop, already starting her new gig at Oprah Winfrey’s Weight Watchers. Bill Brand is a very talented HSN honcho, and we hope he’s in line for a promotion to fill Grossman’s high-heels.

HSN, Time Inc. Partner On Food & Wine Line

HSN and Time Inc.’s Food & Wine magazine are teaming up, and will be collaborating on a line of cookware and other kitchen goods, the companies said Wednesday.

The home shopping network and the ailing publishing giant are launching a dedicated distributed content platform, where users can explore shoppable content, exclusive instructional videos and recipes.

The FoodandWine.com platform will feature a branded product line designed by the Food & Wine editorial team and tested by Food & Wine’s team of kitchen experts in the magazine’s kitchen.

The product range include cookware, cutlery, kitchen tools and accessories, small kitchen appliances and more, ranging in price from $20 to $200.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Time Inc. to introduce new partnership strategies that will engage customers in unique ways, leveraging both our combined content-driven experiences and target audiences,” HSN President Bill Brand said in a canned statement.

“We are creating a business model that will serve as a cornerstone in our strategy to inspire customers to shop wherever they go.”

HSN and Food & Wine will be hosting a national casting call to secure a culinary talent representative for the collaboration. The selected person will appear on HSN and FoodandWine.com, sharing their expertise within the culinary space to demonstrate the product line. The talent search will be conducted this summer.

“The opportunity to partner with HSN and expand Time Inc.’s brands is a strategic focus. The combination of our premium brand Food & Wine, and HSN’s consumer experience is an ideal partnership as we unlock new platforms that expand our audience and drive revenue,” said Bruce Gersh, Time Inc.’s senior vice president of strategy and business development.

The interactive storefront will launch in October on FoodandWine.com.

HSN Has A Beast Of A Promotion Brewing

HSN is doing yet another one of its partnerships with a movie studio for a film, this time for “Beauty and the Beast.”

We don’t know if these have been successes or not. We do know that some of the movies that HSN has tied product to have flopped.

Anyway, here’s Thursday’s press release.

HSN Ignites Designers’ Creativity With the Launch of Its Enchanting Disney “Beauty and the Beast” Collection

Ruthie Davis, Marla Wynne, Luke Henderson, Danielle Nicole, Heidi Daus and More Create an Inspired Collection, Spanning Across Home, Apparel and Accessories

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 09, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading entertainment and lifestyle retailer HSN is launching a marketing collaboration with Disney for the release of its all-new live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic Beauty and the Beast, a stunning, cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told. Beginning at 11 p.m. on March 14th through midnight on March 15th, HSN is inviting customers to ‘Be HSN’s Guest’ as it launches its exclusive HSN collection via an interactive on-air shopping experience inspired by Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is filled with incredible visual themes that inspired our designers to create collections that captured the rich colors and characters in the film,” said Bill Brand, President, HSN. “Beauty and the Beast marks our seventh movie collaboration with Disney, and we are thrilled to excite our customers through this engaging entertainment event across our TV, digital and mobile platforms.”

From the white icy forest to the warm rose motifs, each curated capsule collection captures visual themes from the new Beauty and the Beast, creating a dynamic collection across home, fashion, accessories, garden and beauty. Shoppers will be able to access new designer collections, including:

Intricate, novelty shoes by renowned shoe designer, Ruthie Davis;
Sophisticated apparel pieces by Marla Wynn;
Cosmetic accessory collection by Bravo’s Ladies of London Stylist, Luke Henderson;
Detailed, character-inspired hand bags by accessories designer, Danielle Nicole;
Fantastical statement jewelry by Heidi Daus;
Delicate glass rose by Waterford;
Belle-inspired sandals and footwear by celebrated footwear designer, Vince Camuto;
Hand-carved jewelry pieces by Amedeo;
Table top glassware by Patina Vie;
Home pieces featuring the rose motif by Clever Carriage;
Bone china tea sets and accessories by Royal Albert;
Live roses in yellow, red and a special red-yellow combination by Meadow Valley.

“Building on the success of our previous collaborations, HSN is developing an absolutely stunning themed collection that celebrates the artistry and enchantment of Beauty and the Beast,” said Don Gross, Vice President, Global Marketing Partnership & Promotions. “It’s sure to charm fans and we’re excited to share it with fans very soon.”

Here is the boilerplate on the flick:

The story and characters audiences know and love come to spectacular life in the live-action adaptation “Beauty and the Beast,” a stunning, cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told.

“Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart of the true Prince within.

The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s father; Josh Gad as LeFou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Ewan McGregor as Lumière, the candelabra; Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe, the wardrobe; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; Hattie Morahan as the enchantress; and Nathan Mack as Chip, the teacup; with Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

HSN To Host Product Search At CES

When we worked for a trade publication that covered the cable TV industry, for several years every January we attended the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. We dreaded it.

You need a Segway to traverse the huge convention center in Vegas, the press room was stuffed to the gills with ink-stained wretches, and your hotel was usually a million miles away from the action, in a town where 200,000 attendees are all trying to catch cabs.

So we read with glee on Monday HSN’s press release about it hosting an event t the show, which we no longer attend.

The No. 2 home shopping network said it was “tapping into the incredible network of entrepreneurs that attend CES in Las Vegas each year,” partnering with Flex, “the Sketch-to-Scale solutions provider that designs and builds intelligent products for a connected world,” to host a search allowing entrepreneurs to present their products and develop a manufacturing partnership with Flex.

Building on its existing American Dreams initiative, HSN is organizing a judging session to identify new consumer products that surface every year at CES, for subsequent introduction to HSN’s national audience.

“With HSN’s American Dreams, we have built an incredibly successful platform for entrepreneurs to launch their products, while telling their stories and connecting with customers directly across our TV, digital and mobile channels,” HSN President Bill Brand said in a canned statement.

“We are looking forward to leveraging the incredible network of entrepreneurs that attend CES each year to uncover innovative, new tech brands and introduce them to HSN.”

The panel will review the entrepreneurs from scores of entries submitted in the weeks leading up to CES 2017. Each entrepreneur will have five minutes to showcase his or her products during a two-hour block before a panel of retail, design, manufacturing and consumer technology executives.

In addition to Brand, the judging panel will include: Randi Zuckerberg, Angel Investor, author and host of Dot Complicated on SiriusXM; Mike Dennison, president, Consumer Technologies Group, Flex; Steven Heintz, vice president of design and engineering, Flex; Ryan Ross, HSN’s executive vice resident of marketing and digital commerce; Adam Freeman, host of HSN’s “The Monday Night Show with Adam Freeman; Dara Trujillo, HSN’s vice president of new business merchandising and development; and several other HSN execs.

CES 2017 exhibitors and the public are invited to present their product to the judges Jan. 6.

Entrepreneurs interested in presenting their product can email AmericanDreams@hsn.com to pre-register. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Venetian Hotel, Bellini 2006 Ballroom, 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas.

HSN Is ‘Trolling’ With DreamWorks For New Film

HSN has cooked up yet another one of its million-pronged, multi-leveled marketing partnerships with a Hollywood movie studio for a coming flick, this time with DreamWorks and “Trolls.”

The No. 2 home shopping network announced the news on Wednesday, and the press release caught our eye because HSN vendor and celebrity chef Curtis Stone has a part in the movie. It is an animated film, opening on Nov. 4, so how does that work?

Here’s how, according to HSN: “Chef Curtis Stone is the voice of a character in the movie, and HSN will be featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes clips of him filming for his role.”

The real deal is that the home shopping channel will be offering merchandise inspired by “Trolls.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with DreamWorks Animation for the ‘Trolls’ movie, leveraging the fun themes, colors and elements in the film to infuse new and unique products into our assortment,” our buddy Bill Brand, HSN’s president, said in a canned statement.

“We are creating an immersive shopping experience on our TV, mobile and digital platforms, and cannot wait for Poppy and Branch to make their HSN debut.”

Here’s what the press reelase says, although we’re still not sure how this will work.

DreamWorks animators have developed custom animation to introduce characters from the film into HSN’s movie event, which includes TROLLS programming incorporated over five days leading up to the premiere; specifically, during the Monday Night Show with Adam Freeman (Monday, October 31st, 7-9pm), The Beauty Report with Amy Morrison (Thursday, November 3rd, 7-9pm), The List with Colleen Lopez (Thursday, November 3rd, 9-11pm) and Curtis Stone programming (Wednesday, November 9-10th).

“While I’m by no means an actor, it was good fun to sneak out of the kitchen quickly to read my line at the DreamWorks Studio in Universal City,” Stone chimed in with his canned statement.

“What I can reveal now is that I play a hardworking chef named Todd with a hankering for Troll-cuisine! I’m pumped to check out the movie with my kids soon. Starring in a movie – albeit a small role – is definitely a first for me.”

HSN has “collaborated with its designers to create a collection of products that bring the film to life, partnering with DreamWorks to ensure accuracy in character depictions and color ways,” the press release says.

The collection will included items from Adrienne Landau, Danielle Nicole, NeNe Leakes, Curtis Stone, Prai, Deborah Lippmann and Too Faced.

Serena Williams’ Fashion Show Streams In With HSN

HSN is pulling out all the stops with its live-streaming of tennis queen Serena Williams’ fashion show next Monday.

Not only will you be able to get a 360-degree view of the festivities from Manhattan, but you will be able to order — in live time — items featured in the show.

This shindig will also include jewelry from Serena’s collaboration with HSN’s Diamonds Unleashed collection, which we can’t wait to see.

You can also shop early.

http://www.hsn.com/shop/serena-williams/6590

Our leg is getting tired, so here is the press release.

HSN and Tennis Great Serena Williams Return to New York Fashion Week to Present Serena Williams Signature Statement Fall Collection at KIA STYLE360

– HSN Will Offer Fans Unparalleled Virtual Reality Experience for Watching and Shopping the Show via the HSN Mobile App –

– Custom Pieces from Esteemed Jewelry Designer Kara Ross to be featured on Runway Models: The DIAMONDS UNLEASHED for SERENA WILLIAMS Collection –

NEW YORK, Sept. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading entertainment and lifestyle retailer, HSN and the multi-faceted tennis legend, fashion icon and successful businesswoman, Serena Williams are returning to KIA STYLE360 New York Fashion Week on Monday, September 12, 2016 to present Serena’s Fall Signature Statement Collection. The DIAMONDS UNLEASHED for SERENA WILLIAMS exclusive collection will also be unveiled on the runway accompanying Serena Williams’ new fall collection.

Adding to the excitement, HSN will offer an unparalleled viewing and shopping experience, allowing customers to watch and purchase items from the show at home using virtual reality technology. HSN, which continues to transform the way designers bring their collections to market, will give viewers at home front row access, offering a 360-degree view of the show from HSN’s handset and tablet apps.

“I’m eager to share with my fans, this season’s collection; it’s truly been a labor of love,” said Serena Williams. “From the high-end couture pieces, to the everyday casual apparel, this collection embodies my definition of style.”

“We’re excited to present live from New York Fashion Week, Serena Williams Signature Statement Fall Collection,” said Bill Brand, President of HSN. “This year’s live 360-degree view of the show, paired with the ability for customers to immediately shop all of the runway looks, will provide viewers with an unrivaled retail & entertainment experience.”

The Fall collection embodies Novel Romance: a modern statement on classic knit dressing with a focus on a variety of textures including cables, ribs and heather effects. The result is a sophisticated and sexy collection that is modern and powerful, yet undeniably feminine.

Also featured at the show is Serena’s trend forward jewelry collection in collaboration with world-renowned jewelry designer, Kara Ross. The DIAMONDS UNLEASHED for SERENA WILLIAMS Collection consists of goldtone, silvertone and hematite, bronze-plated pieces such as a diamond accent bangle, a diamond accent knuckle corset ring and a double band choker, all designed exclusively in partnership with CanadaMark, Dominion Diamonds Corp.

Serena, who is one of DIAMONDS UNLEASHED’S distinguished brand ambassadors, worked in tandem with Kara Ross to create a collection that inspires women’s empowerment and supports the next generation of women.

“I had a great time developing the collection with Serena Williams. She is bold and not afraid to take risks, and the DIAMONDS UNLEASHED for Serena Williams collection encompasses this perfectly. Authentically beautiful, statement accessories that can be worn every day or for special occasions, the collection is sleek and polished and for the woman who knows exactly what she likes. Serena is beautiful, strong, multi-faceted and brilliant- all of the qualities found in a strong woman- and a diamond from DIAMONDS UNLEASHED,” said Kara Ross, Founder of DIAMONDS UNLEASHED

All runway looks will be available immediately on HSN.com, including jewelry from Kara Ross and footwear from Charles David, Sam Edelman, Vince Camuto, and more.

Serena’s latest line will include 42 pieces, such as Faux Shearling Coats, Sweater Knits, and a Limited Quantity Couture Collection. Price points start at $29.90 for a Belt to $699.90 for a Dramatic Lace Dress (part of the couture collection). Serena’s Fall Signature Statement Collection will offer quality fashion at an affordable price point.

The Serena Williams Signature Statement Collection Fashion Show will take place on Monday, September 12th at 3:00 pm at KIA STYLE360 located at 639 West 46th Street. The live stream, “Serena Williams Front Row Event” will begin at 2:45pm EST on all of HSN’s digital platforms.

HSN, Good Housekeeping Team On Entrepreneur Hunt

HSN has found another partner for its “American Dreams” initiative, the hunt to find the nation’s next great entrepreneur: Good Housekeeping magazine.

The chosen entrepreneur will be featured on the home shopping network to introduce their brand and in the magazine, reaching its 25-plus million readers.

The winner will also have the chance to have their product tested in the Good Housekeeping Institute, for the opportunity to receive the Good Housekeeping Seal for one year.

The seal, introduced in 1909, “is among the most recognized consumer icons in the world and is also backed by a limited warranty that provides a replacement or refund for up to $2,000 if a product proves defective within two years of purchase,” according to HSN’s press release Thursday.

We didn’t know about that guarantee!

“HSN’s has a long legacy of cultivating entrepreneurs and introducing innovative products,” our buddy, HSN President Bill Brand, said in a canned statement.

“Our customers look to us as a trusted source for discovering compelling new products, and the partnership with Good Housekeeping will allow us to further our reach. We know there is a strong synergy between HSN’s customers and Good Housekeeping’s readers, and we can’t wait to leverage our audiences to uncover solution-driven products.”

The collaboration will culminate at the end of August when 100 finalists will descend on HSN’s St. Petersburg headquarters for three days of judging and finalist selections by an executive panel of industry professionals.

Ten finalists will be selected in September and be featured in the December issue of Good Housekeeping, on newsstands Nov. 15. The public will be invited to vote on their favorite product beginning Nov. 16, and those votes will be taken into consideration in choosing the final winner.

HSN and Good Housekeeping will partner in determining the winner based on ingenuity, quality and public response of the product. The winner will also appear in Good Housekeeping’s April 2017 issue and will be invited to sell their product on-air at HSN following the issue’s release.

“Readers come to Good Housekeeping for the lowdown on the latest technologies and innovations,” said Jane Francisco, Good Housekeeping’s editor-in-chief.

“When they see the GH Seal, they know that product has been rigorously tested and vetted by a team of expert scientists and engineers — giving them confidence in their purchase. Over the past 130 years, it has never offered an opportunity to entrepreneurs in this capacity and we are thrilled to see all these talented inventors present.”