May 24, 2010

WILLIAMSBURG Launches New Co-Branding Partnership with Kate McRostie DesignWorks, Inc.

WILLIAMSBURG announces an innovative co-branding venture with artist Kate McRostie. McRostie’s nostalgic style based on floral inspiration from the Colonial Williamsburg archives and gardens will be available to an even broader base through sublicensed manufacturing. This is the first time either WILLIAMSBURG or Kate McRostie DesignWorks has embarked upon an agreement of this structure. “The Embroidered Garden” collection debuts June 8-10 at the Licensing International Expo in Las Vegas. Kate McRostie DesignWorks, Inc. is located at booth 4974.

McRostie discovered stitched inspiration in floral-themed antique needlework in the Colonial Williamsburg collections. In “The Embroidered Garden” collection, the first group of paintings developed as part of this co-branding venture, she combines those designs with the shaped parterres and flowers in Colonial Williamsburg’s historic gardens. The collection includes more than 15 pieces of hand painted artwork. It was developed for use on a broad range of gifts and home décor, with additional potential for textiles, paper goods, and tabletop products.

“We are delighted to work with an artist of Kate McRostie’s stature. We were so fortunate to find an artist with such an affinity for the design inspiration of Colonial Williamsburg—florals, birds, and even her signature scrollwork—are all perennial favorites of the WILLIAMSBURG customer,” said Jim Easton, vice president for products of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

“It’s an honor to take part in preserving our American history with The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation,” said Kate McRostie, artist and president, Kate McRostie DesignWorks, Inc. “I look forward to working with the WILLIAMSBURG team to create unique twists on the traditional decorative artwork of our heritage.”

About Kate McRostie DesignWorks, Inc.
Kate McRostie’s artwork is licensed on home and gift products by over forty manufacturers including Creative Co-Op, Evergreen Enterprises, Loloi Rugs, Raz Imports, Sun ‘N’ Sand Accessories, Certified International, Peking Handicraft, New View Gifts and Accessories, C&F Enterprises, CounterArt, Cape Shore/Downeast Concepts, Inc., and many others. More information is available from Kate McRostie DesignWorks, Inc. by calling (720) 870-5334, or by visiting www.katemcrostie.com. “Art from the heart… for the home.”™

About WILLIAMSBURG
The WILLIAMSBURG® brand offers fresh, spirited designs in all categories of home and gift. With products inspired by the 18th century and designed for today’s lifestyle, WILLIAMSBURG is the preeminent leader of American style. The Colonial Williamsburg Products Program includes 40 licensees producing more than 7,000 products under the WILLIAMSBURG and WILLIAMSBURG Reserve brands. It operates 20 retail stores and website, www.WilliamsburgMarketplace.com. Sales of WILLIAMSBURG products support the preservation, research and educational programs of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the not-for-profit organization that oversees the restored colonial capital in Williamsburg, Virginia.