Abaete for Payless and Lela Rose for Payless Among the Most Broadly Distributed Designer Footwear Labels in America Today

TOPEKA, Kan., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- High-fashion has never been more accessible. As Payless ShoeSource(R) (NYSE:PSS) launches its fall collection of footwear and accessories, including the exclusive designer lines Abaete for Payless and Lela Rose for Payless, shoppers can snag the latest trends at supremely affordable prices including menswear-inspired pumps, ankle boots and t-strap heels with room left to spare for a second pair or a coordinating handbag!

On a mission to democratize fashion and design in footwear and accessories, Payless ShoeSource is bringing shoppers the latest styles at unbeatable prices. Having recently revamped its brand image, redesigned stores for an enhanced shopping experience, and launched Designer Collections (that actually hit the runway at New York Fashion Week), the company is also securing its position as a "House of Brands" retailer with an expanded portfolio of well-known brands now or soon-to-be-offered including Airwalk(R), American Eagle(TM), Tailwind(R), Dexter(R), Champion(R), Spalding(R) and Dunkman(TM).

The Abaete for Payless designer label is back this fall season with an eye-catching collection now available nationally in select stores and Payless.com. Unveiled at New York Fashion Week last spring, designer Laura Poretzky's fifth line for the retailer incorporates strong, mod silhouettes featuring patent and lucite detailing to create a collection that pops with bold geometric styling and contrasting colors. The line features six shoe styles and two coordinating handbags including a flat, a wedge, a pump, a strappy sandal, an all-patent ankle boot and an over-the-knee, two-in-one boot (with a zip-off shaft), as well as a clutch and a tote.

Lela Rose joins Laura Poretzky this fall as Payless' second guest designer with the launch of the Lela Rose for Payless label. First unveiled on the runway at New York Fashion Week in February of this year, Rose's line pairs tweed materials with patent accents for a look characteristic of her "classic with a twist" trademark style. The collection, due in stores in early September, features five shoe styles including two pumps, a flat, a T-strap sandal, and an ankle-boot, as well as a coordinating handbag.

Additional fall styles are flowing into Payless stores now. The diverse array of styles and silhouettes ensure that everyone will find footwear and accessories to fit their fashion personality. Bold boots contrast with delicate pumps, while color-blocked satin offers an alternative to softer tweeds. Traditional fall hues will be present, along with bursts of bright red, purple and pink.

  Additional key footwear trends for the fall season include:

	

	  -- Silhouettes -- wedges, t-strap and mary jane heels, peep and

	     pointed-toe pumps, round- and snub-toe ballet flats, and boots in

	     ankle, tall, and over-the-knee heights

	  -- Colors -- burnished bronze, steel silver, deep navy, rich browns, fiery

	     reds and classic black.

	  -- Materials -- black and colored classic and crinkle patent, faux-suede,

	     canvas, tweed, satin, lucite, athletic mesh, sweater knit

	

The Payless fall collection for women is currently available in stores nationwide. The line boasts dozens of fresh new footwear styles with coordinating handbags. New styles are arriving every week including fabulous cool-weather accessories for women perfectly timed for the fall season, starting as low as $15 an item.

About Payless Guest Designers

Laura Poretzky and Lela Rose are Payless guest designers -- select fashion designers that create designer footwear and accessory collections featuring the latest runway looks, which Payless brings to its stores at value prices. Each collection is unique and reflective of each designer's signature style: Rose who delivers a strong focus on "classic with a twist" and Poretzky's "American international," drawing from her rich international experiences living in Brazil, France and New York.

Payless has a multi-year arrangement with Poretzky, who designs a seasonal collection for the retailer under the Abaete for Payless designer label. The Lela Rose for Payless collection will be in stores for the fall and holiday seasons and extend into 2008. Payless also has an arrangement with 2006 Oscar(R) nominee and renowned stylist Patricia Field for a Holiday line and recently signed on its newest guest designer, Stacey Bendet, for the alice + olivia for Payless collection due in stores in Spring 2008. Through these arrangements Payless collaborates with the designers to unveil the footwear and accessory collections on the runway at New York Fashion Week, and later offers the collections in select Payless stores and on Payless.com(R). Payless' designer collections are among the most broadly distributed designer footwear lines available in the U.S. today.

About Payless

Payless ShoeSource, Inc., the largest specialty family footwear retailer in the Western Hemisphere, is dedicated to democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories and inspiring fun, fashion possibilities for the family at a great value. As of the end of the first quarter 2007, the company operated a total of 4,564 stores. In addition, customers can buy shoes over the Internet through Payless.com at http://www.payless.com/.

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