Nanette Lepore brings teen fashion to JCPenney

PLANO, Texas and NEW YORK — JCPenney announced that it has partnered with fashion designer Nanette Lepore to bring her first teen-focused line to its stores. Inspired by her teenage daughter, the line "l'amour nanette lepore" will be available exclusively at JCPenney and will debut as its own distinct shop beginning February 2013.

"We're building a merchandise offering that will be unlike anything available in American retailing today," said Michael Francis, president JCPenney. "We will be working with the most influential designers in the business, like Nanette Lepore, to entirely redesign the jcpenney shopping experience around a series of distinctive brand environments. We're thrilled that Nanette Lepore is one of the first designers to join us. Her style is easily recognizable, highly sought-after and much adored."

Lepore will design and merchandise the brand to reflect her daughter's inherent super-girly teenage style with just the right amount of feminine sophistication. The brand will launch with a spring collection of fun and flirty dresses as well as casual sportswear and will target the 13- to 19-year-old shopper, according to a press release.

"Because my muse is my amazing daughter Violet, the l'amour nanette lepore brand will embody the energy and vitality of her generation," said Nanette Lepore. "As JCPenney evolves, I can't think of a better retailer to bring this brand to life. Soon, every young fashionista will have the opportunity to add a little l'amour to her wardrobe."