HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Kmart, LF USA (a subsidiary of Hong Kong-headquartered multinational Li & Fung Limited), and Latin World Entertainment Licensing today announced the launch of a new lifestyle collection by renowned actress Sofia Vergara. Sold exclusively through Kmart, the collection will embody the "Modern Family" star's signature style of glamour and sexiness with an air of approachability.

The collection, which will include sportswear, dresses, handbags, jewelry, and footwear, is designed to offer young, fashion-conscious women the trend-right must-haves of each season, including figure flattering styles and fashion-forward prints and patterns that easily transition from day to night. Reflecting Sofia's unique fashion sensibilities, the brand is a modern and fresh approach to everyday style. Kmart will be the exclusive provider and marketer in the United States for all Sofia Vergara apparel, accessories and other merchandise, available at over 800 Kmart stores nationwide and Kmart.com beginning fall 2011.

"The Sofia Vergara collection will draw on the star's notable, personal style with designs that will have broad appeal," said John Goodman, executive vice president of Apparel and Home for Sears Holdings. "As you look at the current brand portfolio at Kmart--from our longstanding relationship with Jaclyn Smith to our more recent introduction of Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez--it is clear that we value the authenticity that comes from collaborating with talented celebrities whose sense of fashion is aspirational but attainable. We're particularly pleased to be able to strengthen our apparel offering with this contemporary brand, designed especially for a young, fashion-conscious customer. We look forward to welcoming Sofia Vergara to the Kmart family."

Named as one of the most talented and powerful women in Hispanic entertainment today by The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard, Sofia Vergara is the only Hispanic actress to begin her career on a U.S. Hispanic network and successfully cross over to the general market. She can currently be seen every week on ABC's six-time Emmy award-winning series, "Modern Family" and will participate in some of the most anticipated films of 2011, Columbia Picture's "The Smurfs," Warner Bros' "Happy Feet," and New Line Cinema's "New Year's Eve." Recently selected by The New York Times as one of this year's "Faces to Watch", Sofia was nominated this year for a Golden Globe, an Emmy and a Screen Actors Guild award for her role in "Modern Family."

"I am thrilled to be introducing the Sofia Vergara brand with Kmart!" said Sofia Vergara. "I wanted to work with a national retailer that would truly value a collection that provides both fashion and quality at a price women could afford."

"As an actress, businesswoman, philanthropist and fashion trend-setter, Sofia Vergara is truly today's modern woman," said Rick Darling, president of LF USA. "Just as Sofia's talent has won her fans across a broad audience base, we believe her collection will appeal to a range of fashion conscious consumers. The combination of one of America's top retailers in Kmart, along with LF USA's design capabilities and global sourcing network and Sofia's strong consumer appeal, creates a powerful fashion proposition for our customers."

In addition to her acting career, Sofia is a founding partner with Luis Balaguer of Latin World Entertainment, a 100 percent Hispanic-owned entertainment company serving the U.S. Hispanic market.

"When creating the Sofia Vergara Brand, we were looking for a strategic relationship to capture the essence of Sofia and work closely with her to translate it into a line that reflects her passion, personality and beauty," said Luis Balaguer, president and CEO of Latin World Entertainment. "Kmart is the ideal retailer and will be the home to the Sofia Vergara Brand for many years to come!"

About Kmart

Kmart, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq: SHLD), is a mass merchandising company that offers customers quality products through a portfolio of exclusive brands that include Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, Country Living, Route 66 and Smart Sense. For more information visit the company's website at www.kmart.com or the Sears Holdings Corporation website at www.searsholdings.com.

About LF USA

LF USA is a subsidiary of Li & Fung Limited, the Hong Kong-headquartered multinational consumer goods export and logistics group and recognized as the world's leader in consumer goods design, development, sourcing and distribution. From over 140 offices in the United States, Europe, Africa and Asia, the Group manages the supply chain for retailers and brands worldwide and sources from more than 40 economies. It also operates an extensive integrated distribution network serving a portfolio of customers. Corporate website: www.lifung.com

About Latin World Entertainment

Latin World Entertainment is the premier talent management and entertainment marketing firm in the United States--a multi-service company offering a 360 degree approach that includes publicity, licensing, endorsements, brand integration, production and content development. After sixteen years developing Hispanic celebrities, this 100% Hispanic owned company serving the US Hispanic market has the reputation of being the number one Hispanic talent agency in the country and the strongest multi-service and synergy provider in its kind. Corporate website: www.latinwe.com.

SOURCE Kmart