Designer Silvia Tcerassi

DALLAS, Apr 3, 2011/ FW/ — Christian Siriano and Lela Rose have a new “sibling” at Payless. Columbian fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi joins the roster of top fashion designers collaborating with Payless to create affordable designer footwear and accessory collections.

Under the two-year collaboration, Tcherassi will design two, semi-annual collections including shoes and handbags for the Spring and Fall seasons. The exclusive designs by Tcherassi, to be priced from $40-$70 an item, will reflect a strong international and Latin influence inspired by the urban woman with a contemporary, passionate and vibrant sense of style.

For customers in the United States and Puerto Rico, the Silvia Tcherassi for Payless collection will be available at select Payless stores in eight cities in Puerto Rico and in about 15 U.S. markets including New York City, Miami, Tampa Bay, Boston and Washington D.C., among others, as well as a limited offering on Payless.com beginning this May.

The new line will also be available in stores across Latin America including Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago.

“I am thrilled to be working with Payless on my first-ever shoe label. This is a great opportunity to create shoes and handbags to complement my existing fashion collections and for the Spring/Summer season this includes many important silhouettes like wedges, flats, strappy heels and thongs sandals with key trend details like bright color-blocking, unique mesh uppers and satin ribbon details and ties,” commented Tcherassi.

“It was inspiring to work with the Payless footwear design team in NYC — together we created a sophisticated, contemporary collection that features the latest trends and high-end style, but at an affordable price starting at $40 a pair.”

Payless designer collections are among the most widely distributed designer footwear labels in America today and a key strategy for Payless in its mission to democratize fashion, design and the latest ideas in footwear and accessories for all to enjoy.

Tcherassi now joins a team of talented fashion designers including Christian Siriano with Christian Siriano for Payless, Lela Rose with Lela Rose for Payless and Unforgettable Moments by Lela Rose , and Isabel Toledo with Isabel Toledo for Payless — all exclusive labels available only at Payless that focus on delivering high-end footwear and accessories fashions at a great price.

These designers create exclusive collections for Payless that are typically available in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico as well as in Payless’ franchise stores located in the Middle East, Russia and The Philippines. Silvia Tcherassi for Payless is the first designer label that will be broadly available at Payless stores in Latin America.