Belisi Fashions, known for high-end accessories, brings the same quality and attention to detail to its collection of designer leather handbags

PALM BEACH, Fla. (May 1, 2008). Peter Belisi, the designer called the next Ralph Lauren by Jupiter Magazine, believes quality is in the details. Each one of his new handbag styles features the same quality artisanship and fine materials represented in Belisi luxury Italian silk ties and silk scarves.

The Belisi Handbag Collection was not a whimsical undertaking. The handbags are three years in the making. Why the wait? Mr. Belisi had a few unwavering criteria to meet before he could debut the collection:

Unique - Belisi handbags must have a signature style.

Classic - Belisi handbags must be classic. A Belisi bag is an investment. Whatever fashions go in and out of style, a Belisi designer bag will stand the test of time.

Premium Quality - Belisi handbags must be of equal or greater quality to premium brands that cost $500 or $1,000 or more.

“For our customers to spend $200, $300 and up, we want to give them a bag they can wear with confidence in 10 or 20 years,” says Peter Belisi. “And if our bags weren't as good as Louis Vuitton, Gucci or Coach, I didn't want to make them.”

The result is a breathtaking collection of premium designer handbags. “Truly premium brands use custom materials and apply subtle touches of luxury in every bag like ‘feet’ on the bottoms to prevent wear and tear, signature designs and solid gold hardware. Many women look for custom hardware first when buying a designer handbag and we spared no expense in our hardware,” Belisi says.

“To achieve the most amazing product, I went way out of my comfort zone. There is a big difference between fabric, which I had worked with in the past, and metal, so to get the ultimate luxury look I collaborated a designer of custom aircraft interiors on the hardware design. Saudi Princes and billionaires pay up to $200 million on their aircraft décor; many of these interiors include custom designed vanities, gilded ceilings, exotic wood cabinets, even throne rooms. This partnership resulted in custom hardware that is the signature Belisi look.”

The Belisi Handbag Collection includes five classic handbags: the Sophie Drawstring, Satchel, Emma Shoulder Bag, the Annika Bucket bag, Ava Travel Tote, and the Linden Backpack—a popular trend among the 20-something crowd. The Belisi Collection will also include a rolling suitcase, a laptop bag and a versatile wallet.

Belisi handbags feature exclusive Tuscan Dark Chocolate Leather finished with the hallmark Belisi pattern in Alabaster Glow.

“We call it Alabaster Glow because the pattern has a luminescence to it,” says Belisi. “We discovered the radiance when we applied our standard cream color to the dark chocolate leather. You get a beautiful radiance that truly embodies the Palm Beach luxury on which we were founded.”

In addition to timeless style and classic sophistication, Belisi handbags are practical.

“The Number One issue we heard from women was they want the convenience of carrying a handbag on their shoulder or in hand. We also heard that they want zippers that work smoothly, have inside pockets for a cell phone, and when a zipper isn't convenient, an easy closure, like a magnet.  For example, our backpack has very convenient straps and pockets. Our laptop bag is just the right size and has many easy access features like Velcro pockets. Our travel bag and drawstring bag come with shoulder straps.” Whoever said that women have to sacrifice comfort and convenience in the name of fashion hasn’t experienced Belisi.

“Belisi accessories are known for their exclusive designs and quality,” says Mr. Belisi. “Our handbags are no exception; they’re unique and definitely one-of-a-kind. We set out to deliver a collection of unforgettable luxury handbags, and that's what we've achieved.”

About Belisi Fashions

The Belisi brand is Peter Belisi's creative fusion of vibrant Palm Beach colors with Italian-inspired design. Belisi embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship with a passion for the best of everything, which is evident in the quality products they carry. Each dramatic detail in a Belisi tie, pocket square, scarf and handbag represents Belisi’s unwavering commitment to creating fashion products that embody timeless sophistication and enduring beauty.

Editor’s Note:  Photography is available upon request.

Contact: Amy Covington
Belisi Fashions
amy.covington@belisi.com
www.Belisi.com

PALM BEACH, Florida -- The most powerful and influential Palm Beach residents, including Donald Trump, were out in full force at the Able Trust 10th Anniversary Gala "Reflections of India" on March 1, 2008 at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Fla.

As someone who believes that living the “good life” is about more than celebrating the best things in life, it’s about giving back to the community, it was only natural that Peter Belisi of Belisi Fashions (www.Belisi.com) was among the sponsors and attendees at this much-anticipated event.

Likewise, Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, was the perfect venue to host this extravagant evening. Guests were treated to a presentation of rich and vibrant Indian culture as the Mar-a-Lago was transformed into a floating Indian Palace.

As one of the sponsors, Belisi Fashions donated silk ties and scarves with a retail value of $14,000, and Peter and his wife Cari served on the volunteer committee to raise awareness and solicit donations for The Able Trust.

“I believe in The Able Trust’s work in the South Florida community,” said Peter Belisi. “At Belisi, we support many community organizations as part of our Luxury with Meaning program, and look forward to continuing our support of worth causes that create jobs and open doors for those less fortunate.”

Along with the Belisi silk tie and matching scarf departure gifts, other items given away included Bombay Sapphire gin samples, a CD donated by From Here to There, gift certificates to Season's 52/Darden Restaurants, a gift from Eco Shoppe and a copy of Vive magazine.

“The support of sponsors … exemplifies the spirit of giving that helps enhance the lives of people with disabilities,” said Susanne Homant, president and CEO of The Able Trust.

The Able Trust, also known as the Florida Governor’s Alliance, has awarded over $20 million to individuals with disabilities and nonprofit agencies throughout Florida for employment-related purposes, enabling over 2,000 Florida citizens with disabilities to enter the workforce each year. This year’s gala brought in in nearly $535,000 for Floridians with disabilities on March 1 in Palm Beach.

The Able Trust believes that when people with disabilities want to work, they should. The Trust supports individuals non-profit vocational rehabilitation programs throughout Florida with fund-raising, grant making and public awareness of disability issues.

Vocational rehabilitation is the focus of The Able Trust's programs and grants. For every dollar invested in vocational rehabilitation, thirteen to twenty-six dollars are infused into the economy. Making funds available to persons with disabilities helps not only them, but also local and state economies. The Trust receives its funding from a perpetual endowment, grants, gifts and support from the public and corporate sectors.

About The Able Trust

The Able Trust supports a diversity of projects, including on-the-job coaching, supported employment, job skills-training, job development, employer outreach, ADA facility compliance, skills evaluation and programs leading to employment. The positive impact of The Able Trust's grant awards has been felt by non-profit agencies serving people with various disabilities, community colleges and individuals with documented disabilities.

The Able Trust youth programs provide career development and transition to almost 2,000 students with disabilities annually, helping to reduce the dropout rate and prepare young adults for life beyond high school. Visit www.abletrust.org for more information.

About Belisi Fashions

The Belisi brand is Peter Belisi's creative fusion of vibrant Palm Beach colors with Italian-inspired design. Belisi embodies the spirit of true entrepreneurship with a passion for the best of everything, which is evident in the quality products produced. Each dramatic detail in a Belisi tie, pocket square and scarf represents Belisi’s unwavering commitment to creating fashion products that embody timeless sophistication and enduring beauty.

Editor’s Note:  Photography is available upon request.

Contact: Amy Covington
Belisi Fashions
amy.covington@belisi.com
www.Belisi.com

Peter Belisi, founder and president of Belisi Fashions, was dubbed the next Ralph Lauren by Jupiter Magazine. Like his predecessor Ralph Lauren, Belisi had an eye for fashion from a young age. Growing up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Belisi was inspired by the quality fabrics and high-end fashion that surrounded him. Similar to Polo mogul Ralph Lauren, Peter Belisi always exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit.

Peter Belisi, founder and president of Belisi Fashions, was dubbed the next Ralph Lauren by Jupiter Magazine. In the February 2008 issue, Peter Belisi was interviewed by Christie Caliendo about his approach to business, life, and, of course, fashion.

Like his predecessor Ralph Lauren, Belisi had an eye for fashion from a young age. Growing up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Belisi was inspired by the quality fabrics and high-end fashion that surrounded him. Similar to Polo mogul Ralph Lauren, Peter Belisi always exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit. While Lauren set his sights on becoming a millionaire early on (as noted under his high school yearbook photo), Belisi was never afraid to take risks and venture out on his own.

After college, Belisi plunged into the dot.com scene with an Internet advertising company. After the bubble burst, Belisi picked up a job as a bartender at a billionaire watering hole in Palm Beach, Florida. With an eye on his next opportunity, Belisi quickly discovered his calling--fashion. His successful clientele had one thing in common (besides money): impeccable style--from their shiny Italian loafers to imported silk neckties

A plan began to take shape when Belisi realized that the right wardrobe was key to success in business and in a community like Palm Beach. As Ralph Lauren was known among his peers to have his finger on the pulse of fashion trends (he even sold ties to his classmates), Belisi became known for the unique ties he designed and wore to work. Little did his customers know they were participating in market research.

Ever the entrepreneur, Belisi got to work on bringing his designs to life in a collection of exquisite Italian ties for men and silk scarves for women. Why accessories?

"I believe accessories are the start, not the finish of the design-inspired look -- with the right accessories, even average garments are transformed into winning style," says Belisi.

The article also revealed the next steps in Belisi's rise to building his fashion empire -- the launch of his much-anticipated handbag collection and the opening of a private label retail store.

Despite the bustling activity, Belisi still finds time to give back to the community and remains steadfast in his commitment to the Belisi "Luxury with Meaning" program, which allows customers to designate a charity that will receive a donation based on a percentage of proceeds from each sale on http://www.belisi.com.

About Belisi Fashions:

The Belisi brand is Peter Belisi's creative fusion of vibrant Palm Beach colors with Italian-inspired design. Belisi embodies the spirit of true entrepreneurship with a passion for the best of everything, which is evident in the quality products produced. Each dramatic detail in a Belisi tie, pocket square and scarf represents Belisi's unwavering commitment to creating fashion products that embody timeless sophistication and enduring beauty.

Belisi silk scarves were recently featured on the SheKnows.com beauty blog. In the article about the popular trend of wearing silk scarves, SheKnows.com recommends the Belisi Paris Pink Ribbon Scarf.

Here's a excerpt from the article:

Wearing scarves as headbands was a trend made hugely popular by Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, and the trend is continuing through fall and into winter. Women of all ages love to wear scarves. They can be worn as a headband, ponytail holder or in clever ways that express individual style, like around the handles of a school bag or women's handbag.

View the full story on SheKnows.com.

The hottest new trend in accessories, wearing silk scarves on handbags and wrists, is popping up on celebrities like Lauren Conrad. I'm Not Obsessed!, a celebrity fashion blog, was so kind to point us in the right direction for putting together a star-studded look like Lauren's, and the Belisi Veronica silk scarf was among those chosen. See for yourself at www.ImNotObsessed.com.

At Belisi we believe the most beautiful models are real people. That's why we encourage you to upload your best shots wearing Belisi products. We publish all photos to Belisi.com. Here are my favorites. To upload your photos, visit Belisi.com

Cheers,

~ Peter Belisi

Belisi Breast Cancer Awareness products and partnership with the Susan G. Komen For a Cure Foundation were featured in Miami's premier magazine for what's hot in South Florida, Where Magazine Miami.

Online Shopping with a Personal Touch

Belisi Fashions was recently featured in Fashion Manuscript Magazine, a trade publication for the apparel industry.

Nothing is more attention grabbing than red. Belisi Tender Hearts silk scarf was recently featured in a fall fashion roundup for Southern Seasons Magazine.

Belisi Jet Set Pocket Squares were featured on Gear Patrol, a men's lifestyle and leisure blog.