Simmons Sisters: Sweet Smell of Success

Don’t talk to Angela and Vanessa Simmons about the recession. The dynamic
duo is having tremendous success with their Pastry line, according to
Women’s Wear Daily. The lifestyle brand geared toward girls and young women
is angling to boost its profile by expanding global distribution. By
mid-April, Pastry will roll out to 350 Foot Locker stores across Europe.
Expanding the product mix of Pastry is another push for the MTV darlings,
who launched the line in March 2007 as a division of Run Athletics, which was
founded by their father, Rev Run, and their uncle Russell Simmons. Beyond
footwear, Pastry introduced apparel and handbags last year and in January,
added watches, hats and cold-weather accessories. But the brand is looking
to broaden the offering with more fashion products, including shoes,
sunglasses, cosmetics and a fragrance line.—BB