Mademoiselle Senior Editor Joins Style Site LuluShop.com

Posted on April 26, 2000

LuluShop, Inc., an interactive style resource, has announced that Melissa McElhatton, former senior market editor of Mademoiselle magazine, has signed on as the company's editor in chief. McElhatton will oversee the dynamic, personalized content of the site called ``The Lulu Chronicles.'' LuluShop.com will launch in late summer 2000.

That McElhatton's dog is named Lulu cinched the deal. ``It was kismet,'' says McElhatton. ``I am thrilled to be part of this fantastic team. There is such a need right now for personalized shopping service that's easy to use, gives immediate advice and information, and is just plain fun. And, as a group of women in our target age group, the LuluShop team understands firsthand what women really need and want from fashion today.''

LuluShop is supported by an advisory board that includes industry veterans Julie Chaiken, CEO of Chaiken Clothing; Atoosa Rubenstein, Editor in Chief of Cosmo Girl; Elizabeth Kiester, Market Director of Jane magazine; Corrado Frederico, former CEO of Esprit Corp., and Judy MacDonald, CEO of kibu.com.

LuluShop was founded by Heather Vandenberghe, who left her post as Director of Marketing of bebe stores, inc. in January to pursue an idea of bringing instant style advice to women. The site's title character, Lulu, is an amalgamation of fashion industry friends and LuluShop's founding team.

``Lulu is that friend we all have,'' explains Vandenberghe, LuluShop's CEO. ``She's the girlfriend who is always perfectly dressed, the one you call when you get invited someplace fantastic and have no idea what to wear. Lulu would call you with the news that your favorite boutique just got a new shipment and she's picking you up in 10 minutes to check it out.''