VANCOUVER, B.C. -- Linda Hipp – the popular Canadian designer of women’s golf and sportswear – announced that her company, Lija, has created 170 pieces in four vibrant new collections for Spring 2006.

Designed as elegant yet sporty complements to the various moods of a modern woman’s life, these collections – entitled “Set Sail,” “Island Escape,” “Urban Playground” and “Safari Sunset” – feature the distinctive European-inspired styling that have made Hipp’s designs a favorite of fashion-conscious golfers and non-golfers alike for the past eight years. Their introduction follows two highly successful 2005 collections that helped Lija solidify its position as the one of the industry’s hottest brands, garnering awards while achieving increased revenues, accounts and market penetration.

Highlighted in a 44-page catalog, Lija’s Spring 2006 offerings are currently available for retailers to view. The lines incorporate a variety of fabrics, such as bamboo knitwear, linen, light-weight cotton-spandex blends and technical fabrications. Featured looks include argyle and tropical prints, bold stripes, preppy plaids and appliqués.

“We’ve tried to capture the emotion and excitement of Spring with four distinct and dynamic collections,” says Hipp. “The pieces offer a mix of urban and resort sophistication, casual and preppy styles that help women look and feel great no matter where they find themselves.”
Prices range from $60 (USD) for some tops to $290 (USD) for select technical outerwear. For more information, call 604.270.6060 or visit www.LijaStyle.com to view the Fall 2005 and ever-popular Basics collections.

About the Collections
Inspired by glamorous adventures and the desire to bring style to the golf course and beyond, each of Lija’s Spring 2006 collections have exclusive color stories and themes ranging from exotic elegance to country club prep.

“Island Escape” is all about brilliant tropical colors such as coral, lagoon and turquoise illustrating a refined, crisp “resort” feel. Two beautiful prints, the Lolita print – a sophisticated floral – and mini plaid, tie the collection together. Bold stripes, argyle prints, appliqués and linen are just a few other highlights. Bermuda shorts, still a hot item for Spring ’06, is one of the mainstays of this collection. Available in both solids and prints and various feminine styles, this staple is sure to make it into every woman’s wardrobe. (47pieces, ships January 15)
Sail away in rich colors for a lavish lifestyle.

“Set Sail” is where rebellion meets tradition. Vibrant hues of orchid and tangerine mixed with navy and white provide an electrifying twist on a nautical theme. Stripes, preppy plaids and tropical prints are key in this collection. Beautiful, natural bamboo knitwear with a subtle argyle pattern gives an eclectic feel when paired with any of the prints. Set Sail incorporates a variety of feminine polos with unique detailing that go from the golf course to the yacht. (50 pieces, ships February 15)

“Urban Playground” is the metropolitan adventure. Primary colors of red, yellow, black and white offers a more sporty edge for Lija in 2006. An artful, striped print kick starts the collection. Detailing such as offset zippers, unique seamlines and unusual contrasting creates a story of its own this season. Technical fabrics grace the collection offering water repellency, wind and abrasion resistance to polos and outerwear. “Fusion” polos in bold and daring contrasts show a hint of the Lija logo in this ultra lightweight, technical fabrication. (32 pieces, ships February 15)

“Safari Sunset” offers a sense of sophistication boasting natural tones including tan, cocoa, nut, and accented with banana. Luxurious prints with a hint of “African motif” are available in capris, shorts and skorts. Beautiful lightweight linen, classic knitwear and lightweight polos in several styles allow for mixing and matching to bring out the adventurer in you. (41 pieces, ships March 15)

About Lija
Lija apparel – pronounced Lee-zha – is worn by numerous LPGA Tour players, including chic, young star Jill McGill. The company has received significant recognition within and outside the golf industry, achieving organic annual sales growth of at least 50 percent each of the past six years. Enjoying a rapidly expanding sales force and account base in North America, Lija recently began selling into the UK, Australian and Japanese markets.

Recent recognition for the company includes being the only apparel brand named one of Canada’s 100 fastest-growing companies by Profit magazine. Lija also received the prestigious 2004 APEX Award for its Power Shield Double Zip Jacket, and was named one of North America’s “Top-5 Up-and-Coming Women’s Golf Apparel” by GolfWorld Business. Individually, Hipp has been honored as a grant recipient of the Matinee Fashion Foundation Award, which annually recognizes and funds select Canadian designers, and voted a “40 Under 40” winner by Business in Vancouver.

Hipp, 38, previously worked as a business development executive for Vancouver’s Canucks (NHL) and Grizzlies (NBA). An avid and highly-skilled golfer, Hipp struggled to find on-course apparel that meshed with her off-course fashion sensibility. Recognizing a market opportunity – and the chance to combine her passions for fashion, golf and business – Hyp Golf was launched in July 1997. The company re-branded as Lija in late 2004. Chiefly influenced by both European trends and West Coast style, Hipp has garnered a widespread reputation as one of the hottest designers in active fashion.

Contact:
Tom Williams
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3322
twilliams@billycaspergolf.com