New fashion portal combines BtoB, social networking

Zeeportal.com – a free, virtual marketplace for designers, buyers, models

Massive 24/7 exposure at no cost to fashion industry professionals

NEW YORK — The fashion industry welcomed a groundbreaking new force today with the launch of Zeeportal.com, the 24/7 virtual trade show for fashion professionals.

Founded by banker-turned-entrepreneur Rita Kahn, Zeeportal.com combines the power of BtoB commerce sites with the immediacy of social networking favorites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter to help designers, buyers, models, editors and other industry professionals connect and do business in today’s competitive climate.

“While trade shows and industry events are important, they don’t take place every day,” said Kahn, “And, they can be very expensive for many young designers, students and startups to attend. With Zeeportal.com, fashion industry professionals can make connections, get the latest news and conduct business 24/7 in a fun, free virtual environment that’s tailor-made for our industry.”

Features of the site include searchable member profiles and designer catalogs, fashion news, expert advice, industry events, online chats, exchange rates, stock quotes, classified ads and online order taking. For added security, designers can choose which buyers can access their profiles and catalogs.

“When people go to trade shows, it’s easy for forget what collections they have visited,” said Kahn. “Often, buyers lose business cards and misplace catalogs. Zeeportal.com is a good way to keep products on the top of buyers’ minds, follow up, and to do business after the show, which is when most buyers place orders.”

To help boost sales even further, buyers will be able to join Zeeportal.com for free, and their profiles will be fully searchable by geographic region, style (contemporary or classic), store section (men’s/women’s/children’s, etc.), size, price point and type of item. The site is also open to models, students and the media, creating a streamlined environment that fosters commerce and communication from all corners of the fashion world.

“Zeeportal.com is truly a one-stop business solution for fashion industry insiders,” said Kahn. “Whether you’re a student, a veteran designer, a model, a buyer or a fashion magazine editor, Zeeportal.com captures the whole industry in one convenient and powerful destination.