Style Media Announces 2012 Development Slate

After a record breaking 2011 and a best first quarter ever in 2012, Style Media announced today a 25 percent increase in original programming with the addition of five new original series, six series in development and two returning series at the network's upfront presentation held in New York. Cementing its place in the fashion space, Style Media is partnering with fashion icon Betsey Johnson and Emmy(R) award-winning producers Magical Elves ("Top Chef" and "Fashion Star") for a new series "Betsey + LuLu," premiering later this year, and will continue to showcase fascinating personalities such as Cat Deeley, Kimora Lee Simmons and Bill Rancic. The first of the new original series, "Empire Girls: Julissa & Adrienne," will premiere on Sunday, June 3 at 9pm ET/PT.

"This has been a tremendous year for Style from every perspective," said Salaam Coleman Smith, President of Style Media. "We saw a huge surge in advertiser support and achieved our most impressive first quarter ever with double digit growth among women 18-49. In 2012, our programming lineup, anchored by fan favorites like 'Tia & Tamara' and 'Giuliana & Bill,' will be joined by a terrific mix of personality-driven series that really speak to our passionate viewers as well as our advertising partners."

In 2011, Style Media delivered its best upfront performance in the network's history, adding a historic 58 advertisers representing a 33% year over year revenue increase. Building on its 2011 success, Style Media grew its revenue by adding 18 new advertisers in the first quarter alone.

Style recently marked its best first quarter ever, up an impressive 22% among W18-49 year-over-year, according to Nielsen. The network's success was fueled by its popular returning original series "Jerseylicious" and "Big Rich Texas" on Sunday nights, which delivered a 110% increase in total viewers versus 2011. "Jerseylicious," now in its fourth season, is enjoying its most watched season ever and the sophomore season of "Big Rich Texas" is up an impressive 36% among the desired W18-49 from season one. Additionally, the fifth season of "Giuliana & Bill" delivered the franchise's most-watched season premiere ever and is up an impressive 55% in total viewers season-over-season.

"Our upcoming slate builds on Style's commitment to develop compelling programming that showcases fascinating personalities with an insatiable appetite for stylish living," said Sarah Weidman, Senior Vice President, Original Programming & Development, Style Media. "Whether it's working in the high-end fashion industry, delving into celebrity lifestyle, or designing a new home, each show portrays exciting new characters and offers an entertaining glimpse into a world that will resonate with our audience."

Following are Style Media's programming announcements:

NEW SERIES:

"Betsey + Lulu"

Produced by Magical Elves. Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth serve as Executive Producers.

The docu-series "Betsey + Lulu" explores the unique lives of fashion icon Betsey Johnson and her muse, daughter and confident Lulu as they struggle to maneuver their ever evolving mother-daughter relationship. As Lulu transitions into her role as a single mother, she hopes to break away from her mom's fashion empire and follow her dream of starting her own line, however, it's up to Betsey to let Lulu step out on her own for the first time. With a colorful support system that includes their personal assistant, business partner, shrink and interior decorator, there is nothing these two women can't take on. "Ultimate Home with Bill Rancic" (Working Title) On Style's hit series "Giuliana & Bill," viewers have watched as Bill Rancic flipped properties into amazing high-end pieces of real estate. Now in this aspirational home makeover format, Bill will use his expertise to help real people create their dream home.

"Empire Girls: Julissa & Adrienne"

Produced by Ish Entertainment. Michael Hirschorn, Charles Suitt and Keira Brings serve as executive producers.

The hour long docu-series, which premieres Sunday, June 3 at 9pm ET/PT, follows Adrienne Bailon ("Cheetah Girls") and Julissa Bermudez ("106 & Park"), two fabulous Latina best friends and starlets, in New York City as they strive to conquer the cutthroat world of show business and find love and happiness... by the time they turn 30! Julissa and Adrienne first met in 2006 as co-stars in MTV's movie "All You've Got." While filming, they became best friends, even requesting to share the same trailer. Since then, these fashionistas have been there for each other through thick and thin and loves and losses, making noise and a name for themselves along the way.

"Chicagolicious"

Produced by Endemol USA. Three-time Emmy winner Alex Duda and Blake Levin serve as Executive Producers.

From the creator and executive producers of Style's hit series "Jerseylicious," "Chicagolicious" takes viewers to the Windy City to follow AJ Johnson who owns AJ's salon in Chicago, and whose clientele includes a who's who of actors and models, including Angela Bassett and Iman. AJ oversees a team of talented yet fiery hair and makeup artists who love to create drama; from the looks they give their clients to the manner in which they deal with each other. "Chicagolicious" premieres on Monday, June 11 at 9pm ET/PT.

"Party Fabulous Vegas"

Produced by Gay Rosenthal Productions. Gay Rosenthal serves as Executive Producer.

Event planner, Tory Cooper, and socialite, Joan Hammer, are co-owners of Priceless Affairs, a Las Vegas event company that throws high-end, over-the-top parties. The series follows Joan and Tory along with the help of their eclectic staff -- a florist with a flair for vintage, an assistant who aspires to run the show and the hot photographer who captures all the magic. Each episode will follow the team as they plan amazing and entertaining events such as a three-day $350,000 wedding event, a double birthday party for two wealthy teen girls and a pool party for a 24-year old Vegas native who has the money to party with a few hundred of his nearest and dearest friends. As they say...only in Vegas.

DEVELOPMENT:

"The Cat Deeley Celebrity Project" (Working Title)

Produced by A. Smith Productions. Arthur Smith, Kent Weed, Frank Sinton and Cat Deeley serve as Executive Producers.