Women the world over know ESCADA for its bright fabrics, elaborate stitching, hand-beaded work, and tailored looks. The firm designs and sells upscale women's apparel (including evening wear, casual wear, and shoes), accessories, and fragrances in about 410 company-owned and franchised stores in some 60 countries. Apparel, handbags, shoes, and belts are designed in-house; eyewear, jewelry, watches, and scarves are licensed. It sold its Escada Beaut cosmetics division to Wella AG but remains a licensee. Unable to secure financing amid falling sales and earnings, the company in August 2009 filed for bankruptcy protection and is being sold.

Gravis Footwear, Inc. company makes sporty (for sports and for the sportif) footwear, bags (handbags and luggage pieces), and apparel (T-shirts, hats, hoodies and jackets) printed with the company's logo. Gravis' trendy collections, which appeal to men and women 25-35 years of age, are available through more than 2,500 specialty retailers worldwide. These include 200-plus stores in the US, including surf and skate shops, as well as chains such as Urban Outfitters and Whole Earth Provision. Snowboard manufacturer Burton Snowboards owns Gravis.

Cosmolane is a Canadian distributor of quality skin care and cosmetic brands. It was established in 1998 as the distributor for Orlane, Paris. It has since added several quality brands (Ahava, Sampar, Kelemata, Ainhoa, M Asam, Alpure, Mama Mio, Guest Men, and Task) to its portfolio as the company moves forward with its innovative “Science & Nature” program. Maud Julier – founder and President with more than 30 years in the beauty industry, has extensive international experience including England, Middle East, Far East, Australia, Pacific Islands and Japan. Her diversified experience brings a unique perspective and understanding to the multicultural Canadian market.The Cosmolane head office is located in Toronto, in close proximity to most major retailer head offices. It is supported by a third party state of the art logistical service that is a fully secured, air conditioned and regulated environment. Cosmolane has delivered steady growth and success to its brand partners. Its diversified and well rounded portfolio of prestige quality brands has been carefully chosen to minimize duplication of market positioning allowing each to thrive while providing synergies to the corporation.

Pookie Products was founded in 2001 by two New York University sorority sisters. Combine cosmetics and terms of endearment, and you get Pookie Products. The firm makes and markets lip balms using beeswax, shea butter, and natural oils such as avocado, apricot kernel, sweet almond, and coconut. Balms include its champagne-flavored I Do lip balm, It's a Boy! and It's a Girl! mini-tins, mint and vanilla Apookalips, as well as private labeling balms for wedding parties, bridal showers, and other special occasions. The company's products, which have expanded to include bath and body products and apparel, are available in specialty retailers (like Anthropologie) and through its online store.

Sexy Hair wants to take sexy from concept to reality. Named Sexy Hair Concepts, the company makes and distributes hair care products for sale in more than 60,000 US professional hair salons. Products include Fresh Concepts, its Sexy Hair line, Sex Symbol Aero Tan (self-tanning spray), and Formulas by Ecoly. The company in mid-2006 enlisted the help of American Idol finalist Katharine McPhee to serve as the face of the company in ads and promotional materials through 2007. Sexy Hair Concepts distributes its products in the US and internationally -- in more then 25 countries. Formerly named Formulas by Ecoly and founded by Michael O'Rourke, Sexy Hair Concepts hired Jim Morrison as its CEO in March 2006.

Cargo Cosmetics wants its products to be one of the essentials every gal packs into her trunk before leaving on a voyage from home, even if it's just for a night on the town. Cargo Cosmetics makes a line of cosmetics that includes an assortment of eye shadows and mascaras, blushes, lipsticks, bronzing and pressed powders, foundations, brushes, and accessories. The firm's products, available online or through upscale shops like Sephora, are used by makeup artists in Hollywood and on the sets of prime-time TV shows. Toronto-based Cargo Cosmetics has a presence in Canada, the US, Saudi Arabia, Japan, the UK, and Puerto Rico.

Adolfo Domínguez company designs, makes, and distributes fashionable apparel aimed mostly at upper-middle-class 30- to 45-year-olds. Adolfo Domínguez boasts more than 300 owned and franchised stores located in about 15 countries. About 230 of the stores are in Spain. In addition to its men's and women's apparel, the company's products portfolio also includes cosmetics, eyewear, luggage, perfume, watches, and other items. Through licensing agreements with several firms, the company also takes in royalties through sales of cosmetics, eyewear, and other items. Adolfo Domínguez owns about a third of his namesake company.

The business was founded in 1950 as Samuel Aaron International. The Aaron Group supplies rocks to those who dig bling. The diamond and gemstone jewelry manufacturer fills two niches -- it makes moderate to low- end jewelry (sold to mass merchandisers and department stores, including Macy's and Belk), jewelry chains, television retailers, catalogs, and Web sites) and midrange to high-end jewelry. Retail customers range from Wal-Mart to QVC to Helzberg Diamonds and Zales. It also is a major exporter, through its Thailand division (Thai-link Trading Co.), to Asian, Australian, European, and South American markets. The firm has operations in Costa Rica (Samuel Aaron Costa Rica) and India (Sai India).

Eagle Creek takes the lug out of luggage by making backpacks and other carrying bags that are designed for comfort. The company specializes in making outdoor backpacks, but it also makes and markets wheeled switchbacks and trunks, duffel bags, shoulder bags, and even money belts and wallets. Eagle Creek's Pack-It-System helps to organize and pack clothes and other travel items within a suitcase, backpack, or briefcase. Its products are sold through specialty luggage stores, outdoor shops, and department stores in the US and Europe. Employee-owned Eagle Creek was acquired by top jeans manufacturer and outdoor enthusiast V.F. Corporation in 2007.

Founder and CEO Jeff Pink established the personal care products manufacturer in 1975. Orly International, Inc. company makes nail lacquers and assorted nail care items that are used internationally in salons and spas in more than 65 countries. Its products also are sold through beauty supply stores, including Ulta and Sally Beauty. Orly's nail treatment products include the Original French Manicure, Fungus MD, Calcium Shield, and 3 Step HandSpa, among others. The company boasts the Get a Grip-brand nail polish cap for ease of use.

Inviting Real Estate Agents, Job Placements Agents, Educational Institutes, Software Service Providers, Real Estate Builders, Marriage Bureaus, Travel Agents, Restaurant Owners, Health & Fitness Centers and other Local Businesses to Post a FREE Classified Advertisement on Cootera.com Classifieds Website.