NEW YORK, May 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Hot off the heels of wrapping her first national headlining tour, Keyshia Cole has signed on to be the face of the new Akademiks Ladies 2006 Fall/Holiday advertising campaign. The year-long campaign marks an unprecedented move for Akademiks -- Keyshia Cole is the first celebrity they have selected to feature in their campaigns, which will begin to run in August 2006 in publications such as Vibe, Teen Vogue, Essence and Latina, among others.

"I'm really excited about being apart of the new Akademiks campaign," says Keyshia Cole. "Akademiks has been very supportive of my career and I respect their vision and cutting edge creativity. They are definitely taking it to the next level."

"Keyshia Cole projects a lifestyle that is in tune with our creative direction," says Byron Kirkland, Director of Marketing. "She represents the strong young women of today; intelligent, confident, fashionable, sexy and vibrant. Akademiks Ladies is creating a MOVEMENT focusing on female empowerment ... we feel Keyshia Cole is that spark."

Keyshia Cole has achieved amazing success with her platinum debut album The Way It Is. Her album and live show performances have received critical acclaim worldwide. The New York Times proclaimed " ... one of the year's best albums, which seems ever more like an important moment in the recent history of R&B." The album spawned the smash hits "I Should Have Cheated," which was the #1 song at urban radio for weeks, "I Changed My Mind," "(I Just Want It) To Be Over," and "Love."

Currently, Keyshia Cole can be heard on the theme song to Mission Impossible III with Kanye West and rapper Twista. She recently performed the song with Kanye and Twista on a national media blitz for the movie which included MTV's TRL, BET'S 106 & Park, Tonight Show With Jay Leno and The Ellen Degeneres Show.

Akademiks was founded in 1999, with the principle "in pursuit of truth." The mission is to inspire and lead the youth fashion revolution, by offering affordable premium denim with superior craftsmanship. Akademiks clothing exceeds the expectations of its customers with innovation, keen attention to detail, quality and outstanding fit. The new Akademiks Ladies Fall 2006 collection is strong, yet feminine and redefines the term "urban contemporary." This collection will be in-stores in August and has already received rave reviews from industry insiders.