CPSC Recalls Dangerously Flammable Imported Chiffon Skirts

Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today the stop sale and recall of a popular style of rayon and rayon/cotton blend skirt, which is dangerously flammable. The skirts, which present a serious risk of burn injuries, do not meet the applicable flammability regulation under the Flammable Fabrics Act. In fact, these skirts burn faster than newspaper.

The skirts, which were made in India and sold nationwide, are long, full, summer and fall-line skirts with elastic waist bands, which may also have drawstrings at the waist. They have two layers - with a sheer chiffon layer of fabric over a gauze lining and are made of rayon or rayon (viscose) cotton blends. The skirts sold between $6 and $80 at large chain stores and small boutiques nationwide, including those listed below.

CPSC is working with a number of importers and retailers to recall more than a quarter of a million of these skirts. In addition, the U.S. Customs Service will work with CPSC to stop the skirts at the point of entry into the United States. CPSC surveyed over 200 retail stores in 17 major U.S. cities to test for the fire hazard.

CPSC URGES CONSUMERS TO IMMEDIATELY STOP WEARING THESE FLAMMABLE SKIRTS AND BRING THEM BACK TO THE RETAILERS. Your retailer should know whether the skirt is a part of this recall and should then provide a refund or credit. Although CPSC has not received any reports of injuries from these skirts to date, the agency is issuing this safety notice and recalling the skirts to prevent injuries from these dangerous products.

Any skirt with the following description and general label information may be involved in this recall.

Description:

• Two layer skirt with sheer chiffon fabric over a gauze lining.
• Long, full, summer and fall-line skirts with elastic waist bands, which may also have drawstrings at the waist.

General Label Information:

• Made in India.
• 100 percent rayon or 65 percent rayon (viscose)/35 percent cotton.
• Hand Wash Separately in Cold Water or Dry Clean Only.

The following major retailers are cooperating with CPSC and agreed to participate in this recall:

Abraham & Strauss Basement
Ames Ladies Wear
Annie Sez
Bealls Outlet Stores
Burlington Coat Factory
Cost Plus
Dayton's
Filenes Basement
Gantos
Hudson's
Jean Nicole
Loehmann's
Marianne
Marshalls
Marshall Field's
One Price
Ross
T.J. Maxx

Numerous other retailers will also be participating in this recall.

CPSC found the following brand names on the labels of the skirts that failed the flammability test:

2 Kool Look
Ann Simone
Carla Freeman
Casual Designs by RAVIA
Exclusif
F b i
Founded 1976 D II K by K.V. M.
Giallo Napoli
Gold Star
LaGebi-Masone II
Minti Mode
Papillon
Phool
Renuka
Short Circuit
Steed Import Inc.
Vile Parle
Xessorium
Zero Zero

Other brand names may also be involved in this recall. Consumers who have questions about the recall can call the CPSC toll-free hotline at (800) 638-CPSC (2772).