Earlier this fall, we wrote about a new catalog targeted at African-American women that will debut early in 1993; to be called "E Style," the catalog venture is being developed by Ebony magazine and Spiegel Inc.

We've since learned that a catalog with the same target audience already exists. Essence By Mail catalog was launched seven years ago by Essence Communications, Inc., publisher of Essence magazine, and Hanover Direct, Inc., a mail-order retailer.

Essence Catalog Director Michele Mullings, says, "We feature African-American women who model garments with the black figure (fit) as a focus ... Additionally, selling bright colored garments with head-to-toe accessories has been the mainstay of our business. Moreover, these garments are affordable and include black designers."

For information: 1-800-882-8055.