NEW YORK, Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Avon Products, Inc. announced today
that it has joined forces with the Ironman brand to launch a signature
men's fragrance collection named after the legendary triathlon. The Ironman
Fragrance Collection, featuring an eau de toilette spray, after shave
conditioner and anti-perspirant, will be unveiled just before this year's
Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. As world-class
athletes embark on the ultimate test of endurance, Avon debuts the ultimate
celebration of the determination, drive and passion to accomplish the
tremendous feat of Ironman. The collection tagline, "Anything is Possible,"
is also the Ironman mantra for their worldwide events.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081003/NYF012 )
As the number one user-based global sports brand and founder of the
world's most challenging endurance event, Ironman represents more than a
race -- it is a lifestyle. Competitors from around the world are drawn to
this epic feat of endurance, a universal adventure that challenges both the
mind and the body. It appeals to athletes who want to push themselves to
the limit while immersing themselves in the natural world. "The Ironman
Triathlon defies barriers from language and nationality to age and gender,"
explains Philippe Hostalery, Group Vice President, Global Beauty Brands for
Avon. "As a global company, we wanted the Ironman collection to capture
both the global spirit of the race and the 'Anything is Possible' mentality
that accompanies it."
The collaboration with Avon marks Ironman's first foray into the
fragrance industry. "As the leading endurance brand, Ironman is proud to be
partnered with an iconic brand such as Avon, the world's largest direct
seller, to develop a line of products that match the vigor every Ironman
possesses," says Bill Potts, Vice President, Marketing and Business
Development, Ironman. "The Avon Ironman Collection will provide products
for the Ironman in every man."
"The global scope and synergies of our brands made partnering with
Ironman a natural fit," Hostalery continues. "The values behind Ironman and
the Ironman Triathlon really resonated with the entrepreneurial spirit of
Avon. Ironman represents excellence, determination, positive ambition and a
well-balanced nature. It is aspirational, yet grounded, something our Avon
customers can relate to."
The signature scent of the Ironman collection, developed by Drom
fragrance house, is a victorious fusion of energizing citrus and exotic
spices spiked with rich woods. Top notes of ginger, sparkling lime and
violet mingle with mid notes of nutmeg, rain mist accord and vetiver, and
are grounded in a base of patchouli, cedarwood, wiliwood accord and tree
moss. The star of the collection, the Ironman fragrance, comes in a sleek
yet rugged bottle with an organic feel. The top is designed to look like a
bike grip, one of the disciplines seen in Ironman, evoking the athleticism
that inspires the fragrance. The powerful black-on-black carton features
icons of each of the triathlon sports, with a footprint representing
running, waves representing swimming, and tire tread representing cycling.
Ironman competitor Matt Miller is the face of the dynamic new
collection, bringing both his physical prowess and charitable spirit to the
products. The founder of the C Different Foundation, an organization
dedicated to helping visually impaired athletes participate in events
worldwide, Matt Miller is a true inspiration.
"Matt is more than a stellar athlete -- he's a role model who
challenges himself everyday and proves to others that no obstacle is too
great," says Tracy Haffner, Vice President, Avon Global Fragrance. "At
Avon, it was our mission to capture not only his drive to achieve, but also
his motivation to make a positive impact with our latest men's fragrance
collection. The Ironman Fragrance Collection embodies the determination,
strength and character that epitomize Matt and his fellow Ironman
competitors."
"I'm proud to be working with Avon in celebration of the race that I
love," says Miller. "Since the Ironman has really defined my life, I'm
really excited to bring the thrill and excitement of the race to people
everywhere with this new collection."
The Ironman Fragrance Collection begins launching globally in April
2009. The U.S. launch will follow in May 2009.
About Ironman
World Triathlon Corporation, owners and organizers of Ironman, is a
Florida-based company recognized for athletic excellence, performance and
quality products. With the addition of the Ironman 70.3 Series, Ironman now
has more than 50 qualifying events worldwide. Supported by partners that
include Ford Motor Company, PowerBar, Timex and Gatorade, Ironman is the
No.1 user-based sports brand in the world. Ironman has been a respected
name in triathlon since its inception 30 years ago and is regarded as the
world's most challenging endurance event. Millions may remember moments in
Ironman history such as Julie Moss' crawl to the finish line in 1982, which
was showcased on ABC's Wide World of Sports. Each year, more than 80,000
athletes compete for slots in the Ford Ironman World Championship held
every October in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and the Foster Grant Ironman World
Championship 70.3 held every November in Clearwater, Florida.
About Matt Miller
As an Ironman triathlete who has competed around the globe, Matt Miller
realized that the races that were such a positive experience for him were
nearly impossible for someone visually impaired to take part in. He began
to view the triathlon as a microcosm of the daily challenges and obstacles
that visually impaired people face. Taking an optimistic view of his
insight, he envisioned the race as an incredible opportunity to help people
overcome both their own and society's beliefs about what visually impaired
people are capable of doing.
In 2001, Matt Miller created C Different, a foundation dedicated to
helping visually impaired athletes participate in events worldwide. Since
then, Matt has brought together over 100 visually impaired athletes,
offering them the assistance they need to lead an active and healthy
lifestyle. Inspired by these Ironman athletes, Matt has produced a
groundbreaking documentary "Victory over Darkness," which is now being
shown at various film festivals throughout the country.
As someone who is passionate about trying to change the world's
perception of the blind community, Matt puts all of his energy towards
bringing awareness to his foundation and its cause. On top of his full-time
contracting job with Cedar Valley Exteriors, Matt freely gives his time,
money and talents to the foundation.
About Avon Products, Inc.
Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with
over $10 billion in annual revenue. As the world's largest direct seller,
Avon markets to women in more than 100 countries through over 5.5 million
independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon's product line includes beauty
products, fashion jewelry and apparel, and features such well-recognized
brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, Avon
Naturals, and Mark. Learn more about Avon and its products at
http://www.avoncompany.com.
SOURCE Avon Products, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.avon.com
http://www.avoncompany.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081003/NYF012
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org AP PhotoExpress
Network: PRN1 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/079575.html /
CONTACT:
Debbie Coffey, +1-212-282-8187, or Claudia
Shaum, +1-212-282-8195, both of Avon Products, Inc.
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