Avon and Marimekko Announce Exclusive Partnership

NEW YORK, March 18  /PRNewswire/ -- Avon Products, Inc. today announced an exclusive collaboration with the legendary Finnish textile and clothing design company Marimekko.  Marimekko will license its Unikko pattern to create a limited edition cosmetics collection, bringing Avon consumers worldwide Marimekko's bold, creative and avant-garde designs.  The Marimekko for Avon Color Collection will launch globally in 2008, debuting in the U.S., Europe, Mexico and Asia in the fourth quarter of 2008.

The Marimekko for Avon Color Collection interprets Marimekko's unique philosophy - design that creates beauty into people's everyday lives. The collection features Marimekko's iconic Unikko pattern designed by Maija Isola in 1964.  Her daughter Kristina Isola re-interpreted the Unikko design with a unique look and fresh coloring for Avon.  The collection contains four limited edition color products, including eyeshadow, face powder, lip gloss and mascara, as well as accessories.

"Avon is committed to the vision that all women should have access to great style and fashion.  We're thrilled to partner with global design powerhouse Marimekko - we are so impressed with their great reputation for creating fun, lively, fashion-forward designs.  We feel confident that our customers will enjoy the merger of Marimekko's energetic designs with the innovation of the Avon Color Brand," said Geralyn Breig, Senior Vice President and Brand President for Avon Products, Inc.

"Marimekko's vision for the future remains consistent - maintaining superior and innovative designs by partnering with inventive, inspiring designers and companies that support the brand's image around the world.  The licensing agreement with Avon is Marimekko's first foray into the world of beauty and will enhance Marimekko's brand recognition worldwide.  With Avon we are able to reach millions of women and share the Marimekko creations, as well as superior beauty products," says Mika Ihamuotila, President and CEO of Marimekko Corporation.

Marimekko is a leading Finnish textile and clothing design company that was established in 1951. The company designs, manufactures and markets high- quality clothing, interior decoration textiles, bags and other accessories under the Marimekko brand, both in Finland and abroad. Marimekko products are also manufactured under license in various countries. In 2007, the company's net sales amounted to EUR 77.3 million. Exports and income from international operations accounted for 26.5% of the Group's net sales. The Group employs about 400 people. The company's share is quoted on the OMX Nordic Exchange Helsinki. For further information, visit http://www.marimekko.com/

About Avon

Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with $10 billion in annual revenue. As the world's largest direct seller, Avon markets to women in more than 100 countries through 5.4 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/. 

DATASOURCE: Avon Products, Inc.



CONTACT:  Claudia Shaum, Avon Products, Inc., [phone] 



Web site:  http://www.avon.com/

http://www.avoncompany.com/

http://www.marimekko.com/ 



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