Avon Debuts Ironman Signature Fragrance Collection

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 inKailua-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 forAvon. "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 withAvon 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 asAvon, 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 ofAvon. Ironman represents excellence, determination, positive ambition and a well-balanced nature. It is aspirational, yet grounded, something ourAvon 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. "AtAvon, 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 withAvon 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 inClearwater, 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 aboutAvon and its products at www.avoncompany.com.

SOURCE Avon Products, Inc.

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