 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Nokia Mobility Conference is one of the world's premier forums for operators, developers, IT vendors, content owners, service providers, retailers, and other members of the mobility-industry value chain. Featuring speakers from Nokia and other key players in the industry, the Nokia Mobility Conference showcases real-life examples of business opportunities across the sector.
View Photo: Business Opportunities at Nokia Mobility Conference
View Photo: Nokia Mobility Conference - Avenues to Revenues
Nokia has launched three more Nokia Nseries multimedia devices, while new Nokia products and solutions for enterprises, application developers and mobile networks give convergence a push.
At Nokia Mobility Conference 2005, Barcelona, Spain, and Espoo, Finland, Nokia illuminated its convergence strategy by extending the Nokia Nseries multimedia range to include three new devices: the Nokia N92 (the world's first mobile device with a built-in DVB-H receiver), the Nokia N71 and the Nokia N80. With these new devices consumers can wirelessly watch mobile TV, stream music, share photos and send emails with attachments.
This latest launch follows the announcement in October 2005 of the Nokia Eseries, a new family of Nokia smartphones targeted at the business world. The Nokia Nseries, first launched in April, and the Nokia Eseries are the manifestation of Nokia's vision of convergence and the emerging digital industry, bringing together information technology, enterprise applications, broadcasting, music and imaging. Speaking at the Nokia Mobility Conference, Nokia Chairman and CEO Jorma Ollila explained how devices like these lie at the heart of digital convergence.
"We expect the market for convergence devices to double to 100 million units in 2006. Developers, media companies and enterprises are shifting their focus to Nokia's S60 smartphone platform, as they see the business potential of using it to offer content and ensure secure remote access to corporate applications," said Ollila. "Convergence is opening up a world of opportunities for our customers and partners, and Nokia is committed to developing the tools, solutions and products to make the promise of the digital industry a reality."
Nokia N92: the clearest picture yet for mobile TV
The Nokia N92 is the world's first mobile device with a built-in DVB-H receiver, making it possible for users to watch and record live TV at any time. Based on open standards, DVB-H is the leading mobile-TV broadcasting technology, enabling low-cost delivery of high-quality broadcast programs to mass audiences.
The Nokia N92 features applications and functionalities that make it easy for users to watch and search for TV programs, create personal channel lists, subscribe to TV-channel packages, set program reminders and access interactive TV services. The ergonomic form factor includes media keys, a view mode and a large (2.8") anti-glare QVGA screen supporting 16 million colors.
Nokia N71: all-in-one entertainment
The latest member of the Nokia XpressMusic family, the Nokia N71 is a pocket-sized entertainment system complete with stereo FM radio and support for digital music and videos. The Nokia N71 also features the new Nokia Web Browser with Mini Map. This allows a semi-transparent, zoomed-out view of a web page, so that users can quickly orientate themselves on a handset screen.
Nokia N80: make yourself at home
Equipped with WLAN and 3G, the Nokia N80 is the world's first handset to feature UPnP technology. This allows it to be used as a remote control for wirelessly swapping content between compatible PCs, audio equipment and TVs. Images and video stored on the Nokia N80 or on a compatible PC can be viewed on a TV, for instance, while music stored on the device can be played through an audio system. Nokia N80 users can also print wirelessly to any UPnP-enabled printer. In addition, the Nokia N80 supports most commonly used email solutions and office-application formats.
Web browsing in your pocket
At the conference Nokia also unveiled a new web browser for its S60 software for smartphones. The browser, designed to give equal access both to full web pages and mobile-optimized content, is available for S60 licensees as part of the S60 3rd Edition offering. With the browser built on open architecture, S60 licensees and open source developers will be able to extend its core and build new features on top of it.
In keeping with this open source approach, Nokia has also launched a new Internet portal for its open source software projects: opensource.nokia.com. The portal, a natural extension for the Forum Nokia online developer community, consolidates Nokia's open source activities and provides access to its projects.
Mobilizing the enterprise
The new Nokia Eseries family of smartphones for the business world also made its public debut at the conference. The Nokia E60, the Nokia E61 and the Nokia E70, each with its own distinct design, are built on a platform that meets the security and manageability needs of corporate IT professionals. The Nokia Eseries is targeted at companies and public institutions that want to improve their performance while keeping the cost of device management and support under control.
Nokia Eseries devices support all GSM bands, 3G, WLAN, corporate email access and advanced voice functionality (including IP PBX connectivity over WLAN), and offer integrated security features and tools for device management. Multiple email solutions are supported, including BlackBerry Connect, GoodLink, Nokia Business Center, Seven Mobile Mail, Seven Always-on mail and Visto Mobile. Nokia Eseries devices are a perfect fit with the Nokia Business Center, a robust and cost-effective solution for the mass-market rollout of corporate mobile email.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:29 AM | View the original post
• Nokia becomes the first equipment vendor to manufacture both mobile devices and network infrastructure equipment in India
• Achieved milestone of manufacturing over one million handsets in India to-date
• India to become the second biggest mobile device market in the world in terms of volumes in 2010
Chennai, India - March 11, 2006: Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, inaugurated its manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur, Chennai, India. Present at the inauguration, were the Honorable Prime Minister of Finland, Minister of Transport and Communications, Honorable Governor of Tamil Nadu, Secretary to the Government of India and Chairman of Telecom Commission, and senior Nokia executives including Mr. Jorma Ollila, Chairman & CEO and Mr. Robert Andersson, Executive Vice President, Customer & Market Operations, amongst others.
View Photo: Nokia Connect GSM Solution
The manufacturing facility in Chennai is Nokia's fifteenth manufacturing facility globally. Nokia is the only company in India whose facility manufactures both mobile devices and network infrastructure equipment.
Nokia commenced commercial production of mobile handsets at its India factory on the 2nd of January 2006 and has achieved the milestone of manufacturing over one million handsets in India to-date. The Chennai manufacturing facility currently employs 1100 people and expects to significantly expand its work force in India over time.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Jorma Ollila, Chairman & CEO of Nokia said, "India is amongst the top 5 telecom markets in the world. Setting up this manufacturing facility in India reiterates our long term commitment to the Indian market. We are proud to have only taken 23 weeks from the time we started construction to rolling out the first products at this state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Chennai is a great location with excellent state and central government support, availability of skilled labor and a conducive business environment. I am confident that our manufacturing facility in Chennai will enable us to reduce our time to market and better respond to our customer requirements in this market and around the region. "
"We anticipate that there will be a long term sustainable demand for mobile telephony in the fast growing Indian market. In fact, we estimate that India will become the world's second biggest mobile device market when measured by volumes in year 2010. There is tremendous potential to bring mobile communications for the very first time to many in India who do not yet have any access to communications. To bring the benefits of mobility to the first time subscribers, Nokia is working closely with operators to lower the total cost of ownership with affordable handsets and cost-efficient network solutions," he added.
Nokia has played a pioneering role in the growth of cellular technology in India, starting with the first-ever GSM cellular call a decade ago on a Nokia mobile phone over a Nokia-deployed network. The addition of a manufacturing facility in India strengthens Nokia's commitment to the market.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:47 AM | View the original post
The Russian newcomer Maria Kirilenko is presenting the new adidas by Stella McCartney tennis range, thus continuing the sport performance design collection. Currently ranked as No. 25 on the WTA tour, Maria has been selected to become the face of the new tennis range and will be playing in apparel and footwear of adidas by Stella McCartney at all upcoming tournaments starting with the Australian Open.
Maria Kirilenko, the latest addition to the adidas tennis family and exclusive face of the adidas by Stella McCartney tennis range, will be wearing the key styles of the tennis line and the Bashasha, an ultra-light tennis shoe based on the successful adidas Feather. The shoe’s very sleek 3 stripes design on the upper offers additional stability whereas the quarter is kept very minimal, thus making the shoe very breathable and light.
The tennis line is completely integrated in the color palette of the spring/summer 2006 collection of adidas by Stella McCartney. Strong shades of reds (pop, calypso, husky pink), yellows (flash, electricity) and a new green (macaw) alongside the traditional tennis color white and toned-down pastels like orchid and the signature color of the collection, dusty rose, from now on will provide unexpected color twists on and off the tennis court.
The new adidas by Stella McCartney tennis range will be available as of mid February in high-end department stores, adidas Sport Performance stores and Stella McCartney stores around the world.
The adidas by Stella McCartney range is part of the adidas Sport Performance division. adidas has built and underlined its leadership in tennis with only one focused mission, and that is to provide every athlete with the best possible equipment and gear. Top athletes such as Andre Agassi, Justine Henin-Hardenne, Marat Safin, Martina Hingis, Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Guillermo Coria as well as adidas ambassadors such as Steffi Graf, Stan Smith and Ilie Nastase wear state-of-the art adidas tennis products.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:11 PM | View the original post
Storage for up to 3000 songs, plus smartphone functionality in an ultra-portable package.
At Amsterdam, Cancun, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur, Nokia recently introduced the Nokia N91 multimedia, the company's latest device optimized for mobile music consumption. With room for up to 3000 songs on the integrated 4-gigabyte hard disk, the Nokia N91 delivers a premier music experience. In addition, the industry standard 3.5mm stereo headset jack and easy transfer of music files from your PC help make the Nokia N91 a connected mobile jukebox. Encased in stainless steel, the Nokia N91 has dedicated music keys on its face, which slide down to reveal the phone keypad. The Nokia N91 is a part of the new Nokia Nseries range, bringing you the latest multimedia technologies and smartphone functionalities.
View Photo: Nokia Mobile Music Experience
"The Nokia N91 delivers both a fantastic music experience and cutting-edge phone features," said Jonas Geust, Vice President, Music at Nokia. "What sets the Nokia N91 apart is the fact that it is always connected - you can download new music while on the move, add it to your favorite playlist and then share your playlist with friends. It's truly the world's best mobile connected jukebox."
Listen to Music
The Nokia N91 serves up to 12.5 hours of great sound via the included stereo headset with remote control. Enjoying your music collection has never been easier, as the Nokia N91 supports a wide range of digital music formats including MP3, M4A, AAC and WMA.
Nokia N91 is compatible with a number of accessories from industry leading brands Bose(R), Harman Kardon, JBL, and Sennheiser. In addition to using their favorite audio accessories with the Nokia N91 through its standard 3.5mm jack, consumers can maximize their audio experience by choosing products from a line-up of Nokia tested and recommended audio accessories*.
Get Music
Packed with multiple connectivity options, such as WCDMA, WLAN and Bluetooth wireless technology, the Nokia N91 makes it easy for you to find and enjoy music when and where you want. With the Nokia N91, you can quickly and easily find and purchase music over the air to your device from your operator's music store.
Manage Music
Drag and drop your personal music collection from your PC to your Nokia N91 or synchronize your recent music purchases with your PC via USB 2.0. You can also create and manage your playlists directly on your Nokia N91, or shuffle songs around to build your optimal listening experience.
Share Music
A revolutionary feature of the Nokia N91 is the possibility to share your playlists with friends by multimedia message, email or Bluetooth. Proudly show off your musical taste or simply share the latest songs that have been stuck in your head.
The Nokia N91 also contains the latest multimedia technologies and smartphone functionalities, including a 2 megapixel camera for print-quality photos, email support, a full web browser and video sharing.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:32 PM | View the original post
In the early 2000's, Lincoln concentrated on attracting more young buyers to the brand. It began its crusade with the sporty 2000 LS. This was Lincoln's first entry in the highly competitive luxury sport segment. It was also the first true domestic player in the segment. In order to refresh its vehicle lineup Lincoln introduced an updated 2003 Navigator model that was better than ever, with a number of power features exclusive to its class. Another vehicle that turned heads of the younger generation was the 2002 Aviator, Lincoln's newest SUV - a luxurious, versatile mid-size SUV that's been heralded for its performance and interior. Launched as the spirited offspring of the Navigator, Aviator's nimble design and athletic ability was key to bringing a new audience to Lincoln.
Lincoln Shines in the City
Becomes official automotive partner of the new Time Warner Center
In October 2004, Lincoln took up residence at the new epicenter for art and design in New York City - the spectacular new Time Warner Center.
Built at a cost of $1.6 billion, the Time Warner Center opened to the public in February 2004 at a prime location - New York City's historic Columbus Circle overlooking Central Park. In addition to offices and exclusive residences, the 2.8 million square foot complex houses high-end retail, food, entertainment and hotel destinations, as well as three performance halls for Jazz at Lincoln Center. It's the perfect reflection of Lincoln's Reach Higher theme.
As the official automotive partner, Lincoln will sponsor art exhibits and performances within the center and will feature innovative product displays throughout the year. From time to time, visitors will even be treated to a first look at the some of the latest Lincoln concept vehicles. While interactive screens will allow people to learn more about the Reach Higher lifestyle and Lincoln vehicles, a Lincoln concierge will be on hand to answer product questions and add a unique personal touch. Interested in a test drive? The concierge can arrange for one in New York City that very day or at a Lincoln Dealership anywhere you choose in the country. It's yours for the asking.
So next time you're in New York City, put the new Time Warner Center on your itinerary. Not only will you find the best in shopping and dining, you might get a sneak peek at future Lincolns, too.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:52 AM | View the original post
Vodafone 904SH supports new chat and multiplayer game services based on Bluetooth
Vodafone K.K. has announced the Vodafone 904SH by Sharp, the first mobile handset*1 to feature a VGA*2 liquid crystal display (LCD). The 904SH is scheduled to go on sale in late April 2006 as a new 3G handset.
The 904SH’s VGA LCD has four times the resolution of current QVGA*3 LCDs, making it possible to reproduce visuals and render small characters with more vividness and clarity than before.
The 904SH is a new flagship model that supports a full range of new services and features. By using Bluetooth, friends and acquaintances can enjoy new communication services like instant messaging or multiplayer games within a 10-metre radius free of charge. The 904SH is also the first handset to feature a new Motion Control Sensor, which is capable of measuring handset posture in all directions in 3D. Customers will be able to enjoy a host of new applications that fully take advantage of the new sensor’s enhanced accuracy. The 904SH also has Vodafone K.K.’s first Face Recognition feature for enhanced security and privacy protection.
The main features of the 904SH are as follows:
- First mobile handset*1 with VGA LCD and leading-edge specs: 3.2 megapixel autofocus 2x optical zoom camera and stereo speakers that support 3D surround sound
- Supports new services and features: Bluetooth communication, applications for newly-developed Motion Control Sensor, Vodafone K.K.’s first Face Recognition
- Flagship model that fully supports existing 3G services like Vodafone live! FeliCa for e-money and e-ticketing and Vodafone live! NAVI for GPS navigation
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:16 AM | View the original post
New York Fashion Show... Among the eighty or so creators who are showing in New York in March 2006, some American labels are all the rage across the Atlantic. But swimming against the tide, the LACOSTE crocodile, boosted by Christophe Lemaire, is one of the few French brands meeting with success in Manhattan.
The 2006 range sends down the catwalk clean-cut boys sporting vitamin-rich hues, in plum colored drainpipe trousers with LACOSTE grenadine worn discreetly under a vermillion parka.
Christophe Lemaire brightens up the pavements of New york, where his street wear wardrobe defies the drab of winter. You meet girls as colorful as Smarties, in velvet knickers or ripped edge miniskirts and boots puffed up like down jackets.
In short, the first Lacoste autumn-winter show puts the accent on city sportswear in lively colors.
In 1933, René LACOSTE and André GILLIER,
the owner and chairman of France’s largest
knitwear manufacturing firm at the time,
set up a company to make the logo-
embroidered shirt designed by the champion
for his own use on the tennis court. Also
marketed were a number of other tennis,
golf and sailing shirts, as can be seen in the
first catalogue from 1933.
This was the first time that a brand name appeared on
the outside of an article of clothing - an idea
which has since become extremely
successful.
This shirt immediately revolutionised mens
sportswear, replacing the classical woven
fabric, long-sleeved and starched shirts
which players had worn on the courts until
then.
The first LACOSTE shirt was white,
slightly shorter than other shirts of the day,
with a ribbed collar and short sleeves, and it
was made of a light knitted fabric called
“Jersey petit piqué”. The qualities of
comfort and solidity upon which it built its
name still shine through today, providing a
different and truly unique product.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:37 AM | View the original post
Fiat Palio
Fiat cars are recognized for their fresh and lively style, for their all-Italian design and because they offer more tangible responses to customers.
Since the beginning "innovation and emotion" have been the most genuine roots of the Fiat tradition. with their cars, Fiat tries to make state-of-the-art technology accessible to everyone, offering "intelligent solutions" on all the models to simplify and improve life.
Fiat Idea has new style details, new exterior colours and various stylistic improvements on the inside, expressing in a natural manner elegance and versatility, practicality and style.
Its elegant profile has been made even more impressive by the shiny new columns, moulding with chrome inserts and the wheel arches that testify to a lively personality, which is also further enhanced by the new colours. The new front has a chrome radiator grille, bumpers in body colour, and new-design lights.
On the inside, the dashboard, with an ergonomic design, adds to the elegance of the interiors with colours ranging from black, to dark grey and satin finish chrome: a new look with a added touch of class afforded by the exclusive fabrics and colours.
FIAT Panda passes the 500,000 mark
The Fiat Panda has just passed the milestone of 500,000 units manufactured.
Two years after its market launch, the Fiat Panda passed this ambitious milestone with a car that was ordered in Italy, with the Emotion outfit, a 1.3 Multijet engine and sparkling light blue paintwork.
The Panda is built in the Polish plant of Tychy, and destined primarily to the European markets, but it is also sold in countries like Malaysia, Taiwan and Martinique, and there are also 1,831 Pandas on the streets of Japan.
And it was a Japanese customer who ordered Fiat Panda no. 499,999, a Climbing 4x4, with Titian Red paintwork, while no. 500,001 remained in Poland, a Panda Active with yellow bodywork.
The Panda is the second best selling car in Italy, behind the Fiat Punto. Since it was launched, it has climbed rapidly up reaching first place in the Italian and European top ten.
This commercial success has been confirmed by 18 prizes awarded by the international trade press, including the prestigious “Car of the Year 2004” title.
Here is how FIAT describes this model:
FIAT Panda is all new, except for its unique personality.
Big on content, but small when it comes to finding a parking space in the city.
Sturdy and ready for everything.
So easy, it’s a pleasure.
With a front section as distinctive as that of a SUV, Panda has the streamlined sides of a sedan, with high arching windows and a third glass pane that adds a unique stylistic element.
Styling details include the grille, with two huge chromed headlamps, and the bumper with air intakes that convey an impression of dynamism and sturdiness. The high, square cut rear is characterised by long, vertically-oriented light clusters, which underscore the spaciousness and practical mindset of New Panda.
The interior features original pastel coloured fabrics that are pleasurable to the touch.
Discover Fiat Panda through its images and smart solutions, all of them conceived to make your life easier!
Panda Alessi Innovative and with an unmistakable style, the Panda Alessi is the result of the collaboration with Alessi, synonymous with Italian design and famous around the world.
The Panda Alessi is two-tone: a white polypropylene strip wraps all around the bottom part of the car, combining perfectly with each of the three exclusive body colours - black, green and orange. The hub caps, luminous rear antenna and third brake light in coloured, transparent glass are just some of the stylistic elements proposed by Stefano Giovannoni for Alessi. On the inside, there is a new dashboard colour, screen printed instrumentation, and new seat fabric and colour, while the tunnel unit, with its original accordion-type CD-holder, and the mobile phone holder have been completely redesigned.
Panda Alessi, now marketed only on the Italian market, will soon be available Europe-wide.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:28 AM | View the original post
CHILDREN
Radiant, dazzling and colourful. This is the look of the spring-summer 2006 collection for United Colors of Benetton children.
A kaleidoscopic carousel of traditional children’s styles imbued with fresh creativity to give a new look to all the lines. Accents that make the difference and create an attractively different style for children:
- an abundance of ornamentation: rhinestones, embroidery and jewelled decorations for her; elegant patchwork appliqués for him;
- floral prints for her and multi-coloured overwear for him;
- stripes galore for girls, T-shirts aplenty for boys;
- denim for everyone, from fashionably chic to distressed;
- the season’s must-haves: a gypsy tunic for her, cargo pants for him;
- pretty skirts with matching sandals and, for boys, sports-fan knits.
Girls
Navy, for mini guests lounging on a yacht. White and dark blue with traces of coral and bright grass-green. Sailor trousers and mini sundresses; sweaters with all kinds of stripes and T-shirts with embroidery and Swarovski crystals; little stretch denim dresses and yachtsmen’s lawn blazers.
Etnico talks about flowers, paisley, sparkling embroidery, pastel and bright coloured flounces mixed with beige. T-shirts over gipsy skirts, embroidered jeans with tunics straight from the 70s, boys’ blazers decorated with little-girl romantic touches.
Cutie Girl, deliciously feminine in candy shades; floral trousers and short jackets; hyper-decorated T-shirts; trompe l’oeil double panels with shiny crystals and glitter prints; figure-hugging minis and Capri pants.
Gipsy Surf, a tropical sea with gipsy digressions. Luminous, midday-sun colours mixed at discretion. Rainbow stripes for sweaters, vests and knitted slip dresses; Hawaiian prints for T-shirts to wear over minis and army-look trousers with loads of beach accessories.
Skate Girl, for fresh city rappers. Basic colours are mixed – apparently casually – with strong or acid shades. Vests and T-shirts to wear in layers; light sweaters decorated with mega prints and script motifs; the baggiest trousers of all with an elasticated waist; and minis, including a vaguely Charleston version with big pleats.
Boys
Soft City, the perfect look for the little city slicker: pastel tops, basic pale bottoms. Clean graphics for polo shirts and sweaters; yarn-dyed shirts and textured cotton blazers. Sweaters, T-shirts and shirts worn one on top of the other creating bright colour matches.
Marine. Sailor, ahoy! Bomber jackets, sweatshirts, short jackets, multi-pocket and multi-zip trousers in classic sea colours with added gold-yellow and grass green. Appliquéd decorations, yacht-club script motifs and de rigueur stripes keep us firmly in-theme.
Spring Campus, dominated by pale blue and baby blue. Lots of washed, treated, sewn and re-sewn denim; shirts and loose shirts with yarn-dyed or appliquéd stripes; shirts and Bermudas in classic checks. Over these go short jackets, figure-hugging jackets, patchwork-constructed sweatshirts full of vintage script motifs.
Color Stripes, in other words a softer, appealing army look. Bottoms include multi-accessoried camouflage or cargo pants worn with sweatshirts in ice-cream colours, cartoon-print T-shirts or brightly-coloured shirts.
Spring Hockey, hard play, easy comfort. Fabric or denim tracksuit-style trousers in oversize proportions worn under closed or zipped sweatshirts and sweaters with hockey graphics. Striking contrasts of deep and worn colours.
Summer Basket, unusual pastel tones are out on the court for a striking theme. Striped or check drill Bermudas worn with "sweet" strawberry, pistachio and sky blue T-shirts worn in layers. Racing team script motifs and graphics in soft colours and big sizes.
NEW BORN
A romantic mood; unusual, pretty denim; offbeat stripes; and a sporty trend are the main ingredients of this collection for babies. Still in nappies but already in the latest fashions, United Colors of Benetton babies are never banal and dare to be different in little kids’ outfits.
Layette, in other words, classic basic pale blue, pale pink and lime with "delightful" details: braid trims, embroidered mascots, tiny stripes, tablecloth checks. All in cool, comfortable cotton.
Marine Girl is white, red and blue with pink and light blue touches. Sailor trousers in denim and other fabrics, light windcheater sweatshirts, white-and-blue horizontal-striped "cruise" dresses and T-shirts worthy of a deep-sea fishergirl. Marine Boy adds cornflower blue and medlar to white and uses stripes in all sizes, going in all directions, as the main decorative element for sweaters, shorts and shoes. The very skipper-like polo shirts with a white collar are particularly appealing.
Soft Girl reveals a romantic side: little crushed-cotton flouncy, patchwork dresses with pink flowers, mauve twinsets with pastel embroidery, "tennis" outfits with appliqué flowers, open-work or all-over-printed T-shirts, embroidered stretch poplin cropped pants. Soft Boy mixes white, pale blue and yellow-orange. Ultra-treated, multi-pocketed denim to wear all the time with knitted-sleeve sweatshirts and light cotton vests; seersucker salopettes.
Tonic Girl for pastel-shaded gym maniacs. Short, pleated skirts matched with single-shoulder tops with Lurex stripes; sweatshirts; T-shirts with appliqués and embroidery; multi-stripe zipped cardigans; ripped, windowpane check jeans with floral sashes. Tonic Boy is sportswear in strong colours: yellow, green and cornflower blue. Cotton cropped pants that can be shortened; numbered waistcoats; denim bomber jackets and sweatshirts with a removable hood; layerable T-shirts; playsuits with bands, inlays, overstitching, badges and embroidery that would even make dad envious.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:34 AM | View the original post
MEN’S COLLECTION
United Colors of Benetton’s collections for men are becoming more and more fashion-conscious. The Spring Summer 2006 raises the bar of male elegance: easy and breezy young styles permeated with a very special allure.
UP STREET, destructured elegance with casual hints. Chiefly white and beige, with pink, pale blue and grey for shirts. Close-fitting lines made supremely wearable through the use of soft, floppy fabrics: plain-coloured linen, cotton or gabardine, pinstripes or Prince of Wales check. Suits with tailored two-button jackets, and separates with easy-wear blazers. Shirt-jackets with patch pockets and crisp, straight trousers, or jeans with a moderately worn look. Yarn-dyed shirts; simple pastel knitwear in light wool or cotton jersey.
SPRING FORWARD, urban theme based on treated cotton and denim. The mood is casual but charming; basic, slim-fit trousers are worn with feather-light cotton yarn in strawberry, mint, plum, sunny yellow. The same colours are used for vintage blazers and thin-striped, yarn-dyed shirts.
TRAINING CAMP, a casual theme with army touches seen in the colour palette and minimum details "according to regulations": cotton or denim soft, multi-pocket trousers; T-shirts with in-theme script motifs. The rest is pacific and pacifist: light cotton windcheaters, light hooded sweatshirts, loose shirts with pale-coloured stripes and tiny checks, shirt-collar blazers of heavy cotton. A range of base-camp greens and beiges mixed with pink, fuchsia and purple.
CARIBBEAN LOVE, a leisurely, almost nautical atmosphere. Hawaiian script motifs on T-shirts worn at least two together in bright and soft shades: pink and fuchsia, aqua and turquoise, orange and apricot, bright yellow and lime. Soft, slightly baggy trousers of light, faded denim are worn with floral or check shirts and even with classic-cut blazers that are, however, made of jersey. Long shorts that hover somewhere between pedal pushers and Bermudas, with large pockets and a low waist.
ACCESSORIES AND FOOTWEAR
Accessories in pole position in the race to create a United Colors of Benetton total look. Practical or decorative complementary articles whose creative content, dynamism and sense of humour give greater breadth to distinctive style codes.
The top bag style for him is a flat, canvas or nylon shoulder bag with leather details in army colours. For those with a lot of baggage, there are extra-long canvas backpacks with studs and pockets. World travellers use unisex luggage: gathered, branded nylon or in soft and rigid leather in brilliant colours. Anti-impact design for the work/travel range; textured nylon in black and acid tones.
And on the feet? Sneakers, the timeless classic, and cross-over leather sandals with a colonial feel. Also, moccasins in unusual pastel shades.
Baseball caps in all colours; panamas worthy of a dandy; belts of leather decorated with nautical knots, or patchwork ribbons or engraved leather. These complete the range of men’s accessories, not forgetting the ties in plain colours or jacquard or with tiny embroidery in clear candy colours.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:20 AM | View the original post
WOMEN’S COLLECTION
This collection talks about a breezy charm, a kind of feminine glamour caressed with fashion touches, capable of unusual matching and of young ideas that make the United Colors of Benetton style very personal, unique and, above all, unmistakeable.
UPPER EAST SIDE, urban spring mood in skimpy proportions. Slender figures in white, indigo, bilberry and cyclamen. Strong combinations with measure and good taste. Overwear falls longer over the hips and tightens at the waist; cigarette pants cling without constricting; knee-length Bermudas take a leading role and pencil skirts give a soft touch to the overall look. Over these go minimal knits: buttoned, low-cut, layered; fresh and chic striped blouses. Matt fabrics, or with iridescent effects, give touches of elegance.
BEVERLY HILLS, strictly reserved for the young. The accent’s on denim in various weights: tamed, treated, battered and shaped into innovative styles – from the jacket with an off-the-shoulder neckline to the slip dress. Visible zips, ribbing, overstitching, cuts and darning add "real life" details. Trousers are jeans, including coloured jeans in brilliant or faded tones, the same tones found on cotton T-shirts and vests, basic little cardigans of ultra-light wool or lace-stitch sheer shrugs. Dashes of Lurex and sequins here and there.
NATURAL GIRL, the army look is revamped and the usual greens – from camouflage to acid – mix with dark or pale blue, turquoise and lime. Heavy fabrics – canvas, cotton, gabardine – redesign the proportions of trousers – baggy with measure – of overwear – soft and feminine – and of bias-cut and asymmetric skirts.
NEO ROMANTIC, details borrowed from grandma’s trousseau for today’s styles. Pedal pushers with pirate-look button turn-ups, blazers with flounces instead of lapels, blouses ribbed with tiny frills, open-work waistcoats, denim skirts with broderie anglaise hem trims, pleated linen skirts with floral motifs, lingerie-cotton skirts, long gauze gypsy skirts that swirl around the ankles. All in white, cream, lilac, blue-mauve and mauve.
ETHNIC STONES, where details make the mood. Oriental silk, coloured embroidery, shimmering Indian beads, tinkling belts. Colours are bright – purple, turquoise, saffron, apricot – lines are sinuous and clingy. Jeans can even be of faded denim as long as they’re worn with a sheer voile tunic, or a top or tunic with Moroccan embroidery.
DESERT ROSE, in other words, urban chic in high summer. Shell beige, sand grey, angel pink, chocolate brown and date with sophisticated lacquer-red touches. Charming colours interpreted in linen, cotton, satin, muslin and tulle. Skirts with vertical stripes or geometric prints or in plain colours trimmed with lace. Roomy linen trousers and simple pedal pushers with turn-ups are worn with lace-stitch cardigans, severe safari jackets, romantic loose blouses, tiny jackets. A prim and proper air with a few caprices.
ACCESSORIES AND FOOTWEAR
Accessories in pole position in the race to create a United Colors of Benetton total look. Practical or decorative complementary articles whose creative content, dynamism and sense of humour give greater breadth to distinctive style codes.
Women’s collection
Nylon is the material-of-the-moment for bags in Spring-Summer 2006: soft, fluid, rigid, gathered but always branded, in keeping with the fashion for putting logos where they can be instantly seen and immediately recognised. Backpacks, box bags, shoulder bags and mini bags complete with hats and sneakers in pale pastels; leather handles and details.
Alternatively, there’s smooth nylon in va-va-voom colours or in a patchwork with genuine leather, or printed with chintz flowers. The season begs for canvas, linen and cotton decorated with sequins, floral appliqués, geometric window-pane checks, with crochet or pillow lace. It also requires super-decorated shirt fabric, prim and proper denim, rip-stop fabric with an army feel in regulation green or a floral pattern. Fifties’ straw mixed with bamboo or raw for picnic-style box bags; jute is embroidered with silk. Then, of course, there’s leather, best of all if it’s plaited, combined in a patchwork with sahari silk, embellished with charms appliqué embroidery, natural stones.
Closed shoes in pastel colours range from foot-hugging moccasins to branded-nylon ballerinas, from open-sided shoes to broderie anglaise courts including a flat-heeled version. For the summer there are high-heeled sandals with criss-cross laces at the back; leather or fabric flip-flops; Thirties-style cord wedges with split-leather uppers. Fabric flip-flops for the beach and wooden sandals, the season’s new must-have, including a high-heeled version.
Different combinations, assemblies, double lacing, embroidery, decorative buckles, leather belts in various widths. Complex weaves, colour schemes and gathering for the scarves which can also be used as shawls or sashes. In addition to grosgrain or crocheted cotton cloches, headwear includes the wide-brimmed straw hat typical of rice weeders.
Ethnic jewellery of horn, glass and metal around the neck and arms, and enamelled charms tinkle and twinkle everywhere.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:10 AM | View the original post
Mobile TV
DVB-H stands for Digital Video Broadcasting for Handhelds and is based on DVB-T, the digital terrestrial transmission standard that has already been launched in some regions of Germany and is replacing analog television. So it’s possible for viewer to participate interactively in the tv-program. They can, for example, hold a vote on “The goal of the month”. Besides you don’t miss any live sport event, for example the Olympic Games 2006 in Turin.
Barcelona, Feb 9, 2006: Watching television on a mobile, playing high-resolution multi-player games, making mobile phone calls while simultaneously transferring files or videos over the wireless network: On some 400 square meters of exhibition floor space at the 3GSM World Congress 2006 in Barcelona, the Siemens Communications Group will be showing how mobile communication technology is going to be changing our leisure and working worlds in the years to come.
This year’s highlights will include a live demonstration of mobile television over DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld) as well as new IP-based mobile applications. In addition, Siemens will also be showcasing new services and products for the wireless networks of the coming years. On display at Booth A08 in Hall 8 at the Fira Fairgrounds and in a truck outside of Hall 8 will be innovations for operators, enterprises and consumers.
Live on the fairgrounds: Watching TV on a mobile while out and about
In Barcelona, Siemens will be providing coverage for the entire Fira Fairgrounds with DVB-H, the digital video broadcast technology for handhelds. Special DVB-H devices will enable visitors to the tradeshow to receive 16 different television programs live, including music channel MTV, news networks CNN and BBC World, as well as coverage of the Olympic Winter Games in Turin from Rai Olimpics Torino. In addition, Siemens will be providing live demonstrations of how the process works – from the TV camera right through to the image on the DVB-H device – in a special TV studio at the booth. Moreover, visitors to the show will also be able to use the Siemens solution to participate interactively in the TV program and to use a wireless backchannel to cast their votes for the “goal of the month,” for example. To do that, the user clicks on the touchscreen of his or her DVB-H device to send a text message (SMS) to the mobile operator, who then displays the results of the voting on the screen. The mobile broadcasting system from Siemens is the world’s first solution to operate with DVB-H devices from a variety of leading manufacturers.
“Call and Share” – IMS turns voice services into multimedia communication
In connection with IMS (IP-based Multimedia Subsystem), Siemens will be showing “Call and Share” applications that enable the operator to pump up the volume of data traffic over the wireless network, e.g. with Videosharing. This service enables the subscriber to shoot a video during a telephone call and immediately send it to the person at the other end. This application will be of interest to real estate agents, for example, who want to provide a client with an initial impression of a property while they are still on the phone.
Whiteboarding, which can provide driving or walking directions for a stranger in a city, for example, works in a similar manner: A second person uses a laptop or mobile phone to display a map of the city and then draws in the route. The stranger is linked with this second person via the mobile network and receives the visualized driving or walking directions on his or her mobile. “Call and Share” also works together with Push and Talk (PaT), the walkie-talkie solution from Siemens that supports the open standards of the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) and can therefore interact seamlessly with handsets from a wide variety of manufacturers.
Together with partners from the IMS Developer Program, Siemens will be showcasing further IMS applications, including “Team Work,” a Java-based application for sharing information among a defined group of subscribers, such as the employees in a department or the members of a family, even if they have different end-user devices, as well as “MeetMee” – a wireless application for networking with friends.
Live demo: Flexible wireless rate modification
To afford fast and flexible modification of the rates for mobile services, Siemens will be demonstrating the latest version of charge@once live at the booth. This charging solution captures and consolidates usage data in realtime, thus enabling bonus programs or individual rate models, for example.
New technologies: The Next Generation wireless network
The growing volume of data traffic stemming from new mobile services like videosharing, music downloads or online gaming necessitate even faster and more powerful switches and radio networks. At the 3GSM World Congress, Siemens will be showing its products and innovations for evolving wireless networks through to the year 2012.
One of these innovations, from the GSM world, is eBSC – the most powerful and advanced controller for GSM base stations on the market today. Operators can use it to control their radio resources in the network more efficiently and cost-effectively. Also premiering at the tradeshow will be the new Radio Network Controller (RNC). Analogously to eBSC, W-CDMA operators can use it to more efficiently control their 3G radio resources. Plus the Multi-Standard Network Controller, a combination of eBSC and RNC that can be used to control both 2G and 3G networks. The resulting reduction in administration and resource expenses leads to significant cost savings. In addition, Siemens will also be demonstrating new components from the W-CDMA product family that afford simple upgrading of GSM base stations to 3G, for example, or improve W-CDMA network coverage inside buildings. The highlight will be a simulation that shows how intelligent network technology will be changing the face of mobile communication through to the year 2012.
High-speed wireless access technologies: HSDPA and 450 MHz FLASH-OFDM
Live at the tradeshow for the first time, Siemens will be demonstrating how data can be transferred from the Internet to commercial W-CDMA end-user devices at a speed of 3.6 megabits per second via High Speed Downlink Packet Access, or HSDPAfor short. The Internet turbos for wireless technology that will be demonstrated will also include 450 MHz FLASH-OFDM (Fast Low-latency Access with Seamless Handoff – Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing), which currently offers transfer rates of 2.7 megabits per second in commercial operation.
Seamless cross-network communication
Siemens will be using the IMS@vantage IP platform to demonstrate seamless interplay between GSM networks and WLAN hotspots (handover) as well as between various operator networks (roaming). This fixed-mobile convergence solution will be of interest to both wireline and wireless operators.
A mobile solution for enterprises
At the 3GSM World Congress 2006, Siemens will also be showcasing Mobile Centrex – a virtual PABX for enterprises of all sizes. This solution offers the advantage of eliminating the entire PABX infrastructure from an enterprise and providing all of its functionalities over an operator network. Within the context of Fixed Mobile Substitution, mobile operators can now integrate an enterprise’s wireline users, in addition to its wireless subscribers, into the communication system without restriction via Mobile Centrex. This also makes the services provided within the enterprise, e.g. conference calls or partner rings, available to all parties. Enterprises can cut their costs with Mobile Centrex, because they no longer have to maintain a network of their own, and mobile operators can use high-level services to attract new customer groups.
Services and security for wireless and wireline networks
With „Music2You“ the Carrier Services Division will be showcasing the world’s first convergent wireline/wireless solution for downloading music tracks. With this solution, music lovers can listen to the latest songs “over the air” on their mobile handsets and, if they are interested, then download the full-track titles to their mobile handsets, PCs or set-top boxes. Siemens is playing a pioneering role in the fast-growing music download market: The company was the first to develop a convergent music service that operates over the Internet, wireless and wireline networks. As a white label provider, Siemens Communications operates several of Europe’s largest Internet and mobile user portals. “Music2You,” for example, serves as the platform for the successful “musicload” Internet service from T-Online, which has blossomed into the largest digital Internet music offering in Germany. In addition to this solution, the Carrier Services Division will also be showing Services that are specially matched to the needs of operators with heterogeneous networks. These include consulting, planning, implementation, maintenance, training and operation of all communication networks, as well as services that that safeguard against both attacks as well as bottlenecks or even outages. Siemens will be using the example of soccer stadiums to demonstrate its cost-effective Security Solutions for carriers.
Siemens Communications
The Siemens Communications Group is one of the largest players in the global telecommunications industry. The company offers a full-line portfolio of innovative solutions for voice and data communication. Its comprehensive offerings range from devices right through to complex network infrastructures and services for wireless, fixed and enterprise networks. It is the largest Group within the Siemens organization and operates in more than 160 countries around the world. In fiscal 2005 (September 30), its 54,500-strong workforce posted sales of over 13 billion euros.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:00 AM | View the original post
Revlon is a world leader in cosmetics, skin care, fragrance and personal care and is a leading mass market cosmetics brand. Revlon's vision is to provide glamour, excitement and innovation through quality products at affordable prices. To pursue this vision, Revlon's management team combines the creativity of a cosmetics and fashion company with the marketing, sales and operating system of a consumer packaged goods company. Revlon global brand name recognition, product quality and marketing experience have enabled it to create one of the strongest consumer brand franchises in the world, with Revlon products sold in approximately 175 countries and territories. Revlon's brands include Revlon, ColorStay, New Complexion, Revlon Age Defying, Almay, Ultima II and Flex and Charlie.
Unlike companies that still needlessly maim and kill animals to test their products, Revlon, in 1990, became one of the first industry heavyweights to ban all animal testing. Since then, Revlon has grown into an animal-friendly empire, garnering numerous awards for its products, including from popular magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Teen People, Allure, and InStyle. The European Union recently voted to phase out all cosmetics testing on animals, a decision no doubt inspired by Revlon and other companies that have proved that animal tests are archaic and unnecessary.
Testing cosmetics and household products on animals involves blinding and poisoning rabbits, guinea pigs, and other animals. These painful and deadly tests don’t keep harmful products off the market—they merely provide companies with a barrier from potential liability lawsuits.
"By renouncing animal testing, Revlon has sent the message that beauty doesn’t have to come with an ugly side," said PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) President Ingrid E. Newkirk. "Although there are still some holdouts, Revlon’s commitment to compassion has become the standard in the personal-care-products industry."
For blazing the cruelty-free trail with a sensational line of hair-care products, cleansers, perfumes, and makeup, venerable personal-care-products company Revlon has won PETA's "Cutting-Edge Company" Award.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:36 AM | View the original post
Established in France in 1847, today Cartier is part of Richemont, the Switzerland-based luxury group and owner of numerous globally established brands. Beside Cartier, Richemont manages Van Cleef & Arpels, Piaget, Baume & Mercier, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, A. Lange & Sohne, Panerai, Vacheron Constantin, Dunhill, Lancel, Montblanc, Montegrappa, Purday, Chloe, Hackett, Old England and Shanghai Tang.
Cartier may be credited with numerous innovations that have had an enduring influence. The firm made a large number of jewels that could be worn in more than one way, such as necklaces that could be dismantled to make bracelets. In making jewelry in the Egyptian revival style it was the first to incorporate scarabs and fragments of ancient faience. The firm also pioneered the use of platinum, which was more durable than gold and showed off diamonds to greater advantage. During the art deco period Cartier fashioned dazzling pieces using onyx, ivory, agate, coral, rock crystal, and jade in combination with precious stones, which stemmed from their designers' enduring fascination with India, the Far East, and Russia.
Cartier is on a high, as the jeweler that was one of the first brands to democratize luxury is now reclaiming its elitist position as the "king of jewelers and jeweler of kings."
Cartier's historic store on Rue de la Paix has reopened in January 2006 on two levels behind its black marble façade.
The expanded store has doubled in size, but far from opening up as a vast temple, is banking on intimacy. A line-up of small rooms for special clients has original light oak wood paneling carved with garlands and hung with certificates from England's Edward VII, (in 1905) through the king of Siam and Russian czars. Even the grand new staircase, echoing the modernist Art Deco style that Louis Cartier defined as early as 1899, leads up to tiny, book-lined boudoirs for one-to-one service.
Should you be as wealthy as the Indian maharajahs who helped to create Cartier's fame, you might be ushered into a room where Indian portraits line the walls and offered a tray of 13 exceptional pieces, made today by Cartier's 18-strong design team. Those pieces include a fresh version of the colorful "Tutti Frutti" necklace and a platinum "Chimère" bracelet, set with emeralds and sapphires, in which the mythical beast wraps round the wrist in a miracle of craftsmanship that required 2,000 hours of work.
The adjacent room is dedicated to Jeanne Toussaint, the elegant woman behind Cartier's signature panther designs. On the wall are working drawings and photographs showing society figures such as Daisy Fellowes or the Duchess of Windsor in their bold finery.
Sprinkled throughout the store are more accessible jewelry, scarves and graceful handbags. The heritage director, Pierre Rainero, points out discreet photographs of clients as the Belle Epoque Russians morphed into New World American client from the 1920s to 1960s.
Now customers are multinational. The stairwell beneath the atrium filled up with guests from Japan and China, where Cartier was a pioneer and already has 14 boutiques, competing with Indians and bejeweled Russians. In honor of those jewelry high rollers, the party tent was decorated like a St. Petersburg palace, with a Russian orchestra and a menu of caviar and beef stroganoff, and with vodka flowing as fast as Champagne.
The major development in the global jewelry market over the last decade has been branded lines from fashion houses such as Gucci or Dior, as well as the purchase of historic jewelers by luxury groups. Cartier is part of the Richemont Group, the second largest luxury conglomerate, after LVMH. Working autonomously, but with synergies to the parent company, especially for time pieces, Cartier is now the No. 1 for jewelry sales and No. 2, after Rolex, for watches in the world - although no precise figures are broken out.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:17 AM | View the original post
Harley-Davidson has brought the best of its long heritage of street motorcycle design to the new 2006 XL Sportster 1200L model. Blending a low seat height and mid-mount controls with the powerful torque of the rubber-mounted Evolution V-Twin engine, the XL Sportster 1200L adds another exciting option to the Sportster family.
The XL Sportster 1200L combines specific features and value. This motorcycle is powered by a smooth-riding 1200cc black and chrome treated engine with a lower profile design that stays true to the Sportster heritage of narrow, agile styling.
The XL Sportster 1200L has a seat height of 26.25 inches, which is 1.8 inches lower than the XL Sportster 1200R Roadster. In addition, the handlebar grips are moved back an inch further than any other Sportster model and a new two-up Badlander style seat provides a comfortable ride. That lower profile seat height, merged with the ergonomics of the new pullback handlebar and mid-mount controls, is sure to accommodate a broad range of riders.
Featuring a black powder-coated 1200cc XL Evolution engine with chrome treatment, the XL Sportster 1200L performs with 79 ft. lbs. of torque. All 2006 XL Sportster models feature a new transmission and all 1200cc models feature a clutch that reduces lever effort by 12 percent. Overall shift effort is significantly reduced due to thin steel “dog rings” that slide to cause gear changes. The new transmission is integrated with the XL Evolution powertrain and shares a die-cast case with the engine. New helical-cut gears mesh more quietly than the straight-cut gears used in the previous transmission.
The 4.5 gallon fuel tank allows the XL Sportster 1200L an extended driving range of more than 200 miles per tank. Standard black 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels with machined silver highlights put a racing spin on Sportster style and steel laced wheels are optional.
The XL Sportster is the original Harley-Davidson hot rod motorcycle, with a design refined from the racetrack to the street, offering premier performance and classic style.
The XL Sportster 1200L is offered in eight color options, including three unique two-tone paint schemes, all with a new 3-D fuel tank graphic.
The XL Sportster 1200L features:
* Rubber-mounted 1200cc XL Evolution engine
* Black powder-coated engine with chrome treatment
* High-compression, high-flow cylinder heads
* High-performance cams
* Smoother, quieter transmission
* Reduced clutch lever effort
* 26.25-inch, two-up seat
* Low front and rear suspension
* Pulled back polished handlebar
* Mid-mount foot controls
* 4.5 gallon fuel tank
* Black 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels
* Chrome staggered shorty dual exhaust
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight street, custom and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles in addition to motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson/Buell dealers and customers.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:12 AM | View the original post
At a signing ceremony held at Air India's headquarters in Mumbai, India, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Alan Mulally and Air India Chairman and Managing Director V. Thulasidas formally announced an order agreement for 68 airplanes. The order, placed with Boeing in December 2005, is valued at more than $11 billion at list prices and deliveries are scheduled to begin in November 2006.
Air India's order consists of 23 777s, including eight 777-200LR (Longer Range) Worldliners and 15 777-300ERs (Extended Range), and 27 787-8 Dreamliners. Air India Express, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India, will receive 18 Next-Generation 737-800s.
"Boeing's commitment to the Indian aviation industry dates back more than 60 years," Mulally said. "Air India is a valued and long-time partner, and we look forward to working closely with this great airline as it expands its operations with its all-Boeing fleet and brings its unique offerings to the world."
Air India currently operates a fleet of 11 747-400s, two 747-400 Combis, two 747-200s, two 747-300 Combis, three 777-200ERs and 21 Airbus 310-300s. The airline will use this order to support both fleet renewal and expansion plans. The 777s will replace the airline's current fleet of 747-200 airplanes while the 787-8 Dreamliner will replace its aging A310 fleet.
"The positive economics of the 777-200LR, 777-300ER and 787 Dreamliner will offer Air India operational cost savings and the flexibility to serve new, ultra-long-range nonstop routes that our passengers demand, such as Delhi-New York and Mumbai-San Francisco," said Thulasidas. "The combination of the 777 and 787, matched with the reliability and low operating costs of the 737s, will provide a competitive advantage for Air India and Air India Express.
"Air India will ensure that these new aircraft have the latest passenger amenities on board so that, with the induction of these aircraft, Air India can emerge as one of the leading global carriers," Thulasidas added.
Additionally, Boeing has announced that it has committed to investing in a regional maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) base, and a pilot training facility in India. Details of this effort are to be finalized over the coming months.
"We are committed to our customers' success," said Dinesh Keskar, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Our airline partners are looking for solutions, and Boeing has the most efficient airplanes and the broadest range of support products and services to help our customers maximize their fleets' operational efficiency."
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:01 AM | View the original post
Founded in Florence in 1921, Gucci is one of the world's leading luxury brands. It designs, produces and distributes high-quality luxury goods, including ready-to-wear, handbags, small leather goods, luggage, shoes, gifts, fragrances, eyewear. Gucci manufactures all products in Italy and licenses the production and distribution of eyewear, perfumes and men's ready-to-wear.
Through Gucci Group Watches, located in Cortaillod Switzerland, the company also assembles and distributes in all major markets around the world Gucci brand timepieces, combining outstanding Swiss craftsmanship with modern design aesthetics.
The company directly operates stores in major markets throughout the world and wholesales products through franchise store, duty-free boutiques and leading department and specialty stores.
Gucci Group N.V. is one of the world's leading multi-brand luxury goods companies. Through the brands Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, YSL Beauté, Boucheron, Sergio Rossi, Bédat & Co., Roger & Gallet, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Balenciaga, the Group designs, produces and distributes high-quality personal luxury goods.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:51 AM | View the original post
Mont Blanc, which has been manufacturing fountain pens since 1906, helped spawn a contemporary revival in ultra-high-end pen sales with the 1992 release of a limited-edition model honoring Italian Renaissance arts patron Lorenzo de' Medici. Originally priced at $1,600, the pen was an instant hit with aficionados, so Mont Blanc and other makers followed up with more limited editions aimed at serious collectors.
The pinnacle of collector's items is Mont Blanc's Solitaire Royale, featuring an 18-karat gold barrel and cap set with 4,810 diamonds. Priced at $95,000 for ballpoint and $125,000 for fountain, the number of diamonds represents the height in meters of the Alpine peak after which the company is named.
By contrast, Mont Blanc's most successful model, the basic black Meisterstuck 149, costing $475, has changed little since it was introduced in 1924. A specially developed resin has replaced the celluloid first used in the barrel and cap, some internal components have been improved over the years, and ballpoint and roller ball models are now available, but functionally and aesthetically, a new Meisterstuck fountain pen is much like the original.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:28 PM | View the original post
Armani describes its Men's Spring Summer 2006 collection as follows: MANIA – AN OBSESSIVE IDEA, A FIXATION, AN UNUSUAL PATTERN OF BEHAVIOUR, AS IN SOMEONE “HAS A MANIA FOR TIDINESS”. BY EXTENSION, PASSION, TASTE, EXCESSIVE ATTENTION TO DETAIL (AS DEFINED IN THE DICTIONARY).
ARMANIA – THE QUINTESSENTIAL STYLE AND PHILOSOPHY OF ARMANI. BY EXTENSION, THE PASSION TO WEAR ARMANI.
IN TERMS OF CONCEPTS AND CLOTHES, THIS COLLECTION RETAINS THE ARMANI LOOK, AS WE HAVE LEARNT TO RECOGNISE IT IN THE PAST – DECONSTRUCTED, FREE, SENSUAL, ANATOMICALLY PERFECT TO EMPHASISE THE BODY’S INNATE SUPPLENESS – BUT WITH NEW PROPOSALS. THE FOCUS IS THE RE-DEFINED JACKET. SHORTER ON THE HIPS TO ELONGATE THE FIGURE, WITH NATURAL OR SADDLE SHOULDERS AND PEAK LAPELS TO EMPHASISE THE PHYSICALITY OF THE ULTRA-SLIM LINE, FASTENED BY A SINGLE BUTTON. FRESH AND FLUID, THIS FEATHERWEIGHT JACKET IS ALTERNATED WITH A SOFT AND FITTED DOUBLE-BREASTED VERSION, WORN WITH A TOUCH OF NONCHALANCE. IN SPORTS WEAR THE JACKET RECURS AS A CABAN OR THE MOST CASUAL OF BLOUSONS.
INNOVATIVE, LIGHT AND AIRY, A SUPERIOR NEW QUALITY OF JERSEY IS THE CHOSEN FABRIC FOR SHIRTS – IN BLUE AND WHITE STRIPES ASSOCIATED WITH THE FINEST POPLIN – AND TIES. A TRUE CLASSIC OF THE ARMANI REVOLUTION, THE COLLARLESS SHIRT, FREE AND DECONSTRUCTED. PERFECT, WHEN FASTENED WITH A ZIP AND WORN WITH A METICULOUSLY CUT FORMAL SUIT. AMONG THE ICONIC ARMANI FABRICS: MICRO WEAVES, PRINCE OF WALES CHECKS, SOMETIMES OBVIOUS, SOMETIMES IN A HAZY MIX OF LINEN AND SILK FOR EXTRA RADIANCE, THE VERY LIGHTEST WOOLLEN YARNS. ALWAYS PRESENTED IN FRESH AND UNEXPECTED SHADES, GOLDEN GREY, SMOKY GREEN GREY, MINERAL HUES BETWEEN BEIGE AND GREY – CULMINATING IN A DEEP BURGUNDY THAT BRINGS A DEEP GLOW TO THE SPORTS WEAR, WITH A SPLASH OF LIGHT LILAC EVOKING A TOUCH OF THE EIGHTIES.
SIGNIFICANTLY THE CASUAL WEAR FEATURES FRESH SEERSUCKER IN GARMENT DYED BURGUNDY; SUITS IN DOUBLE WEAVE, LEATHER IN NATURAL COLOURS. A NOTABLE EXCEPTION, THE BLOUSON IN REDUCED PROPORTIONS, CLOSE FITTING, IN NAPPA LEATHER WITH ROUGH, RUSTIC LINEN INSERTS AND CONTRAST SEAMS AS SEEN IN THE KNITWEAR, A WARDROBE CROSSOVER THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN INTEGRAL TO THE ARMANI STYLE. IN THIS CONTINUOUS INTERPLAY AND EXCHANGE OF GENRES, A RANGE OF TEN JERSEY JACKETS AND STRETCH CABANS LEADS INTO A SHOW OF SENSUAL KNITWEAR. CRAFTED IN THE SOFTEST YARNS, OFFERING THE TACTILE COMFORT OF JACQUARD JERSEY, AND WITH THE SPLENDID ADDITION OF A MACRAMÉ MEDALLION, ALSO REPRISED ON THE JACKET.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:07 PM | View the original post
Dedicated to the woman of today: with her glamour, her desire to focus on life’s essentials, her taste for anachronisms. As well as the independence of spirit that prompts her to personalise the fashion that she loves to wear, liking to belong to a group while always projecting her own distinctive look. Here lies the raison d’être of that mixture of styles that constitutes Armani style timeless clothes reinterpreted in the language of our time. Today.
The seductive appeal of contrasts characterises the collection in which short jackets featuring clearly defined small shoulders are teamed with skirts in fluid lines and flowing fabrics (crêpe, organza, satin). The trousers also glide gracefully, sometimes cut on the bias to underline the impeccable tailoring.
A variety of skirts: an inverted tulip with an ethnic accent, wraps like sarongs, in a graduated length that cover the knee at the front and cascading at the back. To emphasise this sense of movement special attention is paid to the edging, pleats and bias.
As if in a new Garden of Eden, the evening gowns are printed with floral motifs and then embroidered, while bird of paradise style brooches perch on the almost molten bodices of the sophisticated jersey dresses. Hats like bouffant hairstyles, stiff black pagodas, or full blown roses, concentrating attention on the face. Like a photographic close up, the eye is drawn to the positive line of the shoulders, emphasised by the jacket or set in relief by the high broad collar of the blouses, falling nonchalantly on the décolleté. The delicate colour palette includes faded shades of greige, putty and cinnamon, with graphic prints, and a range of tropical lagoon jade blues with flashes of Armani red.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:59 PM | View the original post
 |
 |
