GUCCI MAKES FURTHER COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY: NEW COMPACTSUSTAINABLE PACKAGING AND EYEWEAR IN BIODEGRADABLE LIQUID WOOD MATERIAL

Milan/Padua, May 2012 - Less than one year after setting an industry precedent with the launch of sustainable eyewear, Gucci and Safilo are pleased to make a further commitment to environmental responsibility with new eco-friendly packaging and the first-ever sunglasses made from Liquid Wood – aninnovative biodegradable material never before used in the eyewear sector.

As part of a worldwide eco-friendly program designed to progressively reduce the company\'s impact on the environment, the House first launched 100% recyclable packaging with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified paper in 2010 and will now extend this packaging towards its eyewear collections. The new unique foldable case minimizes stock space, limiting both the weight and amount of shipments and in turn helping to reduce 60%of CO2 emissions.

Themodern and refined casewill bear the Mobius loop, which is an internationally recognized symbol used to designate recyclable materials. Upon purchase, customers will receive an informational leaflet and a preaddressed envelope in order to send the case to a dedicated center where it may be recycled to make new products. Additionally, the FCS-certified paper shopping bag mirrorsthe House’s existing sustainable packaging. The new case will be exclusively available from May at Gucci boutiques for men’s, women’s and children’s sunglasses – and from August through the worldwide distribution network for both optical frames and sunglasses.

Furthermore, Gucci ispleased to announce the future introduction ofsunglasses made from Liquid Wood, a biodegradable, eco-friendly material that represents analternative to the plastic usually in the production of eyewear.Liquid Wood boasts a composition from bio-based materials: wood fibre from sustainably managed forests and lignin from the paper manufacturing process and natural wax.

The initial prototype in semi-matte black with shaded grey glass lenses has been developed using the bamboo-inspired frame, a must-have in the most recent Gucci eyewear collection, that meets a revolutionarymaterial true to Gucci’s commitment to environmental sustainability. In addition to the hinges, the small metal rings that outlinethe bamboo joints are made from recycled metal. Meanwhile, the mineral glass lenses enhance the elegant style of these large, wrap-around shaped sunglasses.


About Gucci
Founded in Florence in 1921, Gucci is one of the world\'s leading luxury fashion brands. With a renowned reputation for quality and Italian craftsmanship, Gucci designs, manufactures and distributes highly desirable products such as leather goods (handbags, small leather goods, and luggage), shoes, ready-to-wear, silks, timepieces and fine jewellery. Eyewear and fragrances are manufactured and distributed under license by global industry leaders in these two sectors. Gucci products are sold exclusively through a network of directly operated boutiques (390 DOS as of March 2012) and a small number of selected department and specialty stores. www.gucci.com.

About SafiloGroup
The Safilo Group is worldwide leader in the premium eyewear sector for sunglasses, optical frames and sports eyewear. With aninternational presence through 30 owned subsidiaries in primary markets – in America, Europe and Asia – and exclusive distributors,Safilo produces and distributes its house brands – Safilo, Carrera, Polaroid, Smith Optics, Oxydo, Blue Bay – and the licensed brandsAlexander McQueen, A/X Armani Exchange, Balenciaga, Banana Republic, BottegaVeneta, BOSS Black, BOSS Orange, Céline,Dior, Emporio Armani, Fossil, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, HUGO, J.Lo by Jennifer Lopez, Jimmy Choo, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade,Liz Claiborne, Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Max&Co., Pierre Cardin, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tommy Hilfiger, YvesSaint Laurent. For further information www.safilo.com

Contacts:

Gucci
Arabella Musgrave
Arabella.musgrave@uk.gucci.com
44.20.78982800

Safilo Group HQ Communication Department
Milan – ph. +39 02 76020154
Padua – ph. +39 049 6985459
e-mail: pressoffice@safilo.com
www.safilo.com

Gucci unveils its new eyewear collection for Spring/Summer 2012, dedicated to fascinating women who clearly express themselves and their enigmatic personality.

The collection features large square-shaped eyewear, underlined by pastel tones and refined iconic details, to highlight the eyes and bring about a sophisticated female who is both sensual and androgynous.

These sunglasses fascinate with their unique elegance, a combination of rock spirit and “sculptural glamour” Their square shape conveys a strong personality, highlighted by the multifaceted volumes in Optyl, a registered trademark for an ultra-lightweight plastic material with original colour effects.

The engraved "GUCCI" logo on the temples is discreetly visible on the rigorous shades of gloss transparent grey, blue, black, Havana and light Havana. (mod. GG 1015/S).

Refined contrasting materials and a butterfly shape characterise these sunglasses featuring a sophisticated “red carpet” appeal. The slim metal temples decorated with the enamelled “GG” logo in elegant colour shades are combined with a multifaceted injection-moulded front featuring tones of black, Havana, blue, coral, jade and sand (mod. GG 3533/S).

Contemporary glamour and an Eighties spirit: these acetate sunglasses and frames owe their appeal to their strong personality, which is emphasised by their square shape and sculpted edges with an eye-catching contrasting colour play. The temples feature the “1973” logo, recalling the brand's stylistic heritage(mod. GG 3540/S and GG 3545).

An iconic Eighties style highlights the square shape of this model with a bold acetate/thin metal front. The metal detail along the temples is visible thanks to refined transparent/bold contrasting colour effects on the temples and front, in shades of black, maritime blue, ruby red and cardboard brown(mod. GG 4215/s).

The Gucci Eyeweb segment finds its greatest expression in the contemporary spirit of these square, shield-shaped oversize injection-moulded bio-based sunglasses – made from a natural material that is derived from ricinus, the castor-oil plant – highlighted by eye-catching colour combinations in shades of red, white, green, blue, as well as iconic touches, such as the web stripe motif on the temples.

The collection is completed by a square acetate optical frame bearing the House’s distinctive signature details (mod. GG 3554/S and mod. GG 3555).

Retro with a glamorous twist: these women’s optical frames fascinate with their soft, rounded shape and strong lines.The temples are available in the signature web stripe’s typical colours, reinterpreted with a sophisticated rubber effect (mod. GG 3547).

The strikingly elegant sculpted bamboo effect – an iconic Gucci symbol – which made its first appearance in the sunglasses collection, now also characterises this square optical frame’s silhouette. Small metal rings on the temples and front highlight the bamboo joints, conveying a natural feel (mod. GG 3556).

Gucci unveils its new eyewear collection for Spring/Summer 2012, dedicated to fascinating women who clearly express themselves and their enigmatic personality. The collection features large square-shaped eyewear, underlined by pastel tones and refined iconic details, to highlight the eyes and bring about a sophisticated female who is both sensual and androgynous.

These sunglasses fascinate with their unique elegance, a combination of rock spirit and “sculptural glamour” Their square shape conveys a strong personality, highlighted by the multifaceted volumes in Optyl, a registered trademark for an ultra-lightweight plastic material with original colour effects.

The engraved "GUCCI" logo on the temples is discreetly visible on the rigorous shades of gloss transparent grey, blue, black, Havana and light Havana. (mod. GG 1015/S).

Refined contrasting materials and a butterfly shape characterise these sunglasses featuring a sophisticated “red carpet” appeal. The slim metal temples decorated with the enamelled “GG” logo in elegant colour shades are combined with a multifaceted injection-moulded front featuring tones of black, Havana, blue, coral, jade and sand (mod. GG 3533/S).

Contemporary glamour and an Eighties spirit: these acetate sunglasses and frames owe their appeal to their strong personality, which is emphasised by their square shape and sculpted edges with an eye-catching contrasting colour play. The temples feature the “1973” logo, recalling the brand's stylistic heritage(mod. GG 3540/S and GG 3545).

An iconic Eighties style highlights the square shape of this model with a bold acetate/thin metal front. The metal detail along the temples is visible thanks to refined transparent/bold contrasting colour effects on the temples and front, in shades of black, maritime blue, ruby red and cardboard brown(mod. GG 4215/s).

The Gucci Eyeweb segment finds its greatest expression in the contemporary spirit of these square, shield-shaped oversize injection-moulded bio-based sunglasses – made from a natural material that is derived from ricinus, the castor-oil plant – highlighted by eye-catching colour combinations in shades of red, white, green, blue, as well as iconic touches, such as the web stripe motif on the temples. The collection is completed by a square acetate optical frame bearing the House’s distinctive signature details (mod. GG 3554/S and mod. GG 3555).

Retro with a glamorous twist: these women’s optical frames fascinate with their soft, rounded shape and strong lines.The temples are available in the signature web stripe’s typical colours, reinterpreted with a sophisticated rubber effect (mod. GG 3547).

The strikingly elegant sculpted bamboo effect – an iconic Gucci symbol – which made its first appearance in the sunglasses collection, now also characterises this square optical frame’s silhouette. Small metal rings on the temples and front highlight the bamboo joints, conveying a natural feel (mod. GG 3556).

For Spring/Summer 2012, the Gucci eyewear collection for men reinterprets the smart world of Savile Row in the Sixties and Seventies, when it was home to aristocrats, dandies, singers, noblemen and rock stars, who loved playing with tradition and wore large-shaped sunglasses with light lenses, highlighting the eyes.

A stunning design and androgynous sensuality: these sunglasses fascinate with their unique elegance, a combination of rock spirit and “sculptural glamour”.

Their square shape conveys a strong personality, highlighted by the multifaceted volumes in Optyl, a registered trademark for an ultra-lightweight plastic material with refined colour effects. The engraved "GUCCI" logo on the temples is discreetly visible on the rigorous shades of gloss transparent grey, blue, black, Havana and light Havana(mod. GG 1015/S).

Classic elegance with cutting-edge details: these men’s teardrop sunglasses are available in several sophisticated shades. The temples are decorated with a gloss/matte web-effect metal plaque which gives way to a flex hinge, combining total comfort with utmost design linearity (mod. GG 1014/S).

These refined men’s navigator sunglasses have a vintage feel with their Seventies inspiration reinterpreted with modern touches, such as sophisticated colour shades, the hot-printed logo on the temples and the signature web detail on the front (mod. GG 2213/S).

The Gucci Eyeweb segment is enriched with new models, featuring an easy-to-wear square shape. These injection-moulded bio-based sunglasses– made from a natural material that is derived from ricinus, the castor-oil plant – as well as the acetate optical frame are characterised by an elegant double bridge on the front, while the temples bear the iconic web stripe motif and monogram (mod. GG 1018/S and mod. GG 1019).

Vintage-chic inspirations for this slim, ultra-lightweight pilot-shaped metal optical frame. The oversize teardrop-shaped front with a double bridge features an Eighties-inspired flat design. The iconic web stripe and the Gucci logo on the initial part of the temples are visible thanks to a special laser technique that produces refined effects (mod. GG 2216).

The new collection includes two classic yet cutting-edge square-shaped eyeglasses. One model features rubber temples, which are soft to the touch, as well as the brand’s signature web stripe in stunning colour shades. The bold acetate frame features contrasting colours on the front and temples. The metal T-Bar logo is an eye-catching detail(mod. GG 1008 and mod. GG 1009).

For Spring/Summer 2012, the Gucci eyewear collection for men reinterprets the smart world of Savile Row in the Sixties and Seventies, when it was home to aristocrats, dandies, singers, noblemen and rock stars, who loved playing with tradition and wore large-shaped sunglasses with light lenses, highlighting the eyes.

A stunning design and androgynous sensuality: these sunglasses fascinate with their unique elegance, a combination of rock spirit and “sculptural glamour”. Their square shape conveys a strong personality, highlighted by the multifaceted volumes in Optyl, a registered trademark for an ultra-lightweight plastic material with refined colour effects. The engraved "GUCCI" logo on the temples is discreetly visible on the rigorous shades of gloss transparent grey, blue, black, Havana and light Havana(mod. GG 1015/S).

Classic elegance with cutting-edge details: these men’s teardrop sunglasses are available in several sophisticated shades. The temples are decorated with a gloss/matte web-effect metal plaque which gives way to a flex hinge, combining total comfort with utmost design linearity (mod. GG 1014/S).

These refined men’s navigator sunglasses have a vintage feel with their Seventies inspiration reinterpreted with modern touches, such as sophisticated colour shades, the hot-printed logo on the temples and the signature web detail on the front (mod. GG 2213/S).

The Gucci Eyeweb segment is enriched with new models, featuring an easy-to-wear square shape. These injection-moulded bio-based sunglasses– made from a natural material that is derived from ricinus, the castor-oil plant – as well as the acetate optical frame are characterised by an elegant double bridge on the front, while the temples bear the iconic web stripe motif and monogram (mod. GG 1018/S and mod. GG 1019).

Vintage-chic inspirations for this slim, ultra-lightweight pilot-shaped metal optical frame. The oversize teardrop-shaped front with a double bridge features an Eighties-inspired flat design. The iconic web stripe and the Gucci logo on the initial part of the temples are visible thanks to a special laser technique that produces refined effects (mod. GG 2216).

The new collection includes two classic yet cutting-edge square-shaped eyeglasses. One model features rubber temples, which are soft to the touch, as well as the brand’s signature web stripe in stunning colour shades. The bold acetate frame features contrasting colours on the front and temples. The metal T-Bar logo is an eye-catching detail(mod. GG 1008 and mod. GG 1009).

For the winter 2011/2012 season, Gucci introduces its latest range of ski goggles for adults and children – the perfect accessory that luxuriously combines sport and style.

Part of the young and dynamic Gucci Eyeweb styles, the unisex goggles this season include two new colours, polished gold and polished silver. The gold model features a gold lens and a elasticated headband in black-beige-black web stripe, while the silver version has a mirrored silver lens and a grey-white-grey web stripe.

Complete with the Gucci logo on the front, the model is also available in the classic colours of white and black with silver mirrored lenses. The elastic headband bears the House’s iconic green-red-green web stripe.

Recently launched, the children’s eyewear collection now presents its first ski goggle. Similar to the adult style, the children’s goggle also uses a mirrored lens and is offered in four variations: matte white and matte black with the elastic headband in the iconic green-red-green web stripe, in polished gold with black-beige-black web stripe and in silver with white-grey-white web stripe.

High-tech construction and premium quality bring to life the House’s glamorous details and distinctive design. The front of the goggle is made of painted polyurethane, a high-strength thermoplastic, whereas the dual lens, spherical in the adult goggles and cylindrical for the children’s version, eliminates fog with an effective thermal barrier while also providing total UV protection.