French luxury goods brand celebrates sponsorship alongside the announcement of new outlet at Dubai Mall

18 May 08, Dubai: French luxury goods atelier Lancel Paris has been named platinum sponsor of the 21st Anniversary Gala Dinner of the French Business Council to be held May 22nd at the Raffles Hotel, WAFI.

"Lancel Paris is proud to be named platinum sponsor of one of the region's most prestigious social events. In the recent years, the FBC has transcended its role as a business group and has worked towards integrating French businesses like Lancel Paris into the social framework of the region," stated Xavier Bouin, Managing Director, Euroluxe - exclusive retailer for Lancel Paris in the region.

Initiated by the French Businessmen and Commercial Section of the French embassy in 1987, the FBC has grown into a 350-member strong unit that has become instrumental in the promotion of French-UAE relations. The anniversary night gala dinner entitled "An Intriguing Musical Experience" will be held at the Raffles hotel and will feature an international musical performance that will be revealed only on the gala night.

The sponsorship follows the announcement of Lancel Paris's fourth outlet in the UAE - at the iconic Dubai Mall. In the past year alone, Lancel Paris has expanded its presence in the region including the opening of 3 exclusive boutiques in Dubai Festival City, WAFI and Abu Dhabi Mall.

"With its high per capita income and discerning audience, the Middle East market is one of the most attractive in the world today and we are excited about expanding our operations in the region. Our new outlet at Dubai Mall will open up our exclusive collections to the influential Downtown Dubai demographic and expand our reach within the Emirates," stated Bouin.

Earlier this year, Lancel appointed famed actress and French fashion icon, Isabelle Adjani, as the global ambassador for the brand as a part of its strategy to emphasise its French heritage along with a global and modern outlook.

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About Lancel Paris
Paris 1876: It was during these early years of the Belle Époque that Alphonse and Angèle Lancel opened a small pipe-making factory at 20, Passage des Petites Écuries.

1926: After specializing in articles for smokers, Lancel turned its attention to accessories for ladies as well as decorative objects. These new creations included the first handbags, made from tapir, sealskin and suede. At a time when the couture houses had yet to see the possibilities beyond simply "dresses", Lancel was already imagining the accessories that would transform fashion.

1929: Lancel epitomised the Parisians' newfound taste for shopping, with a dozen or so stores now open in the capital and other French cities. The inter-war years were a time of innovation for the brand, which branched out into tableware, travel items and any number of imaginative and original gifts. Lancel came to the rescue with its "Aviona" trunk. This was the year that Lancel moved to new premises at Place de l'Opéra in the heart of Paris. This new location would become a flagship store for the brand that so perfectly captured Parisian chic.

1970's: The brand expanded into international markets. In France, the parent company moved to the world's most beautiful avenue, the Champs-Elysées. It focused on leather goods, and in 1984 the drawstring bag was born. Ingenious and original, it was inspired by the buckets the first firemen used to carry. Over three million have been sold. All over the world it is recognised as a symbol of Parisian elegance and imagination. It is also Lancel's emblematic bag.

130 years later... and Lancel continues to celebrate the same carefree spirit, the same French légèreté of sheer elegance with a hint of frivolity. Lancel proudly asserts its history with two new creations that combine a modern style with authentic craftsmanship. Through the two "faces" of the brand, Laure Manaudou and Alice Taglioni, Lancel pays tribute to women with carefree interpretations of its classic designs. Each Lancel creation tells the story of the spirit that brought it to life: that of Paris, fashion and joie de vivre.

For further Information please contact:   
Catherine Tracey - d'pr                                                                      
Tel: +9714 331 1104  
Fax: +9714 331 6612 
Email: catherine@d-pr.ae

© Press Release 2008