Dubai, 20 May, 2008: Dubai's style-conscious fashionistas are in for a rare treat, with the launch of Roberto Cavalli's new 2008 sunglass collection at Solaris, the region's first dedicated boutique for designer sunglasses. Embodying glamour, luxury and sophistication, the new line is bound to turn heads and is the perfect fashion accessory.

 The new designs are a powerful expression of richness, strong colors and high-end style. The Italian designer started work in the early 1960s, when he was considered to be an outsider in the fashion world. Now, Roberto Cavalli is one of the world's most sought after and exclusive designer eyewear brands.

According to Katia Andrejev, Brand Manager, Solaris Middle East, the new collection reflects the rich style Roberto Cavalli is known for. "Roberto Cavalli sunglasses are some of the most treasured and coveted Italian sunglasses in the market today. It is no wonder that A-list celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Kimora Lee Simmons, Beyonce Knowles, Jon Bon Jovi and Jennifer Lopez are fans of the designer's wild, fluid and gorgeous designs."      

The animal print characteristic of Roberto Cavalli plays a significant role in the line and perfectly contrasts with the sporty style of the injection moulded masks. The lenses are personalized with the designer's signature, whilst the frames have a relief embroidery effect with coloured enamel inserts all around the front. But the piece de la resistance is the 3D lateral opening with a touch of sparkling jewellery on the temples. Designed to create the wow-factor, the RC 152 takes inspiration from the slithering snake shape and the RC 302 comprises intricate side arms with the designer's initials.

Solaris, the cutting-edge French sunglass concept store, has been brought to the Middle East by M.H. Alshaya Co., to offer the best models from over 50 world-leading brands, including Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Versace, Rayban, Armani, Dior and Oakley. Solaris boasts more than a thousand styles of sunglasses, from glamorous wrap-arounds to trendy aviators and luxurious diamante-decorated styles.

Solaris has a stand-alone store in Deira City Centre in Dubai, The Avenues, the largest mall in Kuwait, and Villaggio Mall in Qatar. The brand also has a presence at shop-in-shop locations in Debenhams stores in the Mall of the Emirates and Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai, and Kuwait International Airport. Globally, the brand has over 50 outlets, including Paris, Milan, Monaco and St. Tropez.

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About M.H. Alshaya Co.:
M.H. Alshaya Co. is a leading international franchise operator for over 40 of the world's most recognized retail brands including Starbucks, H&M, The Body Shop, Foot Locker, Mothercare, Debenhams, River Island and Boots. The company currently operates over 1,400 stores across its operating divisions in the Middle East, Egypt, Turkey, Russia and Southern/Eastern Europe and employs more than 14,000 individuals from over 35 nationalities.

The company has built a dominant platform for operating retail concepts in its markets.  Growth in each of its operating divisions and brands is supported by continuous investment in talent and infrastructure and application of best practices in retail operations, merchandising, marketing, information technology, logistics, real estate, human resources and financial controls.  You can learn more about the company at www.alshaya.com.

M.H. Alshaya Co. is the retail business of the Alshaya Group, which was founded in Kuwait in 1890 and today represents one of the most dynamic and respected companies in the Middle East.  In addition to its retail operations, the Alshaya Group is active in a number of other sectors including real estate, automotive, hotels, trading and investments.

About Solaris
Solaris was founded in October 1994 with the opening of its first store in Paris, France. As the leading name in the optical industry, which represents over 70 well-known brands across four countries, Solaris is at the forefront of the luxury eyewear industry. Solaris offers the best models from world-leading brands such as Gucci, Versace, Rayban, Armani, Dior and Oakley

Solaris entered the Middle East in partnership with M.H. Alshaya Co. in 2007, as the region's first dedicated outlet for high-end designer sunglasses. Currently Solaris has a presence in the region with stores in Dubai, Qatar and Kuwait. Future plans include the opening of more stores in UAE, KSA, Oman and Bahrain.

For further information, please contact:
Kim Pinto
ASDA'A Public Relations
Tel: +971 4 3344550
Em: k.pinto@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2008