23 April 2008
SOLAR JKT and Sport Kits define the future of activewear

Dubai, UAE - Zegna Sport, the famed active wear of Ermenegildo  Zegna, the global men's luxury fashion brand, brings to the UAE its Spring/Summer 2008 Collection. The new selection fuses technical sport design with quality and comfort, making it a wardrobe essential for every man who is active, sophisticated and demanding when enjoying his leisure time, whether it be playing golf, tennis, sailing or working out at the gym.

'Sports design' is pivotal to the Zegna Sport ethos, always balancing perfectly a sportive and urban lifestyle look. The concept of sports design this season has been extended to denim with two new styles created for the summer. The chino cut jean gives a more formal sports club look while the ergonomic cut gives an urban athletic edge to denim. Both styles feature perforated mesh pocket linings, nylon trims and detachable leather 5th pocket, giving an active spirit to the wardrobe staple.

SOLAR JKT - Nature's Energy Project

The future of outerwear apparel has arrived in the UAE.  The 'Solar Jacket' is the world's first luxury outer wear product, which can recharge a mobile phone, iPod or handheld communication device by harnessing the sun's energy. Designed to combat the growing uncertainties of climate change, the 'SOLAR JKT' re-charges in a green, clean and environment-friendly manner through solar panel energy. Zegna Sport has exclusively developed the jacket in partnership with INTERACTIVEWEAR which is a market leader in innovative wearable textile electronics.

Solar cells mounted on a neoprene collar directly convert solar light into sustainable and renewable energy while electronic textile wires distribute the power to a rechargeable battery or directly to a phone or other device. Adapter sets are provided to ensure compatibility with all leading brands for both old and new models including Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, Blackberry or any device with a USB5 plug such as an iPod.

Only four to five hours of sunlight are required to fully charge the rechargeable battery situated in the hidden inside pocket or housed in a separate neoprene case. The battery element and solar panel collar are both detachable which allows for any independent device to be recharged even when the jacket is not being worn.

The Solar Jacket is made from the historic Zegna Sport fabric 'Microtene' with exceptional lightweight waterproof and breathable features. Zip cuff regulators and fully taped seams guarantee the jacket is waterproof while the headphone wire loops and reflective zip details ensure perfect fusion of function and form. It is offered in bomber jacket and three quarter length versions in either high tech black or futuristic silver.

Sport Kits - Innovative Foldaway Solutions

Sport Kits are designed for the active man on the run, who juggles the demands of work and work out. Each kit is presented in an innovative lightweight and functional foldaway sportsbag with all the essential sporting components; and all weighing less than a kilo.

Tennis Kit: Coolmax pique polo, dry fast microfiber shorts and tennis socks in a travel pouch (3 pieces and pouch)

Gym Kit: Cotton t-shirt, microfiber gym shorts, nylon gym trousers and light shell nylon jacket which doubles as gym bag (4 pieces and bag)
Beach Kit: Foldaway towel with headrest, in a multi-pocketed bag. It features a hideaway pocket for a mobile phone or iPod, with headphone access from the pillow compartment, totally practical as an all-in-one.

Zegna Sport Collection is now available at Ermenegildo Zegna boutiques at The Boulevard, Emirates Towers and Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, corner shops in Saks Fifth Avenue - Burjuman Centre and Harvey Nichols - Mall of the Emirates as well as select Rodeo Drive Boutiques across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 

 - Ends -

About Ermenegildo Zegna
Ermenegildo Zegna goes back to the second half of the 19th century when Angelo Zegna a watchmaker by trade, decided to open a wool mill. Of his ten children it was the last, Ermenegildo born in 1892, who took over what was to become one of the best known and most dynamic family businesses in Italy.
In the 1960s, the founder's sons - Angelo and Aldo - gradually took over from their father the management of Ermenegildo Zegna e Figli. It was the two of them who carried out the vertical integration of the company, the transition from exclusive production of fabrics to tailoring of high quality suits for men and internationalisation of production.
Growth of the group has been made possible through diversification of its offerings, which now ranges from clothing to accessories, and strategies which have enabled the Ermenegildo Zegna brand to grow successfully throughout the world. Currently it presents Ermenegildo Zegna Collection (with Couture, Sartoria and Upper Casual lines under it), Made-to-Measure, Z Zegna, Zegna Sport and Intimo along with Zegna Accessories. These collections are exclusively produced and distributed through 501 mono-brand stores, of which 198 are directly operated by the group.
Zegna group's philosophy is based on three principles: long-term objectives, family ownership to ensure continuity and a sound ethical commitment enshrined in a rigorous corporate governance system. The group's organisation and the corporate governance that underpins it adopt international best practice in all relevant fields. All this has been made possible by the long-standing personal commitment of the Zegna family.


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© Press Release 2008