ASICS Unveils HYPERGEL™ Footwear Franchise

BOSTON — March 19, 2018 — ASICS America Corp., the true sport performance brand, today announced the launch of the brand’s newest HYPERGEL™ footwear franchise, unveiling the HYPERGEL-KENZEN™ exclusively with Foot Locker Inc. The new line of footwear combines street style with high performance GEL® technology proprietary to ASICS, for all day and all night comfort.

The new design incorporates GEL technology with slip-on construction and GEL beads integrated into the midsole. Every Hypergel shoe is unique and provides an enhanced cushion effect which reduces impact and preserves energy, resulting in improved comfort and endurance as the midsole restores its form faster than comparable footwear models.

Timed to the launch, ASICS and Foot Locker are rolling out a Hypergel-Kenzen x Aoki campaign featuring international DJ and producer Steve Aoki in stores nationwide, including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Footaction, Champs Sports, SIX:02 and Eastbay.  The campaign celebrates those who are constantly moving, always in search of inspiration — the creators who thrive on always creating, thinking and progressing.

“Hypergel is a new look for ASICS and we are proud to introduce a model that balances a unique aesthetic design with the performance technology for our consumers that are constantly on the move,” said Gene McCarthy, president and CEO, ASICS America. “We are thrilled to launch this new franchise with our partners at Foot Locker Inc. and Steve Aoki, who lives each day to the fullest, in constant motion with purpose and determination.”

“We are excited to partner with ASICS for the launch of Hypergel-Kenzen x Aoki,” said Jed Berger, Chief Marketing Officer for Foot Locker North America. “Just like Steve Aoki, our customers live an always on lifestyle and are looking for a hybrid of performance technology fused with an awesome design. ASICS is synonymous with their great GEL technology and design and the Hypergel is a great addition to both of our footwear portfolios. We look forward to introducing it to our consumers across the Foot Locker Inc. family of brands.”

Aoki, who serves as the muse behind Hypergel, plays over 250 shows a year and holds two bachelor’s degrees. Constantly producing, designing, inventing – always moving.  The shoe is a testament to the versatility and endurance coveted in the marketplace today to cater to the newest generation of movers and creators.

“I am excited to be the face of Hypergel,” said Aoki. “I really like the futuristic look of the shoe. Whether I am in the gym, working in the studio or performing on stage, they are always on.”

The Hypergel-Kenzen x Aoki campaign will come to life across multiple channels including a ‘Steve in 24’ digital content series showcasing Aoki’s nonstop movement throughout a full, 24-hour period.  As part of the launch, ASICS and Foot Locker Inc. will celebrate perpetual creators with an immersive pop-up experience in New York City on March 19 that is open to the public. The experience will culminate that evening at 8:00pm with an intimate Steve Aoki appearance for ticketed guests. For more information, please visit @ASICS on Instagram.

Posted March 19, 2018

Source: ASICS

ITM 2018 Exhibitor Preview: Autefa Solutions

FRIEDBERG, Germany — March 19, 2018 — The Turkish nonwovens market covers almost all application fields. Typical applications of needle-punched nonwovens are the production of artificial leather, automotive felts, carpets and carpet backings, insulation materials for thermal and noise insulation, geotextiles, industrial wipes and technical felts. During ITM, visitors will see the economic and technical advantages of Autefa Solutions as a full line supplier for carded- crosslapped needlepunch lines and thermobonding lines. AUTEFA Solutions nonwovens lines meet customers’ requirements for quality web formation, bonding, active weight regulation and minimal maintenance.

Giacomo Meucci, Regional Sales Director, Autefa Solutions: “We see an increasing demand in reliable and cost-efficient production lines for the highly-competitive Automotive market. Our customers need high-speed lines and an improved quality”. The Web Master FUTURA card is developed and designed for high production speeds with a special focus to improve the cost factor of maintenance. The different modules of the card, means feeding group, main cylinder, transfer group and doffers, are each placed on a separate carriage. The carriages are connected to each other and form a “train” which allows easy and full access for cleaning and maintenance. The crosslapper Topliner in combination with Web Profile Control WebMax is the key to the web quality. The crosslapper Topliner optimizes the CV-value which leads to significant reduction of material costs. The two drafting zones of the WebMax ensure a slight pre-draft and a precise draft of the web in the second drafting zone. This is of special importance to guarantee constant quality at high production output t with all raw material types.

Autefa Solutions offers a wide product range including Stylus single- and double-board needle looms, tandem needle looms, velour-, structuring and patterning needle looms as well as needle looms for paper maker felts. Needle Looms for fabrics and needle looms for glass fibers insulation matts were requested by customers. Customers like the extremely reliable and robust Stylus series (from 1 m up to 16 m working widths). The advantage of the design offers vibration free running, needle densities up to 30000 needles per meter and highest production due to stroke frequencies up to 3000 rpm in continuous operation. Autefa Solutions is a full-line supplier and a market leader for top quality artificial leather lines. During the last years the company sold several complete lines to leading producer Alcantara, Italy and to Toray Group, Japan. The high-quality artificial leather products are widely appreciated by the most famous brands in automotive industry.

At ITM Autefa Solutions shows innovative solutions for the processing and recycling of carbon-,
glass-, aramid- and natural fibers. Since 2010 the company is concerned with the re-utilization of recycled carbon fibers to carbon fiber nonwovens and has already successfully placed production lines in the market.

Energy saving spunlace solutions

Hydroentanglement is the ideal method of producing nonwovens for the strong growing wipes or cotton pads markets.  Autefa Solutions has developed and patented the V-Jet injector. The V-Jet injector is installed in several productions and led to significantly higher tensile strength at same entangling water pressure than a standard injector. The possible reduction of water pressure is in the range of 20 %. In addition, the water consumption is reduced by 10 % when using the same nozzle diameter and pitch. Depending on the application, this new technology leads to an energy saving of up to 30 %.  The new Square Drum Dryer SQ-V combines the advantages of a horizontal dryer with the lower space requirement of a conventional drum dryer.

The nozzle system in the Autefa Solutions Square Drum Dryer SQ-V uniformly distributes the airflow in terms of speed and temperature throughout the whole working width, providing best spunlace web and surface quality results. The Square Drum Dryer SQ-V has different heating zones and operates each heating zone with optimal drying conditions. For a capacity of 2,5 tons water evaporation per hour, the Square Drum Dryer SQ-V is using 4 chambers where the temperature, airflow and humidity profile is individually adjustable and controlled.  Due to the small footprint the Square Drum Dryer SQ-V is the ideal solution for energy optimizing of existing lines.

Complete lines from Autefa Solutions for the manufacturing of ADL

The consumer products benefit from the nonwovens features elasticity, softness and absorption. As a premium supplier, Autefa Solutions delivers machines for opening, blending and carding as well as ovens and dryers out of one hand. Autefa Solutions high-speed oven HiPerTherm HS distinguishes itself by an approved accuracy airflow system with high production speeds up to 250 m/min. The HiPerTherm HS is a single belt oven for thermobonding and drying. The double nozzle system allows the creation of extremely uniform product treatment. The key strengths of the AUTEFA Solutions belt dryers are highest uniform airflow, the precisely adjustable temperature distribution and the ability to maintain loft. The machine has been especially designed for the manufacturing of top sheets and ADL what demands utmost accuracy. The nozzle design prevents dust accumulations and ensures the capture of dust in the automatic filter systems.

Posted March 19, 2018

Source: AUTEFA Solutions Germany GmbH

Nano-Care Deutschland’s Intelligent Hybrids May Revolutionize The Market For DWRs

SAARWELLINGEN, Germany — March 19, 2018 — The use of durable water repelling coatings is subject to constant change. Whereas at the introduction of textile equipment fluorine-free hydrophobics were used for impregnating textiles, predominantly fluorocarbon products were used in the second half of the 20th century. Right up to 2012, their high efficiency and low-cost application served as an argument to justify the ecological risks; and these are really huge: long-chain C8 fluorocarbons (PFCs) break down to PFOS and PFOA – two emissions proven to be bioaccumulative, persistent and carcinogenic.

Indeed today we can detect increased values of these substances in watercourses and even in the breast milk of US mothers. The legal restrictions on C8 technology resulted in a move to shorter C6 fluorocarbons. Although their ecological balance on emissions (e.g. PFHxA) is slightly enhanced — which means a decrease in persistence, no bio-accumulation and no proof of carcinogens — they cannot be seen as a sustained solution for decontaminating the textile industry. Since 2012 Greenpeace has been pleading for change to fluorine-free products in the outdoor sector with their campaign “Detox”. Due to this, manufacturers have had to meet huge challenges, as fluorine-free textile products are less effective and sensitive in application due to their increased surface tension, e.g. through a pre-contamination with residues (silicones or surfactants) resulting from previous treatments.

Intelligent Hybrids developed by Nano-Care Deutschland AG provide new hope for sustainability in the market for DWRs. In complete conformity with the Greenpeace campaign “Detox” and the ZDHC progamme these Intelligent Hybrids are composed of PFC-free chemicals. “The big advantage of hybrid technologies lies in their ability to combine positive features by eliminating the disadvantages as far as possible”, states Oliver Sonntag, CEO. ”Many fluorine-free products are highly restricted in their application and performance. Intelligent Hybrids allow us to achieve excellent results on a wide range of textile fibres including polyamide, polyester, viscose, cotton, silk, leather and wool as well as on their blends. Our formulations have been developed to meet the requirements of the outdoor sector (Spray test, Bundesmann).” The products show an outstanding resistance to washing cycles and to chemical cleaning. In addition the combination of different base technologies allows special features such as LAD (laundry-air-dry).

“Nature itself provided us with the idea of developing hybrids from silicon dioxide nano-technology, paraffins, waxes, resins and silicones: as in evolution, genetic diversity leads to superior ways of living.”

Besides water and dirt repellency, Intelligent Hybrids have further potential: They are able to be used as a booster for oil and alcohol repellency to minimize fluorine usage. Due to lack of alternatives, technical textiles used for work-wear, military, medicine and automotive still have to be treated with PFCs. “Intelligent Hybrids allow us to use short-chain C6 technology whilst achieving C8 performance . We are currently also working on products to improve C4 polymers — with the aim of being able to offer in future a “C0” in this sector. Until then our products will reduce to a minimum both the chain length and the quantity required. Especially in those areas where oil repellency is imperative, the restrictive regulation around C8 technology forces many industrial sectors to increase their C6 content. This is neither sustainable nor cost efficient — and it is exactly here that Intelligent Hybrids will constitute an advantage both for the environment and the cost issue “, says Oliver Sonntag, Nano-Care AG CEO.

One example is the Nanoflex F-Bond system, which was launched on February 7, 2018. This product is composed of a silica backbone, a modified C6 polymer, and process additives which give level 8 performance according to ISO 14419 on polyester and 7 on cotton with normal Foulard/padding commercial application and subsequent curing at temperatures over 150°. The product has been certified with the Eco Passport standard 100 by Oeko-Tex.

Intelligent Hybrids would seem to offer new hope for sustainability and “Detox“ in the textile market. Even without having yet achieved the ultimate aim “Oil repellency without fluorination“, this technical progress is really significant.

The company: Nano-Care Deutschland AG is a spin-off from the Leibniz Institute for New Materials (INM) and was founded in 2000. This mid-size company with its headquarters in Saarwellingen and subsidiaries in the UK and Mexico has specialized form the outset in the production of ultra-thin coating technology for textiles, building construction and non-absorbing surfaces.

Posted March 19, 2018

Source: Nano-Care Deutschland AG

Kansai University Research: Wearable Polymer Piezoelectric Sensors Show Promise For Integration With Traditional Japanese Kimono And Other Fashion Clothing

OSAKA, Japan — March 19, 2018 — Yoshiro Tajitsu of Kansai University, Osaka, Japan, and Teijin Ltd., Japan, have developed innovative wearable piezoelectric PLLA braided cord sensors. This technology can be used as wearable sensors in the fields of fashion, sports apparel, interior design, and healthcare, areas for which conventional wearable sensing devices cannot be used.

Touch panel displays are ubiquitous. It is difficult to imagine using smartphones, personal computers, digital watches, and other modern electronic devices without this form of human-device interface. However, despite the proliferation of touch panel devices there is increasing research on the next generation of man-machine devices, which could be worn like clothes, so called ‘wearable sensors’.

Now, in an innovative approach, Yoshiro Tajitsu of Kansai University and Teijin have developed the world’s first wearable piezoelectric fabrics consisting of a conducting carbon fiber yarn core; piezoelectric polyctric poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) fiber yarn and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) middle sheath; and conducting carbon fiber outer shield.

The piezoelectric PLLA braided cords produce electrical signals in response to almost any type of three-dimensional motion, including bending and twisting. Importantly, these coaxial cable type fabrics are woven into piezoelectric braided cords for electromagnetic shielding and high sensitivity, so they will not respond to environmental noise from cells phones and other such electromagnetic interference.

“Our research is aimed at developing functional apparel, sometimes referred to as ‘e-textiles’,” said Tajitsu. “We believe that wearable human-machine devices will enable people to interface with external devices naturally, without being limited or hindered by having to perform complicated movements, such as focusing on a display panel to rely instructions. Also, ‘e-textiles’ must be comfortable and fashionable for wide spread acceptance. These ideas led to the development of our wearable sensors shaped like traditional Japanese braided cord or Kumihimo used in Kimono.”

Applications of piezoelectric PLLA braided cords

Professor Tajitsu and colleagues weaved three types of traditional Japanese decorative knots (Kame, Kicchyo, and Awaji) used as part of traditional Kimono’s worn by women (Fig.2) with PLLA braided cords. “We analyzed the magnitude of electrical signals that we could expect for each of these three knots,” explains Tajitsu. “Our finite element calculation showed that he largest signal would be produced by the Kame and Kicchyo knots, and that the response from the Awaji know would be very small. So we use the Kame and Kicchyo knots for potential applications.”

One of the unique wearable applications is for Japanese Kimono’s, for example to trigger a smart phone to take a selfie. “We are working with fashion designers in France and Italy of the design of clothes made with our PLLA braided cords,” said Tajistu. “We are looking into possibilities for traditional Japanese clothing like women’s Kimono with partners in Japan.”  The piezoelectric PLLA braided cord can be used as wearable sensors, mainly in the fields of fashion, sports apparel, interior design, and healthcare, by utilizing its fashionability and wearability, which cannot be achieved using conventional wearable sensing devices.

Healthcare and monitoring the motion of people are other potential applications of the PLLA braided cords. For example, Tajistu and coworkers have fabricated decorative necklaces with Kame and Kicchyo knots, which were successfully used to monitor the pulse rate due to pressure sensing of the carotid arteries on each side of the neck. Notably, the pulse signal was not affected by movements of the head or other parts of the body. “The subject does not feel any discomfort with the necklace, so it is a very useful portable device for monitoring healthcare,” said Tajitsu. “In our experiments we transmitted the signals to smartphones by Wi-Fi. We have also made laces for shoes to monitor motion. So this is a fashionable and very powerful technology for wide ranging applications.”

Posted March 19, 2018

Source: Kansai University International Liaison Group

Toray To Purchase TenCate Advanced Composites

ALMELO, The Netherlands — March 14, 2018 — Koninklijke Ten Cate BV today announced it has reached an agreement with integrated chemicals and materials group Toray Industries Inc. on the acquisition of TenCate Advanced Composites.

Toray is committed to further accelerate the growth of TCAC in the coming years, fully supporting TCAC management’s strategy and investment growth plans.

The combination of TCAC and Toray brings together complementary product offerings in high performance composites serving the aerospace, space and communications and high-performance industrial markets. There is strong strategic rationale for the transaction, with clear benefits for both companies. For Toray, the acquisition is an important step in its strategy to accelerate growth and expand its high-performance thermoplastic and thermoset composites offering while benefitting from considerable revenue synergies. For TCAC, the combination with Toray secures access to a source of highly-specified carbon fiber, a crucial component to supporting the needs of customers. The combination of TCAC and Toray will enhance new product development and R&D capabilities and reinforce and expand relationships with customers.

Frank Meurs, TCAC COO, commented: “We are very pleased with today’s announcement and consider Toray a strong partner for us in terms of cultural fit, complementary product and market segment offerings, focus on R&D, and geographical reach. We have a long history of successful cooperation with Toray and are convinced that we can strengthen each other. We are looking forward to continuing to grow TCAC together with Toray.”

Jan Albers, TenCate CEO, commented: “We are delighted that we have found such a strong strategic partner for TCAC in Toray. The aerospace industry is entering a new growth phase, which requires large investments for continued sustainable growth in this dynamic market. With Toray we have found the right partner to expand TCAC’s leading role in advanced composites.”

Both companies have agreed to jointly develop an integration plan to support the envisaged growth plans. Toray expects to retain key management of TCAC following completion of the transaction and respects the existing rights and benefits of the employees of the TCAC group.

Toray will acquire TCAC for an enterprise value of 930 million euros. The completion of the envisaged transaction is expected in the second half of 2018 and is subject to customary approvals by regulatory authorities. The agreement is also subject to completion of the consultation process with TenCate’s works council.

J.P. Morgan Securities Plc acted as exclusive financial advisor and Clifford Chance LLP acted as legal advisor to TenCate. Nomura Securities Co. Ltd. acted as financial advisor to Toray.

Posted March 16, 2018

Source: Koninklijke Ten Cate BV

Indorama Ventures To Acquire PET Business In Brazil

BANGKOK, Thailand — March 16, 2018 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global chemical producer, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire M&G Polimeros Brazil S.A. in Ipojuca Brazil. The plant is the largest PET facility in Brazil, with capacity of 550,000 metric tons per year. This plant is strategically located and benefits from virtual integration with a manufacturer of Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA), a key feedstock to PET.

The transaction is expected to be completed in second quarter 2018, subject to regulatory approvals.

This acquisition in Brazil is in line with the Company’s strategy to further extend its market position, and expand its global footprint in key markets with high growth potential. This strategic position allows Indorama Ventures to deliver products to key customers in Brazil and elsewhere in a cost-effective and efficient manner. Indorama Ventures is well positioned to service its current global client base and M&G’s existing customers once this acquisition is complete and the plant is fully operational. The Company expects immediate incremental revenues and cost synergies, driven by a substantial volume increase and potential value add through backward integration.

South America is an important emerging market with domestic demand for PET growing at around 5 percent. Today’s per capita consumption of PET is comparatively low at 2.8 kilograms and has great potential for growth. Brazil also has strong underlying fundamentals, supported by government policies to stimulate economic growth and strengthen the domestic market.

Indorama Ventures continues to be on a transformational journey aimed at accretive growth and sustainable value creation, while maintaining financial discipline. In its latest financial disclosure of February 20, 2018, the Company announced its record EBITDA of $1 billion for 2017 which was a growth of 30 percent on a year-on-year basis. Significant improvement in the PET and feedstocks business environment also enabled its net profit to grow by 68 percent on a year-on-year basis. This is a testament to a well-developed strategy and carefully selected acquisitions backed by a prudent mix of products and geographies, which ensure the sustainability of the company. This acquisition will significantly advance IVL’s strategy in its Necessities business, where the company aims to deepen its global footprint and build scale in key markets.

Commenting on the acquisition, Aloke Lohia, Group CEO, Indorama Ventures, said: “We are pleased to have reached this agreement, and taken significant action to strengthen our capability for profitable growth. Indorama Ventures now has unrivalled scale and global reach, being present in five continents with a uniquely balanced and integrated business model.”

“This is an exciting move for us, reflecting our continued commitment to support our customers using our global scale and local presence. We look forward to capitalizing on this new market and opportunities for cross-selling to immediately deliver greater value to existing and new customers, while delivering profitable growth and enhanced shareholder value.”

HSBC is serving as financial advisor, KPMG is serving as Finance and Tax due diligence advisors, and Mattos Filho & Lowenstein Sandler is serving as Legal advisors.

Posted March 16, 2018

Source: Indorama Ventures

EURATEX — New Strategic Course And Leadership Team

BRUSSELS — March 16, 2018 — EURATEX is pleased to announce the launch of a new strategic course to strengthen the voice of the European textile and apparel industry with the European policy institutions in Brussels as well as governmental bodies and partner organizations around the globe.

Over the last 10 years the EU Textile & Clothing industry, representing an annual turnover of over 171 billion euros, some 178,000 companies and 1.7 million workers, has been able to modernize and reinvent itself into a forward-looking, innovative and export-oriented sector.

To better reflect its members’ objectives and priorities which in addition to trade and industry policies encompass policy areas such as sustainability, innovation and skills, the Board of Directors of EURATEX has decided to undertake a comprehensive strategy review.

This process will be concluded at end of 2018 and will be led by three newly appointed Policy Directors Isabelle Weiler, Trade and Industry; Lutz Walter, Innovation and Skills; and Mauro Scalia, Sustainable Businesses).

At the same time the Board of Directors of Euratex and its long-serving Director General Francesco Marchi have decided in mutual agreement to end the collaboration.

Klaus Huneke, president of EURATEX stated “Our industry has undergone a dramatic transformation and the priorities of our companies are broader and their visions more far-reaching than ever. Our representative organization in Brussels is crucial to safeguard the interests of our industry and to engage with EU policy makers and other key stakeholders in new ways. I have full confidence in our broadened leadership team and its reinforced staff in the Brussels office to deliver on our ambitious program. I would like to thank Francesco Marchi for the professionalism and dedication with which he served the organization in over two decades. We wish him all the best for his personal and professional future.”

Posted March 16, 2018

Source: EURATEX

Sensient® ElvaJet Opal SC Awarded ECO PASSPORT By OEKO-TEX®

MORGES, Switzerland — February 2018 — Sensient Imaging Technologies, a division of Sensient Technologies Corporation, announced today the certification by OEKO-TEX® of the newly released ElvaJet Opal SC inks for the ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX®.

Sensient has long been considered a leader in both developing first class digital sublimation inks and as a pioneer of eco-friendly and sustainable technologies. “With the latest sublimation technology, ElvaJet Opal SC achieving the ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® certification, Sensient re-affirms a longstanding commitment to developing sustainable products. The ECO PASSPORT allows our customers to confirm compliance with sustainable textile manufacture.” comments Mike Geraghty, President of Sensient’s Colors Group.

“ElvaJet® Opal SC is the first digital sublimation ink designed for industrial printers using Kyocera heads to achieve the ECO PASSPORT,” says Dr Simon Daplyn, Marketing Manager for Sensient’s Inks business, “clearly this is quite an achievement and underlines our core innovation strategy to deliver eco-friendly products that offer a real value for our partners”.

With ECO PASSPORT status, ElvaJet Opal SC is also considered compliant with the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Programme, which accepts the OEKO-TEX® as indication of conformance with the organization’s Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) in connection with the ZDHC Gateway– Chemical Module.

Posted March 16, 2018

Source: OEKO-TEX®, The International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology

Bullet Proof Vest False Claims Act Case Ends In Victory For Whistleblower

WASHINGTON, D.C. — March 15, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Justice announced today that Japanese manufacturing company, Toyobo Co., Ltd., agreed to pay $66 million to settle allegations that it conspired to sell defective body armor to American police departments, federal law enforcement agencies and the U.S. military.  The settlement was reached as part of a False Claims Act initiated by a whistleblower, Aaron Westrick, Ph.D.

As required under the False Claims Act, Dr. Westrick will obtain a qui tam whistleblower reward of $5.77 million.  This award is designed to compensate Dr. Westrick for the damages he suffered and to incentivize other whistleblowers with evidence of fraud to report these crimes.

A detailed discussion on the national importance of this case is posted on The Whistleblower Blog.

Dr. Westrick, now employed as a tenured professor at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and an active Michigan Deputy Sherriff, issued the following statement:

“I only wanted to stop the sale of unsafe Zylon vests to police officers, federal agents, and members of our Armed Services. I tried to convince my company to stop selling these vests.  They refused. I lost my job and career.  I have no regrets. I would blow the whistle again. The defective Zylon product was taken off the market and Toyobo (along with other companies) were held accountable.

“I am proud that the United States joined in my False Claims Act case, and aggressively sought justice in this matter.”

In a statement released today by the DOJ, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said:

“Bulletproof vests are sometimes what stands between a police officer and death. Selling material for these vests that one knows to be defective is dishonest, and risks the lives of the men and women who serve to protect us. The Department of Justice is committed to the protection of our law enforcement officers, and today’s resolution sends another clear message that we will not tolerate those who put our first responders in harm’s way.”

Stephen M. Kohn, a partner in the law firm of Kohn, Kohn and Colapinto – who served as Dr. Westrick’s lead counsel said:

“Dr. Westrick is a true American hero. He lost his job and career in the body armor industry by exposing Zylon safety risks. He provided the crucial documents and testimony justifying the removal of Zylon from the market, and compensation to states and the federal government due to the immoral sale of Zylon vests.

“The False Claims Act is America’s most important tool to fight fraud in government contracting.  It was enacted to protect and reward whistleblowers like Dr. Westrick, who sacrifice for the public interest, save taxpayers millions of dollars, and ensure that products sold to front-line responders are safe.”

Mr. Kohn also serves as the pro bono Executive Director of the National Whistleblower Center.

Posted March 15, 2018

Source: Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto, LLP

Tommy Hilfiger Announces Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton as Global Brand Ambassador for TOMMY HILFIGER Men’s

AMSTERDAM — March 15, 2018 — Tommy Hilfiger, which is owned by PVH Corp., announces that British Formula One racing driver and four-time Formula One® World Champion Lewis Hamilton will appear as the new global brand ambassador for TOMMY HILFIGER men’s, including HILFIGER COLLECTION, TOMMY HILFIGER TAILORED and TOMMY HILFIGER Menswear, Underwear and Swimwear, starting Spring 2018. The partnership reflects Tommy Hilfiger’s strategic commitment to build on its strong menswear heritage and further drive the global growth of its men’s business, bringing the next generation of fans to the brand.

“I have always admired Lewis’ incredible endurance during the race, as well as his unique style off the track, which speak to the new generation of Tommy Guys,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “He has built his incredible career as a racing driver with passion, dedication and extremely hard work – values that I embraced when founding my brand. We have a history with Formula One, and this partnership builds on our heritage of collaborations within the world of motor sport.”

Lewis Hamilton’s career achievements have put him in an elite group of global athletes, and he is regarded as one of the greatest Formula One drivers in history. He holds the record for all-time most pole positions, career points and most wins at different circuits. He has won at least one Grand Prix in every season he has competed in. Lewis Hamilton connects with more than 17 million fans through the incredible reach of his social media channels, offering his audience a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Formula One racing world and his personal life.

“I believe in the power of fashion and innovation to celebrate individuality and break conventions, like Tommy Hilfiger,” said Lewis Hamilton. “Tommy’s designs inspire me to be bold in every outfit that I put together outside of the racing track, expressing my creativity and eclectic style with confidence. His groundbreaking TOMMYNOW experiential events are one-of-a-kind, and I’m very excited to partner with such visionary brand.”

The integrated men’s campaign was photographed by Mikael Jansson at the Pocono Raceway, also known as the Tricky Triangle, in Pennsylvania, U.S. and will break globally in Spring 2018. It features exclusive video teasers, print, online, and out of home media placements, and will be supported by unique consumer activations that continue to bring the brand’s unique perspective on pop culture to life around the world. The TOMMY HILFIGER men’s campaign will run alongside the brand’s dedicated women’s advertising, featuring global womenswear brand ambassador and international supermodel Gigi Hadid. The campaigns fused when Lewis Hamilton and Gigi Hadid took the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT S car at the Pocono Raceway, and recorded their first drive together around the track in a dash cam shot video, directed by Matt Baron, that shows their reactions to the other’s driving skills.

The Spring 2018 TOMMY HILFIGER men’s offering celebrates Tommy Hilfiger’s love of motor sports, where speed and immediacy fuse with a touch of vintage nostalgia. The collection, which premiered at TOMMYNOW “DRIVE” during Milan Fashion Week on February 25th, gives nod to the Formula One racing pit crew, with heritage work wear and a strong focus on denim. Street styles are born from the iconic shapes, bold colors and streamlined graphics of speed racers. Looking at the traditional American automobile culture, clothing is reinvented for a collection that fulfills the needs of today’s fast-paced lifestyle.

The brand heritage of TOMMY HILFIGER is closely linked with pop culture and sports icons. In the ‘90s, Hilfiger was one of the first designers to blend fashion and celebrity, and he became a pioneer in the industry by dressing young artists such as Aaliyah, Mark Ronson and Usher; and featuring musicians such David Bowie and Beyoncé in his advertising campaigns. In recent years, Tommy Hilfiger has established inspiring partnerships with international tennis champion Rafael Nadal, international supermodel Gigi Hadid, and award-winning musician/producer duo The Chainsmokers, reflecting the brand’s commitment to broaden its reach and connect with the next generation of consumers. Tommy Hilfiger also has a history with Formula One, most recently announcing a multi-year strategic partnership as the Official Apparel Partner for the four-time World Champions Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport. The brand previously sponsored the Lotus Formula One team from 1991 to 1994, and was the first non-automotive brand to sponsor Ferrari’s Formula One team, including uniforms created by the designer himself, in 1998.

Posted March 15, 2018

Source: Tommy Hilfiger

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