Four New Dolls: Milan, Berlin, Moscow and St. Moritz

Milan concentrates, in just a few very carefully designed pieces, a look that is fit for people who are well-practised at moving around in a cosmopolitan metropolis: padded trench coat, pink wool tops, denim or macro Prince of Wales check Bermudas, knitted woollen berets, shoulder bags and comfortable sneakers or practical rubber boots with charming all-over logo print.

Berlin: punk rock is the leit motiv of the collection that interprets the Central European characteristics of a completely renewed capital city. Numerous layers created by different and apparently discordant fabrics and colors. Denim and knitted wool, jersey and drapery fabrics in dark, but not gloomy colors.

Moscow: colors, forms and materials suitable for the winter city ‘par excellence’. Full embroidered skirts, capes, woollen sweaters with rich jacquard patterns and floral prints on velvet in the old Russian tradition.

St. Moritz completes the quartet of locations in which BarbieTM will wear the new Benetton look. The famous Swiss town suggests a mood which is both chic and sporty. Elegance and practicality are expressed with padded goose down jackets, knitted pullovers full of jacquard patterns and velvet trousers. The picture is completed by specially designed accessories that recall the atmosphere of the famous ski slopes. All in colors which BarbieTM loves Benetton finds irresistible: pink and white.

The four ranges will be available in United Colors of Benetton stores, along with the dolls, as from September 2006. As is now the tradition, there will also be a fifth new arrival dedicated to the Christmas festivities, with a totally oriental flavour.

Silvano Cassano, CEO of Benetton Group states, “The agreement between Mattel and Benetton Group, and two of the fashion world’s strongest brands BarbieTM and United Colors of Benetton, highlights both Groups’ strong attention to the market, their international vision and the capacity to aggregate values and innovative ideas in product and distribution. Benetton Group sees co-branding with partners of a global level as strong business opportunities and this agreement with Mattel is, I believe, the best example.”

Matt Bousquette, President of Mattel Brands, explains: “This is a fantastic partnership for BarbieTM and Benetton. For the first time, BarbieTM will be seen simultaneously in Benetton windows throughout the world and this will enable us to reach girls in a unique new way. We are delighted that the BarbieTM brand’s fantastic fashion heritage has helped to create such an inspiring collection. We have been fortunate to work with some of the world’s leading fashion design houses and so the opportunity to work with such a well- established high street favourite is very exciting for us. Both our organisations share the same core values as young, fashionable and fun brands that offer the consumer quality products.”