June 2002 (Newstream) -- Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC), one of the best known and effective international breast cancer promotions, will join forces with another leading fashion brand - DuPont Lycra® *. FTBC is a worldwide initiative inspired by Ralph Lauren and is presented by the CFDA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), which represents over 250 of America's leading fashion designers. Lycra is the first international sponsor of FTBC.

"Lycra is a leading apparel brand, recognized worldwide for its fit, comfort and style. We believe that matching this superbrand with this important breast cancer promotion is a perfect way to support a cause that is important to our global target audience of women and to partner with fashion designers who want to show support for their customers," explained Linda Kearns, Global Brand Manager for DuPont Lycra.

Currently FTBC is produced in six countries - Australia, Brazil, Canada, Greece, the United Kingdom and the United States. FTBC Lycra® campaigns have already begun in the United Kingdom and will soon be underway in Australia, Brazil and Greece. The FTBC Lycra tie-ins will include special fashion week promotions, in-store retail displays and co-branding opportunities. Other merchandising elements will be announced later in 2002 and early 2003.

In addition to current partner countries, the commitment of DuPont Lycra will help enable the CFDA Foundation to expand FTBC into Japan and, later in the year, in China. "Fashion is exciting and cutting-edge in Japan and very much an emerging industry in China," observed William Ghitis, President, Global Apparel, DuPont Textiles and Interiors. "Lycra is also gaining popularity in Japan and China, and partnering with Fashion Targets Breast Cancer hopefully will greatly advance FTBC launch initiatives in both countries. The head to toe versatility of Lycra, which is produced in a variety of premium stretch fibers and used in a wide array of apparel from denim and leather to linen, presents many exciting and exclusive FTBC design opportunities."

Peter Arnold, Executive Director of the CFDA Foundation, who oversees all FTBC promotions and initiatives, noted, "When we were considering candidates for the first Fashion Targets Breast Cancer worldwide sponsorship, we wanted to partner with a company that had a recognized commitment to fashion and which also understood branding, merchandising and the need to connect FTBC to fashion designers around the world. We view the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Lycra partnership as 'a perfect fit' - and we hope this joint effort will inspire fashion designers to use Lycra in new and refreshing ways to help raise funds for breast cancer causes."

Lycra® spandex, the first stretch fiber to carry the Lycra brand, was invented in 1959 by a team of DuPont scientists as a replacement for rubber in corsetry. Today the Lycra brand is recognized for its exceptional shape retention and drapability, and as one of the world's best-known brands. In March 2002, the Superbrands Organization in the United Kingdom named Lycra one of the "Superbrands in the world of branding."

FTBC was launched at a 1994 White House reception by then First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. Since then, FTBC has been licensed by the CFDA Foundation to leading breast cancer organizations in six countries and has netted nearly $20 million (US) for a wide array of breast cancer projects from clinical research and patient support to education, prevention and screening. The CFDA membership enthusiastically supports annual FTBC efforts. In the United States, the FTBC promotion is exclusively produced by Saks Fifth Avenue, at all of its 61 stores. This year's FTBC Saks Shopping Weekend promotion will take place at all Saks stores from September 18 to September 21.