-Traditional Watches Get Smarter, Smartwatches Get Sleeker

BASEL, Switzerland, March 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Fossil Group (NASDAQ: FOSL) will launch more than 300 connected watch styles across 14 brands in 2017, the company announced today. From slimmer and smaller hybrid smartwatches to full-round touchscreen smartwatches with custom AMOLED displays and branded micro-apps, this unprecedented portfolio of fashion-first tech accessories makes one thing clear: By reimagining the watch experience, Fossil Group has, quite simply, reinvented the watch.

Fossil Group is showcasing its latest designs at its European Headquarters in Basel, Switzerland during Baselworld, the world’s leading watch and jewelry fair.

“Many of our brands that first entered the wearables space less than a year ago are now branching out with new styles, colors and types of wearables, all showcasing the perfect fusion of fashion and technology,” said Greg McKelvey , chief strategy and digital officer, Fossil Group. “Our unrivaled speed to market is only possible through our relentless investments in innovation, our unmatched scale and operational capabilities, and our strong partnerships with the world’s most admired fashion brands.”

“This explosion of new styles is further proof that the entire purpose of the watch is changing,” McKelvey added. “Our customers are no longer wearing a watch simply to tell time, they are wearing it to stay connected to the people and activities they care about most while remaining fashionably on-point. We’re thrilled to offer them so many ways to maintain those connections, and to do it with beauty and uncompromised style.”

Since launching its first smartwatch in Fall 2015, Fossil Group has brought to market more than 150 touchscreen smartwatches, hybrid smartwatches and activity trackers throughout 40 countries and in 20 languages for brands including Chaps, Diesel, Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, Fossil, kate spade new york, Michael Kors, Misfit and Skagen. New Fossil Group brands entering the wearables space in 2017 include DKNY, Marc Jacobs , MICHELE, Relic and Tory Burch .

Here are highlights of the new Fossil Group styles:

• Hybrid Smartwatches: Fossil Group’s line-up of 2017 hybrid smartwatches – connected watches with discreet notifications and activity tracking that look like traditional watches – are now slimmer, sleeker and smarter. With new design variations and more functional side-button pushers that can be assigned to specific tasks (such as, “ring your phone,” take a selfie, track a goal or control music), the hybrid smartwatch is increasingly versatile and customizable.
  • DKNY – New to the wearables space, introducing the DKNY MINUTE hybrid smartwatch collection (Holiday 2017)
  • Marc Jacobs – New to the wearables space, introducing the Riley hybrid smartwatch (Fall 2017)
  • MICHELE – New to the wearables space, introducing the MICHELE Connected hybrid smartwatch collection (Holiday 2017)
  • Relic – New to the wearables space, introducing the Duncan men’s hybrid smartwatch collection and the Eliza women’s hybrid smartwatch collection (Fall 2017)
  • Tory Burch – New to the wearables space, introducing The Collins hybrid smartwatch (Holiday 2017)
  • Armani Exchange – Armani Exchange Connected line of hybrid smartwatches extends its collection to include two new colorways of the silicone style (Fall 2017) and will introduce five dress styles (Holiday 2017)
  • Chaps – Chaps Connected line of hybrid smartwatches will include new colorways (Fall 2017)
  • Diesel – Diesel On collection of hybrid smartwatches will include new colorways and a new platform based on the popular Mega Chief (Fall 2017)
  • Emporio Armani – Emporio Armani Connected line of hybrid smartwatches will include new platforms and new colorways (Fall 2017)
  • Fossil – Q Accomplice and Q Activist are the slimmest designed Fossil Q hybrid smartwatch cases to date and feature customizable pushers (Summer/Fall 2017)
  • kate spade new york – An update to the bestselling traditional watch, the new Holland hybrid smartwatch has an even more feminine look, complete with star detailing and sparkling pave stones (Fall 2017)
  • Misfit – Four new colorways will join the Phase hybrid smartwatch collection (April 2017)
  • Michael Kors – Michael Kors Access will expand its collection of hybrid smartwatches by offering two new colorways for ladies (Fall 2017) and new colorways and platforms for men (Holiday 2017)
  • Skagen – 19 new styles and four new platforms set to launch throughout 2017, including Jorn (men’s), Hald (women’s), Signatur (men’s) and Signatur t-bar (women’s), representing the slimmest wearables the brand has released to date

“As an innovator in the fashion watch space, we knew that Fossil Group had the ability to launch a new category of watches that would be extremely relevant to a new generation of watch wearers,” says Steve Evans , executive vice president, Fossil Brand. “We pride ourselves as being ‘watch geeks’ and became obsessed with transforming the watch category as it stands. We knew there was a need for an evolution, and we felt that no other company in the industry could surpass our commitment and ability to revolutionize the watch space. We are confident that the launch of hybrid smartwatches across multiple brands this year will be a transformative moment in the watch industry, and we look forward to exciting and educating customers globally that Fossil Group has a (smart) watch for every wrist.”

• Touchscreen Smartwatches: Fossil Group’s new 2017 touchscreen smartwatches, compatible with both iOS® and Android phones, are powered by Android Wear 2.0, Google’s smart watch platform and a Qualcomm® Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor. They feature one-of-a-kind, full-AMOLED, high-resolution screens that preserve the integrity of sophisticated watch design while enabling crystal clear illumination. Customers will personalize the watch faces by choosing from millions of branded dial designs developed and programmed by Fossil Group. In addition, Android Wear 2.0 allows users to customize key information to appear on their watch face, create shortcuts to play music, call a car or monitor activity goals. Additionally, user’s third-party apps can be downloaded through the on-watch Google Play Store.
  • Diesel – Diesel On will include its first touchscreen smartwatch available in five outsized styles (Holiday 2017)
  • Emporio Armani – Emporio Armani Connected will include its first touchscreen smartwatch (Beginning September 2017)
  • Fossil – Q Venture and Q Explorist are the brand’s slimmest, most feature-packed touchscreen smartwatches to date (Fall 2017)
  • Michael Kors – Michael Kors Access Sofie and Michael Kors Access Grayson are two new introductions to the touchscreen smartwatch collection (Fall 2017)
  • Misfit – Misfit Vapor is powered by Android Wear 2.0 and includes heart rate monitoring, GPS, standalone music functionality, and is swimproof to 5ATM (Late-Summer 2017)

“Our new touchscreen smartwatches are better in every way – from the screen resolution and fast, wireless charging to the case size and branded micro-apps,” said Eric Anderson, executive vice president of Portfolio Brands, Fossil Group. “And, while 2016 was a banner year for our smartwatch innovation and introductions, the tangible results of Fossil Group’s innovation are creating tremendous opportunity for our wearables in 2017.”

• Touchscreen Smartwatch Micro-apps: Branded smartwatch micro-apps – custom apps designed with each brand’s smartwatch customer in mind and without the need to be tethered to a smartphone – will be rolled out with each brand’s new touchscreen smartwatch. Enabled by Android Wear 2.0 and built by Fossil Group’s internal software development team, each micro-app for Fossil, Michael Kors, Emporio Armani and Misfit Vapor touchscreen smartwatches will offer unique functionalities in line with the brands’ DNA and target consumer in mind. For example, the Michael Kors Access “My Social” micro-app will allow the customer to use a photo from his/her Instagram as the touchscreen smartwatch dial background.

“Fossil Group is uniquely positioned to succeed. We bring the rich history in fashion, portfolio of brands, design prowess and sophisticated software development that’s required to drive strong sales in this competitive market,” said McKelvey.

About Fossil Group, Inc.
Fossil Group, Inc. is a global design, marketing, distribution and innovation company specializing in lifestyle accessories. Under a diverse portfolio of owned and licensed brands, our offerings include fashion watches, jewelry, handbags, small leather goods and wearables. With our newest owned brand, Misfit, we’re bringing style and technology to the high-growth connected space. We’re committed to delivering the best in design and innovation across our owned brands, Fossil, Michele, Misfit, Relic, Skagen and Zodiac, and licensed brands, adidas, Armani Exchange, Burberry, Chaps, Diesel, DKNY, Emporio Armani, Karl Lagerfeld , kate spade new york, Marc Jacobs , Michael Kors and Tory Burch . We bring each brand story to life through an extensive wholesale distribution network across approximately 150 countries and nearly 600 retail locations. Certain press release and SEC filing information concerning the Company is also available at www.fossilgroup.com .

*The Google Assistant is not available in all languages. Android, Android Wear, Google Play, Google Fit and other marks are trademarks of Google Inc.

Android Wear and Android are trademarks of Google Inc.

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Mumbai Indians becomes first Indian Sports Team to launch a global partnership with a premium brand 

Diesel, the pioneer of denims and Mumbai Indians of Indian Premier League (IPL) have partnered to launch a limited edition collection for the truly global cricket fans. This is for the first such global partnership between an IPL team and a globally admired brand. The two iconic brands have come together to create an exclusive range of off-field merchandise consisting of denims, polos, t-shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, shirts and accessories such as suspenders and caps. 

 

The limited edition Diesel-Mumbai Indians collection was officially launched today by Mrs. Nita Ambani, Owner, Mumbai Indians, Mr. Renzo Rosso, Founder, Diesel along with Mumbai Indians Captain Rohit Sharma in Mumbai. Inspired by the gentleman’s game but true to the Diesel spirit, the collection integrates the visual identities and characters of the two brands. The collection takes inspiration from the brand colours of indigo and gold as well as ‘adventure’ and ‘bravery’ which are the two brand ethos. The resulting assortment marries the quality and craftsmanship of Diesel with the energy and passion of Mumbai Indians. 

 

The limited edition collection is launched exclusively for the Indian market and will be available from 8 th December onwards at all 11 Diesel stores in India and on its e-portal diesel.com. For the global market, cricket fans will be able to buy the collection at select Diesel stores across major cricketing nations such as England, Australia and South Africa from 15th December. 

 

Mrs. Nita Ambani termed the partnership with Diesel as a ‘mark of the growing global stature of the brand Mumbai Indians’ – the winner of two IPL championship and two Champions League T20. 

 

“It’s a momentous step for Mumbai Indians to be recognized as the most preferred global brand partner, becoming the first sports team from India to have such a partnership with global reach to cater to our growing global fans. The stylish cricket collection truly reflects the dynamism and innovative spirit of the Mumbai Indians, said Mrs Nita Ambani. 

 

“Mumbai Indians with its strong brand values and both on and off field performance has won hearts of millions of patrons’ in India and world over. We are very excited to present the ‘MI Collector’s Edition’ to the cricket fans.” 

 

Always innovating and pushing the boundaries of denim in fashion, the collaboration marks Diesel’s response to the pulse of today’s youth where cricketers are the new style icons. This is the first time the brand has designed a range specifically tailored for the Indian market and is its first ever association in the field of cricket. 

 

“We took inspiration from the classic aesthetics of cricket which is clean, masculine, preppy, formal, made of sophisticated and very recognizable details. The ‘V’ shapes that is inherent to the cricket uniform highlights the athlete’s silhouette and celebrates the elegance of this sport,” explains Andrea Rosso, Diesel’s creative director for licenses. “The ‘V’ shape is present throughout the whole collection and is one of Diesel’s DNA staple. We played with this distinctive element, applying it to different shapes, washes and treatments and using the Mumbai Indians team colors with hints of white, gold, ocher, orange and blue that is well connected to the world of denim.” 

 

Renzo Rosso, Founder, Diesel said, “Diesel and Mumbai Indians are two iconic brands, similar in spirit, with global resonance, and we are teaming up around a shared dream of pride, passion and bravery. We want to make this collaboration unique, fueled with innovation and modernity.” 

 

Diesel has globally forged strong ties with Sports which has great synergies with its DNA based on passion, bravery and adventure. The brand was recently announced as the official style partner of another iconic club in the world of sport, the legendary Italian football club AC Milan.

The post DIESEL COLLABORATES WITH MUMBAI INDIANS; LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES FOR CRICKET FANS  appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

Bangalore, July, 2014:

The Mega Chief collection from Diesel is a tribal leader in both style and function. Taking design cues from instrument gauges found in cockpits, each dial is engineered for precision and accuracy. The custom crown guard takes inspiration from fighter jets and adds just the right amount of attitude to the round, sculpted cases.

An iridescent crystal delivers maximum attitude and edge to the DZ4318. It features a black stainless steel case, further accented by the orange dial and luminous blue accents. Recognized as one of Diesel’s freshest combinations for the season is the DZ4319. Featuring a blue dial with red accents and a polished silver top ring on a brown leather strap, this watch is the ultimate in functionality.

Stainless steel and classic black combine with the oversized case to create an inventive look for the DZ4320 that is timeless. The black dial features oversized grey hour markers, and the textured leather straps give this watch a fearlessly strong finish. Inspired from their earlier heavy duty collections, the DZ4321 displays amped up design and more aggressive styling, highlighting the signature Diesel DNA. A brown leather strap, classic black dial and orange accents combine to create one of the most unique aesthetics of the season. Both these watches feature a unique dial which encompasses GMT functions.

Designed by the Diesel Creative Team, these timeframes are priced from Rs. 11,295/- onwards. The collection is available at the Watch Station International stores, select Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, Helios, Ethos, Just in Vogue and other leading retail stores across the country.

About the company:

Fossil Group Inc. (NASDAQ: FOSL) is a global company specializing in the design, innovation, and marketing of fashion lifestyle and accessory products.  At the heart of Fossil’s vision is a commitment to fostering creativity and delivering the best in design through the company’s namesake FOSSIL brand and a portfolio of internationally recognized owned and licensed brands. The FOSSIL brand is rooted in authenticity and a distinctive modern-vintage design aesthetic. With nearly 400 stores worldwide and a strong global e-commerce business ( www.fossil.com ), Fossil is internationally known for its eclectic assortment of lifestyle and accessory items including watches, jewellery, handbags, and clothing.  The company is constantly developing its multi-brand portfolio through its core competencies in innovative branding, world-class design, and dynamic global distribution.

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