Benetton will entertain audiences with a fashion show revolving around themes of wool, its core brand essence, colour and the innovative spirit of the fashion label, which has revolutionised the concept of style for casual and leisure wear.

Running alongside the fashion show, the Centre Pompidou will also present an exhibition by Fabrica, Benetton's communication research centre based in Treviso, Italy. Fabrica supports the creative development of young artists and researchers from all over the world.

The exhibition entitled'Les yeux ouverts', which means'Eyes open to the world' will showcase a visualisation of the future and explore different themes of human life. The exhibition will run for a month from October 6 - November 6, 2006. ¡°We chose Paris because it has become the international fashion capital,¡± said Luciano Benetton, Benetton Group Chairman. ¡°Also, I have a special bond with this city. In 1969, we launched the first overseas Benetton retail outlet in Boulevard St. Germain in Paris. This is why we decided to celebrate our global growth and success here-- where it all began!¡±

Centre Pompidou or the National Museum of Modern Art is one of the most spectacular buildings in Paris. It was designed by architects Renzo Piano (from Italy) and Richard Rodgers (from the UK) to bring art and culture to the common man.

¡°Benetton has grown to be a much sought after brand not only globally, but in the UAE as well. We have represented the Benetton brand in the UAE for more than 15 years now and look forward to celebrating the brand's 40th anniversary and look forward to many more birthdays,¡± said Ajai Dayal, General Manager, Retail and Marketing, Easa Saleh Al Gurg group--sole distributors of Benetton in the UAE.

The fashion show will take place at the Forum of Centre Pompidou, in association with the Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), leading manufacturers of wool. Proceeds from the fashion show will be donated to the United Nation's World Food Programme.

The Fabrica exhibition will cover a total of 800 square metres and 'Colors Notebook', a special edition of'Colors' magazine, will also be launched.'Colors' is part of Fabrica's editorial department. As part of the celebrations, an international film and music festival will also be held throughout the period of the exhibition. The film festival will feature movies such as Blackboards by Iranian director Samira Makmahlbaf, Seventeen Years by China's Zhang Yuan and Secret Ballot by Babak Payami.