Mumbai, March 28, 2007: French Connection stormed the runway for their India launch today at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW). French Connection (FCUK) participated by special invitation from Lakme and IMG in the prestigious Mumbai Fashion Soiree special to showcase their never seen before edgy yet stylish collection for men and women.  The show stopper, a short black French Connection sequined dress was a show stealer in everyway. FCUK is launched in India by the Murjani Group and will be available at leading retail destinations, April 2007 onwards.

Speaking at the Lakme Fashion Week, Neil Williams, Operations Director, French Connection UK (FCUK) said, “FCUK are extremely excited to be launching in India this summer, and we feel the Lakme Fashion Week was the perfect platform within the Indian fashion scene to establish ourselves as a leader in the young urban fashion market and as a truly global brand. With a sound and aggressive expansion plan in place to make the most of breaking into one of the world's largest consumer markets we are expecting a good reception for the brand with correlating sales”.

The Collection
 The French Connection (FCUK) collection at Lakme Fashion Week was an interesting combination of women and menswear. Bold colours and brazen prints dominate the women’s wear collection, with dresses leading the way in high volume hues and silhouettes for maximum impact. Take your pick from an array of prints – from geometric to animal, floral to abstract – to make sure you always stand out from the crowd.  Waistlines and hemlines continue to rise with high-waisted denims, and jersey minis and vests creating a storm. Dresses are key, this season in the fabulous FCUK collection, with must-haves that no wardrobe should be without.

Retro sportswear was the major player for menswear this season, mixing casual sweats with streamlined classic polo shirts and trousers for an edgy twist for the classic preppy look.  Shorts have grown up and smartened up, with tailored styles and detail for the summer gentleman.  Checks and stripes inject a rainbow of colour contrast in to staple pieces, whilst rolled up sleeves keep it cool and casual throughout the entire collection.

About the Murjani Group

The Murjani Group, founded in 1930, is the only Indian company in the world to have developed and launched major international designer brands such as Gloria Vanderbilt and Tommy Hilfiger.  In 2004 Murjani launched the first international designer lifestyle brand in India, Tommy Hilfiger, which rapidly became the leading international lifestyle designer brand in the country.

In 2006 the Murjani Group announced several exclusive relationships, with major international brands for India. Besides French Connection there is Gucci, Jimmy Choo, La Perla Calvin Klein, Tumi, and Build A Bear. For more information on the group, please visit www.murjanigroup.com.

About French Connection (FCUK)
Founded in 1972 by Stephen Marks, French Connection UK (FCUK) set out to create well-designed fashionable clothing that appeals to a broad market. French Connection is now one of the strongest brands on the British high street and operates in over 25 countries. With more than 1500 outlets worldwide, French Connection is emerging as a truly global fashion brand.

 Having established a strong core clothing business, through unique design and a true sense of style the company has, over recent years expanded its portfolio into exciting new areas. Driven by innovation and change, the brands strength lies in balancing new and exciting ideas. Throughout the brands expansion and diversification the principles have remained the same; design-led products presented in a unique and innovative way.

Stores across the globe are designed to be a true extension of the brand whilst being relevant to their local surrounding, so all elements including staff and store design work together to create a shopping environment which is all part of the French Connection experience. Retaining the clean, simple signature look that French Connection has made its own, the stores provide an environment where the product takes centre stage. These are exciting times for French Connection. In constant pursuit of new ideas and with design at the helm, the vision for the future just keeps growing.

For further information, please contact : Clea Public Relations

Toral Sanghavi in Mumbai                                          Sangeeta Kuriakos in New Delhi
# 098210 45486                                                          # 09891597468
- toral@cleapublicrelations.com                               -sangy@cleapublicrelations.com