NEW YORK, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Avon Products, Inc. today announced it has signed award-winning actress Courteney Cox to be the exclusive spokeswoman for the brand's new women's fragrance, Spotlight. The partnership with Courteney Cox continues to diversify Avon's growing portfolio of alliance brands. Spotlight will launch in the U.S. in April 2009 with a global launch following this summer.
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Avon wanted to capture the growing excitement of the world's fascination with celebrity and notions of fame. The private desire to be in the public spotlight is a trend that is embodied in the fragrance's tagline "Step Into It." The company turned to Courteney Cox, a star who has lit up the big and small screens alike, and who is more than familiar with life in the Hollywood spotlight. As an actress, wife and mother, Courteney embraces the notion that every woman is a star in her own right and deserves those empowering moments where she celebrates herself and people take notice.
"When Avon approached me to be the face of Spotlight, I was thrilled for the opportunity to represent such an inspiring, sophisticated scent," Courteney explains. "They're a company that truly celebrates and empowers women and this fragrance captures that essence -- that all women are in the spotlight in their own unique ways and this fragrance highlights the excitement and the exhilaration of that feeling."
"Courteney represents the confidence, poise, and that special star quality it takes to step into the spotlight -- both professionally and personally," said Tracy Haffner, Vice President of Global Marketing for Avon. "She has an enchanting beauty and a brilliant persona, which we channeled when creating this fragrance."
Spotlight is a sparkling fragrance designed by International Flavors and Fragrances. The top notes of the Fresh Oriental scent were inspired by the feeling of excitement before a big moment. An icy silver accord meets illuminating citrus with sun-ripened fresh mandarin pur and Italian bergamot essence, extracted via cold press from the peel of the fruit. At the heart of Spotlight are deluxe naturals only available from IFF's exclusive Laboratoire Monique Remy, a state-of-the-art laboratory and manufacturing facility in France. This luminous floral heart combines pristine hydroponic white freesia, which is nurtured in a purely aqueous environment void of any impurities, rich tuberose absolute, and mimosa pur to capture the essence of confidence and radiance as you step into the spotlight. The base notes include sexy undertones of creamy cashmere sandalwood and precious vetiver with a kiss of white vanilla musk that leaves a lasting impression.
The fragrance is captured in a glimmering "quilted" glass bottle that is both chic and elegant with a rectangular top. The packaging is stamped with the word "spotlight" illuminated by "spotlights" shining in the background, reminiscent of the lights on a dressing room mirror.
Courteney Cox will appear globally in support of the fragrance in Avon's brochure, which is distributed through over five million Avon Representatives worldwide. She will also be featured in print and television advertising in select markets around the world. Spotlight will be available in the U.S. for $22.50 beginning in April 2009.
Courteney Cox is the most recent partner to join the company's premier fragrance portfolio; Avon's other partners include Patrick Dempsey, U by Ungaro, the James Bond Franchise for Bond Girl 007, Jennifer Hudson for Imari, Cynthia Rowley, Derek Jeter and Christian Lacroix Parfums.
About Courteney Cox
Courteney Cox gained overnight fame as she endeared herself to millions as the loveable Monica Gellar on NBC's Emmy(R) Award winning comedy "Friends." She will soon be seen in Disney's family comedy Bedtime Stories starring opposite Adam Sandler. She most recently created, starred, and produced, FX's comedy "Dirt."
Courteney also made the natural segue from producing into directing for Glamour's Reel Moments Project. Monday Before Thanksgiving, a touching drama, marks Cox's directorial debut. Glamour Reel Moments is a series of three short films based on real women's stories written by Glamour readers. The project benefits a women's program for FilmAid International, an organization that uses the power of film to promote health, strengthen communities and enrich the lives of women around the world. In addition, Courteney is involved with the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation, an all volunteer organization dedicated to increasing knowledge and understanding of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare genetic skin disorder. The organization helps fund research for the causes, prevention, treatments and ultimately a cure for EB.
In 2004, Courteney and husband David Arquette established their own production company, Coquette. Courtney and her husband reside in Los Angeles with their daughter.
About Avon Products, Inc.
Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with over $10 billion in annual revenue. As the world's largest direct seller, Avon markets to women in more than 100 countries through over 5.5 million independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon's product line includes beauty products, fashion jewelry and apparel, and features such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, Avon Naturals, and Mark. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avoncompany.com.
SOURCE Avon Products, Inc.
