MILAN, Dec 16, 2004/ FW/ – It is not only the season to be jolly, but for snow, mountains and the ultimate in high altitude fresh air cool as Emilio Pucci, fashion color guru and Rossignol, the high tech ski specialists, sign a five year contract.

Focusing on both summer and winter seasons via textiles, equipment and women’s clothing, Christian Lacroix, Creative Director of the Italian fashion giant has designed a range from ski suits to accessories for the merge.

A new exclusive Pucci print has been created that combines the synergies of fashion expertise and high tech materials for which the Florentine maison, Rossignol is known worldwide.

The debut Winter 2005 collection will be available in Pucci boutiques and at Rossignol traditional retailers.

Fashion observers see the move as Pucci’s return to its roots. Its founder, Marchese Emilio Pucci was a member of the Italian ski team in 1934 and the first Pucci creation ever to hit the press was a ski outfit designed by the young Marchese in 1947.

As the story goes, in 1947 at St. Moritz, Toni Frissel of Harper Bazaar shot one of Emilio Pucci’s creations.

When the photo was printed at the December issue of Harper Bazaar, American retailers that included Lord & Taylor went gaga with the avant-garde design. Orders came in and Marchese Emilio Pucci became, Emilio Pucci, King of Prints. His fashion career would span 45 years, ending with his death in 1992.

The company that bears his name continues to be strong under the leadership of Emilio’s daughter Laudomia who currently holds the post Image Director for Emilio Pucci.

French designer Christian Lacroix was appointed Artistic Director of Emilio Pucci in 2002.