Jun 10, 2004/ FW/ --- Tretorn® announced the establishment of "Tretorn Gullwing," a division of the Swedish Tretorn brand, which was acquired by PUMA in 2001.

The Gullwing division introduces to the classic brand a collection of products chosen for their quality, comfort and seductively simple designs.

Gullwing will hit stores in Autumn 2004 with a line of elegant tennis shoes and classic rubber boots for men and women.

"We recognized Tretorn as a company rich with history in classic sport and saw an opportunity to create a no frills, classic and clean collection of products that speaks to a particular consumer, untouched by the current sneaker market," said Antonio Bertone, Brand Manager of Tretorn.

Established by Henry Dunker at the end of the 19th century, Tretorn has long been a staple in country clubs throughout New England, hunting lodges in Scandinavia and on tennis courts around the world. Always synonymous with dependability and classic style, Tretorn is best known for their iconic rubber boots and performance tennis sneakers.

The Autum/Winter 2004 Gullwing collection takes its inspiration from Tretorn's history and features a selection of classic sneakers and utilitarian boots. With that in mind, "Tretorn Gullwing" is reconnecting with the consumers that wore Tretorn in the past and offering them a down to earth lifestyle brand that evokes memories about that time period.

With the introduction of Gullwing trainers, Tretorn is looking to recreate the popularity that was established with the Tretorn Canvas and Leather Nylites in the 1980's. These styles became staples on college campuses throughout North America and were a symbol of "preppies." The revitalized Gullwing sneaker collection draws on Tretorn's seventy-year history of classic tennis shoes which graced the feet of 1970 and 80's tennis champions. Made from sturdy canvas, suede and supple leather paired with clean, understated detailing, the Gullwing line features eleven silhouettes for both sexes and defines simplicity and classic style.

Staying true to its rich history and innovation in rubber, Tretorn Gullwing introduces a line of functional yet stylish modern rubber boots. Adopting the technology and styling for hunting and hiking boots the Gullwing Thule and Slask are 100% waterproof and fully insulated with a wool lining. The Gullwing Thule Mid features progressive styling and distinctive square toe shape that brings these traditional boots in to the 21 century. The women's Gullwing Ballena and Sarek are made from lightweight rubber for maximum flexibility and shock absorption and feature the same clean yet sophisticated styling. The Gullwing Skerry is a colourful mini Wellie that is at once both fashionable and practical.

The Autumn/Winter Tretorn Gullwing collection is available limitedly at high-end boutiques and department stores in major cities in the United States.