The Fitzsimmons Boot Receives Best in Class Nod
VANCOUVER, CANADA (March 15, 2011) – Native’s Fitzsimmons boot clearly convinced the judges in the red dot design award, one of the most renowned international product competitions. With such a highly respected panel of experts, the Fitzsimmons has now been awarded the “red dot” seal of quality for high design. More than 1,000 guests from the world of design, industry, society and media will celebrate the winners of the red dot design award on 4 July 2011, which traditionally takes place in Essen’s opera house, Aalto Theater, in Germany. The Fitzsimmons will then be on display during a four-week special exhibition in the red dot design museum.
When Native (www.nativeshoes.com) began developing the Fitzsimmons boot, the focus was to evolve construction methods and material from the time-honored hiking boot profile. Applying the knowledge gained during the initial design process of the EVA slip-ons, Native added new structural elements to the Fitzsimmons. The EVA shell is now fused into a two-piece sandwich process that allows for a soft, resilient upper, as well as an enhanced density sole for durability. Also, the custom, perforated neoprene sock – inspired by a design typically seen in snowboard boots – allows for additional comfort and warmth. The final detail is a hand-brushed upper, for a clean, suede like texture.
“As always, our jury cast a very careful eye over the products submitted,” says Professor Dr. Peter Zec, the initiator of the red dot design award. “Design quality has asserted itself clearly in the judging process, with genuine and new creative solutions also being rewarded. Both of these criteria are not just yardsticks for good design, but also for the potential for success on the market. This potential is increased several times over by the targeted use of our renowned design award.” This year, designers and companies from 60 countries entered 4,433 products in the red dot award: product design.
Along with the other prize-winning product designs, the Fitzsimmons will be on display to experience first hand from 5 July to 1 August 2011 in the exhibition “Design on stage – winners red dot award: product design 2011.” The red dot design museum is located at the world heritage site of the Zeche Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen. With in excess of 1,500 products spread over an area of more than 4,000 m2, the red dot design museum houses the largest permanent exhibition of contemporary design worldwide.
Primer Group of Companies, a top retail and distribution conglomerate with presence all over the country and Asia is the exclusive distributor of Native Shoes in the country.
ABOUT THE RED DOT DESIGN AWARD
The red dot design award dates back to 1955 and is now the world’s largest and most distinguished design competition. It breaks down into the three disciplines ‘red dot award: product design’, ‘red dot award: communication design’ and ‘red dot award: design concept’. There were almost 14,000 entries from 68 countries in the year 2010 alone.
For more information: www.red-dot.de/presse
ABOUT NATIVE
Native (www.nativeshoes.com) was established in Vancouver, Canada in 2009 with a vision to combine the best of evolving technology and great design. Inspired by classic, casual silhouettes, Native shoes are made from foam-injection molded-EVA, a lightweight, durable and comfortable material. Along with a unique, low-emission manufacturing process, Native shoes are animal bi-product free, waterproof and odor-resistant. Since the first collection launched in Spring 2010, Native has secured global distribution in over 30 countries.
NATIVE is Available at:
Native Kiosk Trinoma, R.O.X. ( Bonifacio High Street and Cebu ), Rustans (Alabang Town Center and Makati), Duty Free Philippines Sport mart, Selected Shoe Salon, Res|Toe|Run and BratPack stores.
Native is also carried by:
Lonely Planet ( Iloilo, Dumagueta, Embarcadero, Boracay), The Sidewalk ( Zamboanga), Mian’s Closet ( Iloilo), Bajunaid Fashion Store, Sportmart Baguio, Sportsub, Team Sports ( Cabanatuan and Iloilo), Chimes ( Davao), Gaisano ( Davao) , Footworks ( Isabela ) and High Haven.
Native – Keep It Lite.
About PRIMER GROUP OF COMPANIES
The Primer Group’s network of companies is multiplying in a pace never achieved before. The company is now realizing its vision to become the LEADER in the global distribution and innovation of premium goods and services across the Asian region namely Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. After 25 years of continuous and steady growth, its retail authority has grown to over 50 premium brands, 100 free-standing concept stores and over 600 consignment doors in the Asian region. The company is set to reach greater heights through its numerous milestones and marketing commendations locally and abroad. The Primer Group of Companies is also proud to have expanded its business portfolio in the area of industrial products and services. Most recently, the company also opened its first professional retail and merchandising academy. For more information about Primer Group, visit: www.primergrp.com.