Aug 8, 2008

MacLaren unveils Mina Pherhonen limited edition at Soho Store

(New York, NY) — Maclaren, one of the leading consumer lifestyle companies that creates and develops premium mobile transport products, announced a new line of limited edition designer products by fashion house, Mina Perhonen. Akira Minagawa, the creator and chief designer behind the clothing label, is known in the fashion business for not following trends and leans more towards experimentation. Relying on local artisans of his native Japan for his creations, he belongs to a small premiere group of designers wherein artistry is first and foremost.

Maclaren’s rich history in providing families with stalwart engineering with significant style points continues with its newest designer collection. Capturing Mina Perhonen’s unique fashion sensibility and applying it to products for little ones, has become a specialty for the company that invented the first umbrella fold stroller over 40 years ago. Today, Maclaren boasts an impressive roster of design partners including: Burberry, Kate Spade, Lacoste, Lulu Guinness, Philippe Starck, and Shanghai Tang, who have created exclusive products for Maclaren’s “Objects of Design” Collections.

“We are so pleased to be working with Mr. Minagawa and capturing the unique and elegant spirit of Mina Perhonen in a product line for our customers,” said Christine Poppy, US Marketing Manager of Maclaren. “And to be able to launch this groundbreaking line of items in our new SoHo store seems very appropriate given the artistically driven community.”

Maclaren’s SoHo showroom showcases Maclaren products with particular emphasis on the Objects of Design Collection and the beginning holistic personal care line for mother and baby. It also provides families with comprehensive repair, tutorial services and loaner buggies that have become a mainstay for traveling parents and local Manhattan families.

About the Mina Perhonen Line for Maclaren
Inspired by the unique aesthetic of the internationally celebrated Mina Perhonen fashion brand, the Limited Edition Mina Perhonen product line for Maclaren features a signature butterfly embellished print in navy and white for boys, and fuchsia and turquoise for girls.

The name Mina Perhonen originates in Finnish, as the designer sympathized with the lifestyle and the culture of Finland. “Minä” means “I” and “perhonen” is “butterfly;” Minagawa’s aspiration is to make many beautiful designs like those of butterflies’ wings.

Based on the best-selling Maclaren Quest, the Mina Perhonen collection provides everything a parent could need in terms of reliability and style. Suitable for babies from three months old, the buggies include a five-point adjustable harness, four seat positions, foot-operated parking brakes, UV protective viewing window and reflective accents for night time safety.

About MacLaren
Over 40 years ago, Owen Maclaren, a former test pilot and aeronautical engineer, was inspired by the birth of his first grandchild to invent the umbrella-fold baby buggy. His simple, lightweight invention liberated parents from the bulky, cumbersome pram, revolutionizing baby transport and becoming an iconic design. The company he created continues to lead the industry in innovation, quality and design, while competitors strive to follow.

Maclaren Europe Limited has its headquarters in its historic birthplace, Long Buckby, England. Maclaren USA, Inc. headquarters are in South Norwalk, Connecticut. For more information on the 2008 Maclaren Collection, please visit www.maclarenbaby.com or call 1-877-442-4622.