UK. AT Cross will be unveiling a range of new writing instruments at the TFWA World Exhibition next month, including the innovative VICE design and a special edition Platinum variation of its classic Townsend range.
VICE (pictured, left) is the company’s latest triumph, comprising of two inseparable pens attached by a hinge. A stylish and versatile design, the pens measure just three-and-a-quarter inches when closed. VICE is then opened with a fold and a twist to reveal two pens with different functions – a gel-ink rollerball at one end and a document market at the other.
Available in chrome or matt chrome finishes; VICE comes in a choice of three grip colours: Gaseous Green, Radioactive Red or Purple Haze.
VICE will be available in the UK from November 2003, at a domestic RRP of £19.95 (US$33). Each pen comes in a translucent ripple effect gift box.
At the other end of the spectrum, Cross is launching the Special Edition Townsend Platinum Plated pen (pictured, right), a luxurious addition to its prestigious range. The platinum plated pen, with an intricate diamond-engraved pattern with a trademark conical cap, has been created exclusively to celebrate the Townsend 10th anniversary.
Priced from £95 (US$157) in the UK domestic market, the Platinum plated Townsend is available in fountain pen, rolling ball and ball point.
Also on show at Cannes will be the Metal Ion, a technological advanced writing instrument which has added a new twist to the popular gel-ink category. Colourful and quirky, the Metal Ion features a chrome body with rows of soft-touch rubber on the front section to ensure a more comfortable grip. The innovative ‘quick-clip’ attachment allows users to attach it to a key ring or travel bag.
Priced at £25 (US$41) in the UK domestic market, the Metal Ion is presented in a gift set alongside three coloured gel-ink refills in Electron red, Pulsar purple and Midnight blue.
To complement its core business of writing instruments, Cross will also be showing a new line of accessories ranging from a slim, light weight PDA case to a versatile pad portfolio and a compact day planner.
The accessories collection, which includes a business card case, stationery gift set, letter opener and key ring, is themed in silver and black. All products are characterised by their contemporary design and feature polished chrome or aluminium materials with glossy black accents. Each item is presented in an elegant velvet pouch.
AT Cross general manager Mark Ivory commented: “We are excited about the launch of our new accessories range which reflects our design strategy. In recent years, we have gained a reputation as an energetic leader in the industry and have begun to evolve into a lifestyle brand in order to keep pace with consumer trends.”
AT Cross will be located at stand F27, Blue Village at the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes next month.
For travel retail enquiries contact regional manager – distributor markets Graham Buchanan at gbuchanan@cross.com
