O-STA

PUMA(R) AND NEIL BARRETT DEBUT "ITALIA" TEAM FORMALWEAR

Milan, Italy (ots) -

Picture is available at

http://www.presseportal.de/story.htx?nr=565151&firmaid=22106

Today PUMA(R) and Neil Barrett debut the official Italian Football Team representation-wear in time for their upcoming kick-off match against Denmark in Portugal. Named creative director of PUMA's Italia Collection in 2003, Neil Barrett personally designed the offical formalwear for the team.

Neil Barrett designed this official made-to-measure Italian Federation suit for players while travelling and representing the team in formal settings. Barrett stayed true to his signature styling of clean slimming lines, tonal detailing and understated embellishments for a clean, modern look.

This special edition suit, although not available for sale, is linked to 96 HOURS - Neil Barrett for PUMA, a complete sport-fashion collection inspired by the on-the-go lifestyle of sport celebrities, available only at select fashion stores.

Fashion photographer Diego Fuga captured the Italian team picture in Genova, Italy in April 2004, where the Azzurri got together for a friendly game. Diego Fuga's work has appeared in leading international fashion publications like Dazed & Confused, Spoon, Deutsch and Surface.

About Neil Barrett

Of British descent, Neil Barrett's professional history is thoroughly Italian, including five years as Senior Menswear Designer at Gucci, four years as Design Director of Prada Menswear and launching his own brand name collection in 1999 produced by among others, the Prada Group and Allegri. For further information, please visit www.neilbarrett.com

PUMA(R) is the global athletic brand that successfully fuses influences from sport, lifestyle and fashion. PUMA's unique industry perspective delivers the unexpected in sportlifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories, through technical innovation and revolutionary design. Established in Herzogenaurach, Germany in 1948, PUMA distributes products in over 80 countries. For further information please visit www.puma.com.

Media Contact:

Erin Cowhig

International Public Relations

PUMA

+ 1 617-488-2907

erin.cowhig@puma.com