Alcantara Showcased During Auto Show Week In Shanghai

SHANGHAI--May 7, 2013:  Alcantara, the versatile Italian-made fashion material, was in the news throughout auto show week in Shanghai last month.

The material's versatility was showcased during an exclusive "World of Alcantara" night with leading designers from the fashion, interior design and automotive industries. Lamborghini, Porsche and Volkswagen were among the automakers featuring the use of Alcantara on their vehicles at the auto show.

The fashion house of Aquilano.Rimondi, the French furniture maker Ligne Roset and Lamborghini took part in the event. A di Alcantara fashion accessories and handbags also were showcased. The highlight of the night was represented by the parade of the garments designed by Aquilano.Rimondi fashion label, using Alcantara exclusively.

"Alcantara has the power to turn everything it touches into something unique and unrepeatable," says Andrea Boragno, chairman and CEO of Alcantara S.p.A. "It could be a garment, a bag, a car seat, a sofa, a lamp or a computer case. In fact, Alcantara boasts an infinite range of possible uses."

At the auto show, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560 made extensive use of Alcantara on its seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, pillars and steering wheel. In addition, the Porsche GT3, Cayenne Turbo S and Panamera all featured Alcantara material and Volkswagen used Alcantara on a number of its show cars, including the Passat Blue Motion, the Magotan Blue Motion and the Tiguan TSI 4Motion.

"The only limit to the use of our material is human creativity," Boragno points out, adding that Alcantara can be produced with unlimited color options in conjunction with a wide range of difference techniques, including embossing, laser cutting, perforation, lamination, electroforming and electro- and thermo-welding.

He notes that the unique Italian-made material offers designers a variety benefits, including the fact that it is soft, supple, strong, resilient, breathable and washable.

Based on unique, patented technology, Alcantara is the choice of leading companies in the automotive, marine, fashion, home interior and consumer electronics industries. A registered trademark of Alcantara S.p.A., it has been certified as "carbon neutral," adding to its appeal for companies and consumers with a strong interest in the environment.