INVISTA ANNOUNCES WINNER OF BILLABONG BIG WAVE BIKINI DESIGN CONTEST

NEW YORK - Nov. 30, 2010 - INVISTA, maker of Xtra Life LYCRA® fiber, which has collaborated with surf lifestyle brand Billabong and their professional big wave team rider, Maya Gabeira, announces the winner of the Billabong Big Wave Bikini Design Contest.  Out of an impressive 1,910 entries, Los Angeles-based Alicia Czerwiec’s “Storm Front” design was recently selected as the winner by a panel of judges, which included representatives from INVISTA and Billabong.  As the winner, Czerwiec received a four day, three night trip to Hawaii and will have her design be produced as Maya Gabeira’s signature “Big Wave” suit for 2011 by Billabong.

The Billabong Big Wave Bikini Design Contest went live on www.myLYCRA.com May 1 and was open to all U.S. residents. Over the course of the contest, the website received more than 40,000 visitors from 133 different countries.

When creating the winning design, Czerwiec was inspired by the natural elements that surround surfing, including flowers, plants, the sun and water.  She was especially influenced by sunrises and the contrast created from beautiful warm tones reflecting on the cool blue sea.  The Maya Gabeira “Big Wave” bikini fabric is made with Xtra Life LYCRA® fiber and features a novelty slide halter top with tropic boy bottom in stripe and geometrical print.  The suit will be available in Billabong stores nationwide May 2011 and will retail for approximately $88. 

During her trip to Hawaii, Czerwiec had the opportunity to meet Gabeira and watch her surf in the “Big Wave” bikini design while Billabong captured the experience on video.

"I am so honored to have my design become Maya Gabeira's signature suit of 2011 for Billabong,” said Czerwiec. “I am grateful for the amazing opportunity of being able to bring my dream to life, and am excited to be part of the creative process of combining my aesthetic vision with the practical requirements of a swimsuit for a professional surfer."

Users of myLYCRA.com voted on their favorite designs, narrowing down all entries to the top 20. The People’s Choice Prize from the public was the “Billabong Depth – Beaching It” string bikini designed by Thomas Queen from Virginia. As the winner, Queen received a $350 Billabong shopping spree. 

Following the People Choice Prize announcement, the judges reviewed the top 20 selections as voted by the public and chose the design from Czerwiec as the winner.

“Through this contest we’ve been able to educate consumers about the features and benefits of Xtra Life LYCRA® fiber in swimwear, and we are thrilled that Billabong will be producing the winning suit with Xtra Life LYCRA® fiber as the Maya Gabeira Signature swimsuit,” says Andrea Matousek, Swimwear Marketing Manager North America at INVISTA.

“The design contest was a great collaboration with INVISTA, maker of Xtra Life LYCRA® fiber,” says Billabong Brand Director, Candy Harris.  “We look forward to seeing Maya put the suit to the ultimate test as she chases giant swells around the world.”

About Billabong, Inc.

Billabong produces active lifestyle, fashion-forward clothing, accessories and related products designed and distributed to a worldwide customer base. The products are developed in the authentic environment of the surf culture and sold primarily through surf and specialty retail boutiques. Billabong-branded products are tested and improved by the best board sport performers across the globe. Active enthusiasts in every department from marketing and sales, to design and merchandising, bring an unmatched authenticity and unique quality to both the innovative products and related events produced by the Billabong brand.

About INVISTA

INVISTA is one of the world’s largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers, primarily for nylon, spandex and polyester applications. With a business presence in over 20 countries, INVISTA’s global businesses deliver exceptional value for their customers through technology innovations, market insights and a powerful portfolio of global trademarks including: ADI-PURE®, ANTRON®, AVORA®, C12™, COMFOREL®, COOLMAX®, CORDURA®, CORFREE®, DACRON®, DBE®, DYTEK®, FRESHFX®, LYCRA®, PERFORMA™, POLARGUARD®, POLYSHIELD®, POLYCLEAR®, SOLARMAX®, STAINMASTER®, SUPPLEX®, SUPRIVA™, TACTEL®, TACTESSE®, TERATE®, TERATHANE® and THERMOLITE®. For more information, visit www.INVISTA.com.