Aimee Mullins: New Global Ambassador for L'Oreal Paris

PARIS, Feb. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Extraordinary and stunning: Aimee Mullins is a woman who demands admiration. Gifted athlete, fascinating model, talented actress, Aimee is characterized by her unique achievements, her charisma and radiant beauty.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110218/NY50780 )

Today, she joins the family of L'Oreal Paris Ambassadors.

"The L'Oreal Paris icons are among the most beautiful women in the world. I am very honored to be joining this family. The 'Because I'm Worth It' tagline means a lot to me. Beauty is not skin-deep; it can be a means of self-affirmation, a true indicator of personality and confidence," says Aimee Mullins.

"Aimee embodies perfectly the L'Oreal Paris woman. Sublime, charismatic, strong. Her life is extraordinary in all meanings possible," says Cyril Chapuy, Global Brand President of L'Oreal Paris.

"Aimee Mullins is a truly remarkable woman. An accomplished athlete, muse, fashion model and talented actress, yet she is so much more: a smart, confident, curious woman who will wholly represent our philosophy, 'Because You're Worth It.' We are proud to welcome her to the L'Oreal Paris family," says Karen T. Fondu, President, L'Oreal Paris.

While attending Georgetown University on a full academic scholarship, Aimee embarked upon a stellar athletic career: she was the first woman with prosthetic legs to compete in top-level NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) competitions.  She competed in the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, as well as the long jump, and set world records in all three events. In 2007, she became the president of the Women's Sports Foundation, being an honored symbol for all women athletes in the USA.

However, she did not stop there: she turned her focus to the world of fashion. In 1999, she became a muse to British fashion designer Alexander McQueen, and walked the runway in his London show using intricately carved wooden prosthetics.  This cultural milestone was recognized by many, and People magazine included her in their list of the "World's 50 Most Beautiful People."

She credits her unique body for her ability to develop a sense of personal beauty and glamour.  Her strength and determination were supported by an active imagination, one in which she claimed autonomy over her own identity, and indeed changed how the world would come to view her—as an entirely capable woman.  

Aimee has also seen the film world open up to her. She was recognized for her performance in the film Cremaster 3 by acclaimed contemporary artist Matthew Barney in 2003, and she continues her film work with him in their current collaboration Ancient Evenings, an adaptation of the Norman Mailer novel, in which she stars as "Isis."

Aimee has been featured in numerous prestigious magazines all over the world such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, W, Sports Illustrated, Life, Glamour and Elle, and appears regularly on TV programs and at conferences to share her experience with innovation, design and her vision of beauty.

She joins the L'Oreal Paris family of spokespeople which includes Milla Jovovich, Beyonce Knowles, Diane Keaton, Diane Kruger, Evangeline Lilly, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, Andie MacDowell, Julianna Margulies, Freida Pinto, Gwen Stefani and Kerry Washington.

About L'Oreal Paris

The L'Oreal Paris division of L'Oreal USA, Inc. is a total beauty care company that combines the latest in technology with the highest in quality for the ultimate in luxury beauty at mass.  The L'Oreal Paris brand encompasses the four major beauty categories – haircolor, haircare, skincare and cosmetics – and includes such well-known brands as Preference, Excellence, Feria and Healthy Look haircolor; Elnett Satin Hairspray, EverPure, EverStrong, EverSleek, VIVE Pro, Studio Line and L'Oreal Kids haircare; Revitalift, Youth Code, Age Perfect, Ideal Skin Genesis, Collagen, Sublime Bronze and Men's Expert skincare; and the Colour Riche, True Match, Infallible, True Match Naturale and Studio Secrets Professional cosmetics collections, along with a portfolio of mascara including Voluminous, Double Extend and Telescopic,  among many others.  For more information on L'Oreal Paris and its brands, and to get comprehensive, personalized beauty information from the experts, visit www.lorealparis.com for access to unique content and dynamic interactive features, including the exclusive "Can I Help You?" diagnostic tool.

SOURCE L'Oreal Paris