O'Neill Announces Supermodel Elyse Taylor as Global Brand Ambassador in New Multi-Role Partnership

IRVINE, Calif., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- O'Neill (www.oneill.com), the original California surf, snow and youth lifestyle brand, today announced the extension of its partnership with international supermodel Elyse Taylor through 2012.  In addition to serving as the international face of O'Neill in all advertising and marketing campaigns, Taylor will represent the brand at special events worldwide and assist in the design of a new exclusive swim collection, O'Neill by Elyse Taylor.  

Born in Vaucluse, Sydney, Taylor is one of today's most coveted young models. She will make her first international appearance for O'Neill as a judge at O'Neill's "One Way Runway" event on June 9th in Ibiza, Spain. As part of a high profile panel of judges, Taylor will judge twelve lucky finalists modelling O'Neill's new technically advanced Superkini, a revolutionary bikini with 200% more grip than a standard bikini.  To demonstrate the Superkini's function, finalists must jump off the end of a 'One-Way Runway,' situated on a cliff overlooking the ocean, to win the ultimate prize package.  The competition, launched on Facebook in April, has already attracted over 45,000 returning visitors, over 1800 entries across the world, and over 32,000 votes for model favorites.  

"After working with Elyse over the past year in the U.S., we couldn't be more excited to have her on board on a global level," said Cedar Carter, Director of Marketing for O'Neill Girls.  "Her signature collection is absolutely beautiful.  She is a truly talented individual and we can't wait to see what the next year brings."  

Taylor's expertise on the runway will carry her from judge and model to designer for the brand, as she takes on a more creative role co-designing an exclusive swimwear collection, O'Neill by Elyse Taylor. Debuting across the United States, Europe and Australia for Spring/Summer 2012, the O'Neill by Elyse Taylor collection consists of nine styles featuring high-end Italian fabrics, unique patterns, and feminine and vintage inspired details. Hues of grey and peach are prominent across styles, from bandeaus and sleek bra tops to specially cinched bottoms; and many pieces are meant to be mixed and matched.

"It has been great working with O'Neill over the past year and I'm honored to have the opportunity to get even more involved with the brand," said Taylor.  "Growing up along the coast, the water and the beach were always part of my life, so it's great to work with an international brand that represents so many of my passions."

"This will be the very first time I've designed, and I'm thrilled to see another side of this industry," added Taylor.  "The O'Neill by Elyse Taylor collection is all about simple, classic style: flattering, comfortable and sophisticated."

For more information about "One-Way-Runway" and O'Neill by Elyse Taylor, please visit www.facebook.com/oneillgirls and www.oneillgirls.com.

ABOUT O'NEILL GIRLS

O'Neill Girls is dedicated to and inspired by the adventurous and free-spirited young female.  Driven by O'Neill's heritage as the original California surf brand since 1952, O'Neill Girls stays true to its roots, while offering a unique fashion perspective that is modern and fresh.  Featuring a range of styles for all seasons both on and off the beach, O'Neill Girls includes a blend of effortlessly cool prints, dresses, tees, denim, fleece, jackets, accessories, swimwear and wetsuits.

Highlighted in hundreds of magazines and available in more than 85 countries around the world, O'Neill Girls reflects its personality through innovative collections, signature events, and exceptional athletes.  With talented team riders including surfers Malia Manuel and Sage Erikson, the brand continues to push the envelope of performance and is committed to providing today's most advanced and authentic youth lifestyle products.  Connecting fashion, surf and youth culture, O'Neill Girls introduced "Generation Next" in 2008 with Teen Vogue, an annual high school design program to foster tomorrow's fashion talents and create inspiration for future product lines.  To learn more, please visit www.oneillgirls.com.

SOURCE O'Neill