LaCie Wins Product Design Acclaim For FireWire Speakers and Hub

PORTLAND, OR (November 2007) – LaCie announced today that it has received a 2008 Design Observer Award for its Hub, designed by French designer Ora-Ïto and a 2008 Design Observer Star for its FireWire Speakers, designed by Neil Poulton, from the France-based Agency for the Promotion of Industrial Creation (APCI).

By partnering with top designers from around the globe, LaCie continues to garner international recognition for its unique approach to product design and aesthetic.

Alexis Kobassian, LaCie Product Manager, said, “This most recent recognition of the LaCie FireWire Speakers and Hub by APCI is a clear indication of LaCie’s successful design strategy of working with top industrial designers to create products that combine form and functionality.”

LaCie was also recognized in 2007 for other designer products including:
LaCie Rugged | Design by Neil Poulton Design Observer Star 2007
LaCie Little Big Disk | Design by Neil Poulton Design Observer Star 2007
LaCie Brick Desktop & Mobile Editions | Design by Ora-Ïto Design Observer Award 2007
LaCie FireWire Speakers | design by Neil Poulton Janus 2007 Seal of Quality by the French Institute of Design.
LaCie Hub | design by Ora-Ïto Janus 2007 Seal of Quality by the French Institute of Design

Design Observer Awards have been organized since 1999 by the APCI. Each year they highlight and reward a selection of the best creations resulting from the collaboration between companies and designers. This year, over 160 products were selected for awards, and 39 of those were given the coveted Design Observer Star for outstanding design including one from LaCie.

About Neil Poulton
Neil Poulton was born in Thurso, Scotland. A graduate in Industrial Design from Edinburgh University and Milan’s Domus Academy, Poulton first came into public view in 1989 as the creator of "the ageing pens,” pens made from a “living,” wearing plastic that changes color and form with use. Today, Neil Poulton designs and develops best-selling, award-winning products for a variety of international clients including LaCie & Artemide. Since 1991, Poulton has lived and worked in Paris, France. www.neilpoulton.com



About Ora-Ïto
Though his name implies a Japanese background, designer Ora-Ïto is French. A do-it-all designer, he was barely 20 years old when he created the very first virtual brand in 1998. Propelled to the front of the international scene, he then started prestigious collaborations with L’Oréal, Vogue Magazine, Heineken, Adidas, Kenzo, electronic musicians AIR, Honda, Guerlain, Swatch and Nike. For more information on Ora-Ïto visit www.ora-ito.com.

About LaCie
Located in the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong, LaCie is the leading manufacturer of computer peripherals for PC, Apple and Linux users. LaCie creates external storage solutions and color monitors that help professionals and everyday people easily manage their digital lives. LaCie has differentiated its products through original designs and leading-edge technology. Established in France in 1989, LaCie is listed on Euronext under FR0000054314 (LAC). For more information, visit www.lacie.com.

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Contact LaCie
Press Inquiries: Barry Katcher, 503-844-4500, bkatcher@lacie.com
Sales Inquiries: Direct Sales, 503-844-4502, sales@lacie.com
Reseller Sales, 503-844-4500, sales@lacie.com

1GB (gigabyte) = 1,000,000,000 bytes. 1TB (terabyte) = 1000GB. Actual capacity varies depending on operating environment (typically 5-10% less).

Contact Information

Barry Katcher

PR Manager

LaCie

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