Avon Announces Spokesperson

Avon Products, Inc. announced it has signed Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson to be the exclusive spokesperson for the Imari fragrance brand, including the newest scent, Imari Seduction—which, according to the company, is a fruity oriental blend of plum and orchid with hints of vanilla, amber and musk. The original scent has been Avon's best selling fragrance since it launched 20 years ago.

"We are thrilled to partner with Jennifer Hudson at this very exciting time in her career," said Liz Smith, executive vice president, president North America and global marketing, Avon. "Avon is a company dedicated to empowering women, and we believe that our Avon representatives and their customers will be truly inspired by Jennifer's dream-come-true success story."

"This is an honor for me and very flattering," said Hudson. "With the success of 'Dreamgirls' and now an Oscar, it's been an incredible few months. And now, to partner with Avon is really a dream come true for me. It's exciting to be representing the Imari brand, which really embodies confidence and femininity."

Hudson will make her first Avon appearance at the Global Summit for a Better Tomorrow, presented by the Virtue Foundation in partnership with Avon, March 7 at the United Nations in New York City.

Imari Seduction will go on sale in August 2007 in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The rollout will be supported by a national print advertising campaign in the United States. Hudson will also appear in the company's brochure for both the classic Imari scent and the new scent.