January 9, 2006- An extraordinary new performance fabric using recently invented proprietary yarn technology is available for the first time ever from The Robert Allen Group. The ground-breaking collection by Robert Allen, which features over 100 exclusive new designs, is called Al Fresco Stripes and Al Fresco Patterns.

The innovative indoor/outdoor fabric technology, a solution-dyed poly-olefin which is called Bella-Dura^TM, has the hand of cotton and lends outdoor fabric durability to a previously unimaginable color palette. The fabric is bleach-cleanable, 100% stain-resistant, water-repellent, meets or exceeds 1,500 hours of light-fastness and features permanent anti-microbial and mildew resistant properties. Durability is assured, as the new fabrication withstands up to 50,000+ double rubs.

The Al Fresco Collection includes two groupings; the first is a wide assortment of bold stripes, large and small in scale. The 51 skus of stripes come in a broad spectrum of multicolored styles ranging from happy and bright to elegant and sophisticated. The second book, which offers another 50 skus of patterns, includes florals, tile designs and nautical references in bold colors and subtle earth tones.

"The permanence of the Al Fresco Collectionís performance characteristics offers a huge competitive advantage," said Andy Pacuk, senior vice president of merchandising and design. "A topical application can wear off but the yarn of this fabric was engineered to be lightfast and bleach-cleanable, as well as stain resistant, and anti-microbial."

"The intensity of color used in this collection is unprecedented in outdoor fabric. We looked at the color palette in a whole new way, " said Karen Keating, operating vice president of design. "The yarn allows for bright, saturated pigments with the vibrancy of the great outdoors on a sunny day. And our designs reflect this fabulous spectrum of colors."

"Weíre also very excited by the color possibilities for indoor use," she continued. "This collection includes some sophisticated neutrals and earthier tones that will excite designers working with durability requirements for indoor usage where fabrics must be cleanable and stand up to heavy use or extreme light conditions."

The Robert Allen Group is the nation's leading designer and marketer of decorative fabrics and furnishings to the interior design trade. The Company sells its products under the Beacon Hill, Robert Allen, Robert Allen Contract, Robert Allen @ Home and Ametex brands, and is renowned for the Robert Allen Color Library, the recognized industry standard sample book. The Company has showroom locations throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and an extensive worldwide agent showroom network. For customer service in the U.S., please call 800-333-3777. For Canada, call 800 363-3020. In Europe call +44(0)1494 6034444.

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