MEMPHIS, TN--(Marketwire - April 7, 2011) - Lucite International, owner of LuciteLux, today announced that Alexis Bittar, the world-renowned jewelry designer famous for incorporating Lucite into his creations, will help the company commemorate its 75^th anniversary this spring with a special event in New York City. 

Lucite devotee Bittar, the 2010 Council of Fashion Designers of America Accessory Designer of the Year, will help kick off the yearlong celebration with an intimate design discussion focused on the timeless material. Video footage from the invite-only event will be available at LuciteLux.com and YouTube on May 11. 

"I enjoy making my visions come to life through the use of Lucite," said Bittar. "My passion for the material is no secret. All my boutiques feature earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings and pins crafted from the versatile textile."

Additionally, Bittar's Lucite jewelry will be on display during Lucite's 75^th anniversary exhibition at Material ConneXion in New York City from May 10-June 10. The pieces from his highly regarded line will be featured alongside vintage Lucite handbags and the winning prototypes from Lucite's Carry Me! Handbag design competition, where Bittar served as a judge. The vintage handbags are from the private collection of Janice Berkson. Many of the purses were also featured in a book entitled, "Carry Me! 1950's Lucite Handbags: An American Fashion," authored by Ms. Berkson.

Further demonstrating the versatility of designing with Lucite, the exhibition will also include a series of current product applications and usage in a wide range of industries -- from design to architecture, furnishings and retail merchandising. 

"Alexis' creations push the envelope of what is possible with our product -- from interpreting Burberry's signature plaid onto Lucite to special request masks for fashion icon Lady Gaga," said Simon Ellis, business director of Lucite International. "We are honored to have him participate in our 75^th anniversary celebrations, as we are continually inspired by his work."

The Lucite Exhibition will explore the past, present and future of designing with Lucite. Originally created by DuPont, commercial production of Lucite began in 1936. During World War II, it was used for submarine periscopes, windshields and canopies as well as gun turrets for airplanes. Handbag, jewelry and furniture designers made Lucite a must-have material in the 1950s.

Often referred to as "the wizard of Lucite" Bittar will offer tomorrow's designers tips for working with Lucite at the event on May 10. For more information go to www.lucitelux.com.

About LuciteLux™
Nothing stands in the way of creativity with LuciteLux™. The material is easy to cut, join, form and fabricate. As tough as it is beautiful, LuciteLux resists scratching and its peerless UV protection keeps colors true. LuciteLux acrylic offers a dazzling palette of colors, textures and thicknesses for point-of-sale uses, displays, signage, furnishings, fashion accessories, fittings and virtually anything else you can imagine. LuciteLux pushes the edge of design and durability.