(TORONTO) – In partnership with Arnold Palmer Enterprises, Geoff Tait and Bobby Pasternak, co-founders of Quagmire Golf clothing, announce the launch of Arnie, a golf and lifestyle apparel line directly inspired by the looks and fabrics worn by the golfing legend during the peak decades of his playing career.
Imbued with the casual aesthetic that distinguished Palmer as a trend setter and style icon on and off the course, each piece is designed, crafted and detailed to meet the exceptionally high standards set by the man himself.
Developed through countless hours researching primary source material – including Palmer’s personal library of photographs from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s and archive of historically significant garments – the 2012 collection will be available at better green grass and off-course golf retailers, as well as major department stores.
“The Arnie line of apparel represents the styles of clothing that are as popular today as they were in the earlier part of my career,” says Palmer. “It’s been a real thrill to see some of my signature pieces come back to life, and experience the enthusiasm Geoff and Bobby have for introducing them to the next generation.”
Palmer was recently ranked one of “The 25 Coolest Athletes of All Time” by GQ, which previously named him one of the “50 Most Stylish Men of the Past 50 Years.” He was also honored as one of “The 75 Best Dressed Men of All Time” by Esquire.
“Arnie won seven major championships and 94 professional titles, which is astounding, but he was a cultural force way beyond the golf course,” says Tait, Creative Director of Arnie apparel. “The lifestyle he led is what’s behind each piece we’ve designed and the result is a collection that is clean, classic and cool.”
Retailing from $79 and up, Arnie is set for three deliveries in 2012, each with a distinct aesthetic:
• 1950s Collection (February) – During this period, Palmer showcased slim, clean-fitting clothes. His tops were distinguished by short plackets, small collars and shorter sleeves. Palmer tended to prefer his pants fitted and his outfits were often highlighted by the color red, which is exclusively found in the 1950s collection.
• 1960s Collection (April) – When Palmer was dominating the competition, he was also looking the part. Wider legged pants, wider collars and longer shirt plackets were the style of the day. No golfer of the era looked as naturally cool as Palmer, especially in his staple color of blue, which is exclusively found in the 1960s collection.
• 1970s Collection (July) – While piloting his own plane around the world, Palmer’s wardrobe continued to evolve and set trends. He chose shirts that reflected the style of the day, with slightly wider collars and long plackets, but the fit of his pants more closely resembled a modern boot cut. His color palette also became more subdued, hence grey being the signature color exclusive to the 1970s collection.
“For Arnie and his team to select us to bring his apparel line back to market – and work so closely with us on the collection development – has been an amazing experience,” adds Pasternak, Director of Operations at Arnie apparel. “Everything, from the new two-color variation of the Arnold Palmer Umbrella to the fits and details, was a collaborative process.”
Beginning in Fall 2011, additional information will be available at www.arniewear.com.
Behind Arnie
Two buddies who met on a golf trip, Geoff Tait and Bobby Pasternak founded Quagmire in 2005. The brand – which includes men’s, women’s and kid’s golf and lifestyle clothing – is available at hundreds of pro shops and off-course retailers throughout North America.
Quagmire’s management partner is the 32-year-old Jaytex Group, the Canada licensee of famous brands Kenneth Cole Reaction, Tommy Bahama, Original Penguin, Gant, Union Bay and Ben Sherman.
Contact:
Tom Williams
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3319
twilliams@buffalocommunications.com
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