Englishmen to showcase re-launched Sportsman line on European Tour
(LEICESTER, England) – Wolsey – one of the world’s oldest existing clothing brands and a pioneer of premium men’s apparel for sporting endeavors – announces the signing of Robert Rock, Tom Lewis and James Heath, who will showcase the recently re-launched Sportsman line in European Tour competitions.
As part of these multi-year agreements, the trio of Englishmen will also display the Wolsey logo on their apparel and demonstrate key brand messages through advertising campaigns and media activities.
“With Robert, Tom and James, we’re creating a modern team of pioneers that embody the Wolsey spirit,” says Louis Wolcott, Wolsey’s Global Golf Brand Director. “This continues a tradition that traces directly back to historic adventurers like Sir Ernest Shackleton and Captain Robert Falcon Scott, as well as golfing greats Peter Allis and Tony Jacklin.”
Rock captured his maiden European Tour crown at the 2011 BMW Italian Open. The 36-year-old added his second career title at the 2012 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
“I’m really impressed by the modern, clean look and attention to detail in the Sportsman collection,” says Rock. “It’s a distinctive line and performs incredibly well.”
Lewis, 23, turned professional in late 2011 and quickly claimed his first European Tour victory at the Portugal Masters. That came after a highly successful amateur career, capped by his stirring run at the 2011 Open Championship. He shot an opening-round 65 to earn a share of the lead and ultimately earned the Silver medal as top amateur.
Heath started 2014 on a high note, rejoining the European Tour via a strong Q-School performance. Now 30, he turned pro after winning both the English Amateur Championship and the Lytham Trophy in 2004.
Premiering for Autumn/Winter 2014, Wolsey Sportsman uses traditional British menswear colors in a clean and subtle manner. These combine with minimal and strong textual patterns to create a “less-is-more” aesthetic.
Showcasing a fit that is more middle ground than slim, the collection includes breathable, waterproof and multi-layered outerwear, along with performance merino polo’s, base layers, knitwear and pants. Many pieces rely on Invista THERMOCOOL technology that dual regulates body temperature to ensure the sportswear is “fit for purpose.”
Joining Rock, Lewis and Heath as Wolsey Ambassadors are famed designer Johan Lindeberg and noted polar explorer Alex Hibbert.
For more information: www.Wolsey.com.
About Wolsey
Founded in 1755 in Leicester, England, Wolsey is one of the world’s oldest existing clothing companies. Its rich and storied heritage includes unrivalled success producing premium men’s apparel for a wide range of sporting endeavors.
During the 19th century, Wolsey quickly established itself as Britain’s premium manufacturer of finest quality hosiery and a champion of knitwear innovation, opening one of the first steam powered factories in 1859.
Wolsey’s global reputation as an outfitter for pioneering men was sealed in 1911 when its breathable thermal underwear was selected and publicly endorsed by Captain Robert Falcon Scott for his historic race to the South Pole. Eight years later Wolsey also supplied undergarments for Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team’s expedition to Murmansk. For the British and Allied troops, Wolsey produced more than 18 million pieces of knitwear during World War I.
In the 1920s – an era of flamboyance – outdoor activities such as golf, tennis and swimming were extremely popular and Wolsey became a leading maker of garments for these pursuits. Notably, the company devoted a special production line for the manufacture of golf apparel, which was successfully marketed under the “Sportsman” name using a “Fox” motif as the brand logo.
From mid-century through the 1970s, Wolsey was particularly recognized for its golf range. Endorsers included renowned champions Tony Jacklin, Peter Allis, David Feherty, Fuzzy Zoeller and Roger Davis. Wolsey collections were also selected by numerous sporting organizations and teams, including Aston Villa, the FA CUP Final, the West Indies, England and New Zealand.
With its historic track record, in 1935 Wolsey was appointed a Royal Warrant as Hosiery Manufacturers to his Majesty King George V, an honor still held with today’s monarchy.
Contact:
David Griffith
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3391
Dgriffith@buffalocommunications.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
@buffalocomm
