STAMFORD, Conn. — January 24, 2018 — Vineyard Vines, a brand best known for its whimsical neckties and smiling pink whale logo, announced today a new collaboration with sports commentator Jim Nantz. The new line will focus on golf apparel and accessories for men, women and kids. The partnership advances vineyard vines’ commitment to the golf lifestyle through multiple product offerings and will be inspired by Nantz’s love of the game both on and off the course. The collection will debut Spring 2019 on vineyardvines.com, at select vineyard vines retail stores and green grass shops nationwide.

Nantz has been the voice of CBS Sports for more than 30 years calling some of America’s biggest sporting events from the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship, the PGA Tour, the Super Bowl and the Final Four. A passionate philanthropist, Nantz and vineyard vines began collaborating in Spring 2017 to create the highly successful “Forget-Me-Knot” custom-designed collection that benefits the Nantz National Alzheimer Center (NNAC) at Houston Methodist Hospital. Nantz founded the NNAC in 2011 to honor his father who suffered for 13 years with the disease.

“We couldn’t be more excited to work with Jim,” said Shep Murray, Vineyard Vines CEO & co-founder. “He has been the voice of golf for 32 years and resides steps from the American golf treasure known as Pebble Beach Golf Links. No one lives the golf lifestyle more than Jim — he knows not only what it looks like but also what it feels like. As a brand, we’ve partnered with some of the greatest institutions in the world, like the Kentucky Derby and the America’s Cup and it’s very exciting to now join forces with golf’s greatest voice!”

Ian Murray, Vineyard Vines CEO & co-founder added: “We already consider Jim part of the vineyard vines’ family and we are thrilled to expand our partnership with a respected figure in golf who shares our vision and true understanding of the ‘Every day should feel this good’ outlook.”

“Shep, Ian and vineyard vines have been incredible partners with our philanthropic efforts through the Forget-Me-Knot collection,” Nantz said. “I could not be more impressed by their commitment to this important cause for me and my family. While that will continue, I am elated by the new golf lifestyle brand we are creating that will reflect a love for the sport and the virtues it represents. Golf is a central part of my life and I look forward to working with the great folks at vineyard vines to create an authentic golf apparel brand that speaks to the golfer.”

Posted January 24, 2018

Source: vineyard vines

NEW YORK CITY — January 24, 2018 — Gap today announced the launch of Gap “Archive Reissue – Logo Remix,” a collection of apparel for men and women highlighting its recognized logo. For almost 50 years, the Gap logo has represented the heritage of the Gap brand and its relevance in culture. To celebrate its evolution, the Logo Remix collection includes signature Gap styles, including tees, sweatshirts, and rugby shirts, thoughtfully designed with logos from throughout the decades.

To launch the collection, Gap collaborated with director Tabitha Denholm, who has directed music videos for Florence and the Machine, Haim and Jessie J, along with performance and movement director Tanisha Scott, who is best known for her work with Beyoncé, Drake and Rihanna, to create the Logo Remix film. The film brings together some of the world’s leading culture remixers in a moment of joy evoked through music and movement by paying homage to the nostalgic Gap ads of the past with a modern, remixed twist. While Tabitha used motion control video techniques to play with space and perspective, Tanisha choreographed a dance sequence that includes remixed versions of unforgettable group dances including “The Wobble,” “Cha Cha,” and “Kid-n-Play.”

Logo Remix features a global cast of talent who are remixing creative culture on their own terms, whether that be through music, acting, comedy, activism or being a strong, self-expressive voice in today’s society. This group of influential remixers includes Grammy nominated singer Sza as well as chart-topping producer Metro Boomin who remixed the music for the film. Working with the iconic ’80s anthem ‘Hold Me Now’ by British Band the Thompson Twins, off the “Into the Gap” album, Metro Boomin updated the original version with his signature 808 beat, making it relevant to today’s hip-hop culture. The track will be available across all music streaming sites beginning Thursday, January 25.

“Following the strong consumer and social interest in our ”90s Archive Reissue’ from last year, we are launching the Logo Remix collection by looking forward at the talent who are reshaping and remixing culture in their own way,” said Craig Brommers, chief marketing officer for Gap. “Gap is always one to celebrate and bring culture to the mainstream and what better way to do this and highlight this group of global individuals.”

The ‘Logo Remix’ cast:

Music:

• Sza – The singer/songwriter is remixing modern femininity by re-shaping the R&B genre with her fierce powerful stance.
• Metro Boomin –The go-to producer is remixing music industry rules and is responsible for many of the music charts most memorable new sounds.
• Sabrina Cloudio – The singer/songwriter is remixing the pop genre with her soulful sound originally releasing via SoundCloud.

Film & TV:

• Bria Vinaite – The actress is remixing Hollywood on her own terms discovered via Instagram and already tipped as one to watch.
• Miles Heizer – The actor is remixing the teenage experience by tackling roles around mental health and sexuality.
• Awkwafina – The comedienne/ actress is remixing the conversation for the viewpoint of second generation Asian-Americans.
• Maya Jama – The TV presenter is remixing the script on mental health issues and family norms by speaking openly about personal experiences.

Digital:

• Naomi Watanabe – The actress and comedienne is remixing ingrained assumptions on body image in Japan and around the world with her bold and unapologetic attitude about size-ism and style.
• Connor Franta – The YouTube star is remixing the concept of fame in the digital age, rising to mainstream prominence when he came out as a Gay Man on his channel with a positive and profound effect on his fanbase.

Launching fully on January 28, a :30 television spot will air during The Grammys and the film will live across mobile, social and digital channels. The film is supplemented by a ‘Making Of’ video created by The Madbury Club featuring the cast sharing their thoughts on what it means to remix culture and offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the film’s creation.

In the film, each of the cast members wears pieces from the ‘Archive Reissue – Logo Remix’ collection which will be available on Gap.com on January 27 and in select Gap stores globally beginning January 29. In addition, there will be a “Limited Edition Logo Remix” capsule that includes 30 one-of-a-kind designs, made by deconstructing and remixing vintage Gap logo sweatshirts and tees from the Gap archives. Every garment was put together by hand in the Gap New York City design studio.

Posted January 24, 2018

Source: Gap

ANDOVER, Mass. — January 24, 2018 — Polartec will unveil Polartec® Power Fill™ insulation technology — and products made by Polartec customers using the insulation — at Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show, the outdoor recreation expo and conference to be held January 25-28, 2018, in Denver.

With a deep history of creation through the Science of Fabric, including the invention of the modern synthetic fleece, grid fabrics with Polartec Power Grid®, and active insulation with Polartec Alpha®, Polartec offers temperature regulation solutions. Now, Polartec offers a best-in-class fill insulation technology with Polartec premium quality for cold conditions, featuring a superior combination of warmth-to-weight, durability, design flexibility, and recycled content.

Polartec Power Fill is a premium solution for package insulation design made from a proprietary hollow-fiber construction that is softer and more durable, forming thousands of air pockets that continuously capture and contain body heat, out of cruelty-free, 80-percent recycled content. A unique controlled melt process bonds the hollow fibers, eliminating the need for scrims or other stabilizers, while increasing durability and drapability. This gives Polartec Power Fill unmatched warmth and design versatility, and the polyester fiber’s inherent hydrophobic properties also work to ensure that Polartec Power Fill resists moisture absorption and dries quickly, while maintaining a high warmth to weight ratio.

Polartec customer Triple Aught Design has become the first to market with Polartec Power Fill product via its Bastion Hoodie and M-65 liner. For Fall 2018, Polartec customers Flylow, Giro and Millet will be introducing Polartec Power Fill product of their own, which will be unveiled in the Polartec booth, #54021-UL, at Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show.

Polartec Power Fill is available in 60, 80, 100, 135, 170 and 200 gram per square meter weights.

Posted January 24, 2018

Source: Polartec

LOS ANGELES — January 23, 2018 — Female-founded medical apparel company FIGS raised $65 million in a most recent investment round from Tulco, bringing total funding to date to $75 million.

Founded in 2013 by Heather Hasson and Trina Spear, FIGS is transforming the healthcare experience by creating the highest quality medical apparel in the world and developing an unprecedented, branded ecommerce platform for medical professionals.

The $50 billion medical apparel industry is dominated by low end suppliers that sell in bulk to brick and mortar retailers. Disrupting an antiquated market might sound like an easy feat, but as co-CEO and co-founder Heather Hasson pointed out: “We’re not just changing an antiquated industry, we’re changing purchasing behaviors that have been ingrained in this community for over a hundred years. That has never been done.”

To do this well, FIGS lets data lead the way. Utilizing technology to make personalized digital relationships with their consumers was key to their success to date, which is sizeable. Since their last round of funding in 2016, the business has grown more than 10 times. “We have no plans to slow down,” Hasson said. “We’re using predictive data analytics and machine learning to connect with our community and bring them more of what they want.”

This new round of funding will be used for advancements in technology, customization and to buy out existing investors. The infusion of capital will also speed up the company’s existing pipeline, which includes international expansion. “International is the logical next step for our brand, which already has demand and clientele outside the U.S.,” Hasson said.

It’s also one of the reasons Tulco was eager to invest in the business. “Data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence are helping to transform traditional industries,” said Thomas Tull, Tulco founder and CEO. Tulco is now the sole outside investor in FIGS. “FIGS is using these tools to reimagine the workwear category and we couldn’t be happier with the results.”

Posted January 23, 2018

Source: FIGS