Tennis and fashion have longstanding ties, and with court style dominating the streetwear scene, what better time to welcome another iconic name into the fashion game? Today marks the launch of the Arthur Ashe fashion brand.
Named for the tennis legend who not only became the first black man (and the first amateur) to win the US Open, but also took home titles at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and a doubles at the French Open, but he also served as an outspoken activist for racial justice and for those suffering from HIV and AIDS. The brand is a partnership between Ashe’s widow, photographer Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, the estate of Arthur Ashe, Jack Carlson (founder of Rowing Blazers, which revived Princess Diana’s iconic black shearling sweater), and Karl-Raphael Blanchard. .
Drawing inspiration from Ashe himself, including the US Davis Cup team warm-up suit he wore during the 1975 Wimbledon awards ceremony, as well as modern takes on his aesthetic, the first collection includes polo shirts from sneakers, shorts, skirts, sweatshirts, t-shirts, knitwear. and accessories for men and women. The brand will also have long-term philanthropic partnerships with the Arthur Ashe Legacy Fund at UCLA and the Social Change Fund United.
“You have Fred Perry, a British tennis lifestyle brand named after Fred Perry. And Lacoste, a French brand dedicated to the legacy of René Lacoste. But there hasn’t been an American equivalent. Who better to represent the America than Arthur Ashe?” Carlson said in a statement for the launch of the brand. “Arthur Ashe has been a hero to me for a long time. His cool and cold demeanor, his effortless style, his academic approach to the sport, his will to win and his determination to stand up for social justice resonate deeply with me. The opportunity to working to create this brand has been a dream come true.”
Blanchard added: “I am so grateful to Jeanne for trusting us and to all the organizations involved. This brand is here to commemorate one of our black heroes who encapsulated style and grace on and off the court. This is the beginning.” of something very special.”
The full line is currently available at arthurashe.com, as well as Rowing Blazers, and will be available at pop-up stores in New York City and on the US Open grounds near Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Source: news.google.com