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Tennis and fashion have a long history, and with court style taking over the streetwear scene, what better time to welcome another iconic name to 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 (and first amateur) to win the US Open, as well as taking home titles at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and a doubles championship at the French Open, but also served as an activist open to racial justice and to 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, who revived Princess Diana’s iconic black sheep sweater) and Karl-Raphael Blanchard.
Taking inspiration from Ashe himself – including the USA Davis Cup team warm-up suit he wore during the Wimbledon Awards in 1975 – as well as modern takes on his aesthetic, the first collection includes tennis polos, trousers shorts, skirts, sweats, tops, 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 Social Change Fund United.
“You have Fred Perry, a British tennis style 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 United States than Arthur Ashe ?” Carlson said in an announcement about the brand’s launch. “Arthur Ashe has been a hero of mine for a long time. His cool demeanor, effortless style, scholarly approach to the sport, his will to win and determination to stand up for social justice all resonate with me deeply. The opportunity to worked to create this brand has been a dream come true.”
Blanchard added: “I’m so grateful to Jeanne for believing in us and to all the organizations involved. This brand is here to commemorate one of our black heroes who embodies style and grace on and off the field. This is the start 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 grounds of the US Open, near Arthur Ashe Stadium.
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