Jack Nicklaus Apparel has teamed with Connecticut-based apparel company 5 Crown International to design and market its men’s and women’s collections in the United States, beginning with the Fall 2013 line currently under production. The partnership leverages the strength of the Jack Nicklaus and Golden Bear brands–one of the first-ever clothing lines produced by an athlete–and the impressive track record and fashion expertise of 5 Crown International to create product on the cusp of fashion trends, while staying true to tradition.
The forthcoming Spring 2013 line will debut at the 60th Anniversary PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 24-26.
“There’s something just a little special about each piece,” said lead designer Jonathan Whaley. “The patterns are traditional, but with a twist. Other clothing lines seem to take one approach or the other, but we’ve integrated a combination of modern and classic elements to produce a clothing line that can be worn both on and off the golf course.”
5 Crown International will expand both the men’s and women’s lines with additional product offerings, including performance fabrics, mercerized cotton, wovens, knits, bottoms, outerwear, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and general athletic wear. As the company expands its brand into more lifestyle products, Jack Nicklaus Apparel will provide clothing that targets green grass and men’s specialty stores.
5 Crown International’s focus is on nurturing and strengthening a license’s brand identity. Then, through a predetermined methodology, create a true “collection” based retail experience for both the brand and consumer. 5 Crown International’s staff possesses over 30 years of experience in all aspects of the apparel business, including design, sourcing, manufacturing, marketing and distribution. Designer Jonathan Whaley has designed for Willi Smith, PVH Van Heusen, American Eagle Outfitters, Claiborne, Sean John and Windsong Allegiance. At Windsong, he was responsible for a number of major brands including; Calvin Klein Golf, Geoffrey Beene, Alexander Julian, Hathaway and New Frontier. He has also designed for over a dozen private label brands, including marquee names like Lord & Taylor.
Jack Nicklaus-branded clothing features the iconic Golden Bear logo. Nicklaus adopted the Golden Bear nickname early in his professional career–a record-setting career launched 50 years ago this year and one considered today to be the benchmark for greatness–and was inspired in part by Australian sportswriter Don Lawrence of the Melbourne Age. Lawrence was asked by IMG Founder Mark McCormack what he thought of the young star and the writer responded by saying Nicklaus looked like a “big, cuddly, golden bear.” Nicklaus had attended Upper Arlington High School in his native Ohio, and the school’s mascot was the Golden Bears. The combination inspired Nicklaus to adopt the moniker and thus was born one of the most recognized nicknames and logos in sports history.
