A Glam Slam

MACY'S WELCOMES THE GREG NORMAN COLLECTION

Golf enthusiasts know Greg Norman for his 91 career victories and unique, dominant style of play. But fashion fans are likely more familiar with the signature "Shark" logo, which is synonymous with the golfer's successful clothing line. The Greg Norman Collection is a line of golf-inspired sportswear and accessories that combines performance, luxury and style. Now the Australian is expanding his fashion offerings, with pieces that will have more of a lifestyle focus.

Macy's has teamed up with Norman to launch a co-branded golf lifestyle collection under its Tasso Elba private label. The performance-based, golf-inspired men’s sportswear line will include shirts, shorts, pants, outerwear, belts, socks and hats, retailing from $30 to $200. [WWD]

According to Michael Setola, president and chief executive officer of Greg Norman Collection, “It’s very fashion-driven and collection-oriented. There are key items but there’s a fashion element as well. Greg Norman for Tasso Elba will embody a much broader sportswear assortment that transcends the traditional knit golf shirt and includes tailored pieces, trousers, furnishings and accessories.” 

Items from the new collection will be available and January. And look for Norman to appear in advertising materials.

 

 

- Glam Gal -

SHOW YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT, CHICKA-D STYLE

We are only days away from the official start of college football season. Campuses all across the country have been filling up with students eagerly awaiting kick-off and college football fans are some of the most loyal and passionate fans out there.  

That passion translates to their fan gear as well, as head-to-toe team colors, painted faces and dyed hair are often part of the extravagant ensembles seen in the stands. But for the ladies, finding a way to infuse school spirit and style can be a challenge. And football game days tend to go from day to night which can result in a major fashion dilemma: finding fan gear to take you from fieldside to the frat party.

Thanks to sports lovers and fashionistas like chicka-d founder, Lauren Polt, baggy jerseys and oversize tees have been replaced and sports fan fashion has come a long way. chicka-d is a women's collegiate clothing line, quickly becoming the top choice by female sports fans, alumni and students across the nation.

Polt, the company's founder and head designer, is a University of Texas at Austin alum whose many trips to the local college bookstore had left her longing for fan gear that was original, feminine and fashionable. So she created chicka-d: "Clothes for the game. Clothes for Spirit. Clothes for life." In the collection, fans will find everything from strapless, drop-waist and bubble hem dresses, to halter tanks, tunics and shrugs, all featuring school colors and logos. chicka-d will be expanding its offerings to include more than 30 additional university lines this fall. For a full list of schools, check here.

But what's even better? All pieces are $50 or less. Check out some of A Glam Slam's favorite chicka-d fashions:

   

   

 
  

- Glam Gal -

U.S. OPEN FASHION PREVIEW

As fashion fans prepare for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, sports fans are gearing up for a different kind of runway show: the U.S. Open. Yes it's a tennis tournament, but the game's biggest stars put just as much time and effort into choosing their on-court looks as they do practicing their forehands.

To celebrate the upcoming U.S. Open, Nike held a fashion and tennis charity event in NYC called "PrimeTime Knockout" and tagged "Lights On. Lights Out." Tennis superstars Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova were joined by Bar Rafaeli, Bradley Cooper and New York Giants defensive end, Justin Tuck, for some highly entertaining doubles action. But in addition to the on-court play, the event allowed the athletes to show off their new night-session outfits for the upcoming Grand Slam tournament. 

Nike always manages to bring a fresh new approach to fashion-forward, yet functional on-court gear. But there are definitely some characteristics in the attire of these players that remain consistent. Federer will again sport "classic" style polos featuring his signature "RF" logo on the chest. As we've seen in the past, Nadal will opt for a bold pop of color; this time around it's neon green. And Sharapova's dresses will feature ruffles and intricate details that make them cute enough to transition from the court to the club.

Here's a peek at the day and night looks that these stars will be rocking at the last Grand Slam of the 2010 tennis season:

Roger Federer

  

Rafael Nadal

  

Maria Sharapova

  

Following the event, Federer, Nadal and Sharapova held a press conference where they discussed the upcoming tourney and dished on tennis fashion. Take a look:

The tournament begins on Monday, August 30th. Be sure to stay tuned at A Glam Slam for full U.S. Open fashion coverage.

- Glam Gal -

WHO'S HAUTE? THURSDAYS: MARDY FISH

Mardy Fish might be the best tennis player in America right now based on his incredible run this Summer. Since Wimbledon, the 28 year-old has won two tournaments at Newport Beach and Atlanta and 15 out of 16 matches, defeating top opponents including Andy Murray, Andy Roddick and John Isner. Though he lost to Federer for the Cincy Masters title, America is beginning to take a closer look at the tennis star. With his recent string of wins, Fish is well prepared to compete in the US Open which begins on August 30th. 

And Mardy has been making his impressive mid-career run in K-Swiss. The tennis star signed a 4-year deal with the brand back in 2008, to endorse the company’s clothing and shoes. Fish was the first top tennis player to sign on with the company but several of his tennis buddies followed suit. Mardy's "fashionable" group of friends, both during tournaments and at photo shoots, includes Americans Bob and Mike Bryan and Sam Querry, who are also K-Swiss ambassadors.

Aside from his K-Swiss attire, Fish can attest that his lifestyle changes have helped him to become one of the best players of the Summer. A fitter Fish has clearly led to on-court success; he dropped 30 lbs. which has increased his speed and mobility on the court. Be sure to tune in to the US Open to see if Fish can finish off his run with a Grand Slam title.

Mardy Fish is Who's Haute.

 
 
 

- Glam Gal -

USAIN 'BOLTS' INTO RECORD BREAKING DEAL WITH PUMA

The world’s fastest man now has another record to add to his resume. Usain Bolt has renewed his contract with sportswear giant, Puma, in what is reported to be the biggest sponsorship deal in athletics history.

While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, reports have indicated that it is comparable to Nike’s 4-year, $32 million deal with Portuguese soccer player, Cristiano Ronaldo. Jochen Zeitz, chairman and chief executive of Puma, believes that the Jamaican sprinter has the ability to achieve the same high profile as Ronaldo and other major sports superstars including David Beckham and Michael Jordan. With this new record-breaking deal under his belt, Bolt is certainly on the right track.

As part of this partnership, Puma will launch a new clothing line based on the Olympic and world champion's signature "To Di World" stance.

 

According to Bolt, "It's all about fashion. I'm trying to do different things, I'm trying to change the sport up pretty much. The plan was to change different shirts everywhere I run. Next season we have the option of getting somebody in the country that I travel to to design a shirt for me and I'll compete in it. I'm just trying to bring some fun to the sport and make people want to watch. It makes people want to watch and see what you're going to do." [The Guardian]

At only 24 years old, Usain is already a three-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder for the 100 meter sprint. He hopes to become a legend in his sport which for Puma, would be a marketing dream.

 

- Glam Gal -

TROY LENDS HIS 'HEAD & SHOULDERS' TO POLAMALOOZA

Troy Polamalu is just as well known for his long, curly black locks as for his play on the football field, so it was no surprise that Head & Shoulders, the Official Shampoo of the NFL, tapped into the Pittsburgh Steelers' safety to represent the brand.

Polamalu had previously joined forces with the hair care brand to shoot this commercial. Now they've teamed up yet again for the "Head & Shoulders' Polamalooza Sweepstakes," a 5 month long gaming extravaganza. Football fans and hair addicts alike can visit www.troyshair.com and enter for a chance to win a variety of prizes including NFL Shop gift cards, football gear and much more.

 

Here's how it works: gain yardage by participating in all of the site's features. The more yards you rack up, the greater chance you have to win the holy grail of all prizes: a trip to Super Bowl XLV.

Some of Polamalooza's coolest features include:

• “Polamalu Playbook”: Troy schools you on his game plan when it comes to caring for your hair
• "Polamalamizer”: Upload your photo to see how you’d look sporting Troy’s luscious locks
• "Pickamalu”: Score some help with your fantasy football pics
• “Mane Event”: Which of your friends has the best “Troy ‘do?” Create a bracket where they can earn their own yardage
• Vote on other NFL icons to see who’s mane is “man enough” to go head-to-head with Troy 

 

For Polamalooza rules, check here. And for official sweepstakes rules, check here.

- Glam Gal -

UNDER ARMOUR DEBUTS FIRST BASKETBALL SHOE

Under Armour, a Baltimore-based line of performance apparel, is trying to make its mark in the highly competitive athletic footwear space, which is dominated by the basketball shoe realm. The brand has slowly been making its way into the basketball world and has spent quite some time developing kicks that can survive and thrive in a market dominated by sneaker giants such as Nike and Reebok.

The company will debut their first-ever basketball footwear collection this Fall, which consists of four distinct shoe styles. One of the NBA’s top young players, Milwaukee Bucks’ point guard Brandon Jennings, will serve as the face of the Micro G Black Ice, the centerpiece of this new collection. He will wear the shoe when he hits the court this upcoming season.

According to the brand, ”the Micro G Black Ice is designed to enhance the game of lightning quick playmakers like Brandon Jennings. Inspired by various elements of Jennings’ personal life, the Micro G Black Ice also includes Jennings’ own signature, inscribed on the inside of the shoe as a “sign-off” of the on-court performance of the shoe.” Rounding out the Micro G collection are The Micro G Fly, The Micro G Blur and The Micro G Lite.

In addition to the partnership with Jennings, the new basketball shoes will also be on-court at top colleges around the nation, including Boston College, University of South Florida, University of Maryland, Texas Tech University and Auburn University.

The Under Armour Basketball collection will be available in November, a release that is conveniently timed with the start of the 2010-2011 NBA season and the holiday season. A television and online marketing campaign linked to the release will also debut late fall, with advertisements on TNT, ESPN, NBA TV and YouTube.

What do you think?

 

- Glam Gal -

POLO RALPH LAUREN & VENUS WILLIAMS: A PERFECT MATCH

The 2010 U.S. Open will begin on August 30th and for the 6th year, Polo Ralph Lauren will be the Official Apparel Sponsor of the tournament. In honor of this partnership, the brand has teamed up with tennis superstar and fashion designer, Venus Williams, to present the Legends Clinic.

The seven-time Grand Slam Champion will answer questions, demonstrate techniques and offer hints and tips on how to improve your game during this one-hour interactive clinic. The clinic will be streamed live online on August 26th at 2 p.m. EST exclusively at RalphLauren.com and accessible on mobile devices at m.ralphlauren.com/USOpen.

 

According to David Lauren, Senior Vice President of Advertising, Marketing and Corporate Communications, “The Legends Clinic is ground-breaking. This is a dynamic way of connecting fashion, technology and sports in a way that has never been done before.”

To add yet another fashionable component to this collaboration, Ralph Lauren will also design a limited-edition dress in partnership with Eleven (Venus' own clothing line) to be worn by Venus Williams during the Legends Clinic. Additionally, a special limited-edition US Open polo shirt will be created to accompany the collection. Both the Ralph Lauren designed limited-edition dress and polo shirt will be available on-site at the US Open Polo Ralph Lauren shop and online at RalphLauren.com.

And as the official sponsor of the US Open, Polo Ralph Lauren has a new line of tournament-inspired clothing available for fans. The collection features a wide selection of merchandise such as tote bags, tennis dresses, skirts, sweaters, commemorative caps and classic polos for men and women. Items will be available at select Ralph Lauren stores, department stores and online at Ralphlauren.com.

Check out some of the 2010 looks:

 
 

- Glam Gal -

CAVS DEBUT NEW UNIS A.T.D. (AFTER 'THE DECISION')

Just like the Utah Jazz, the Cleveland Cavaliers incorporated their fans in the unveiling of the team's new uniforms for the 2010-2011 season. Cleveland supporters and twitter addicts got together in the form of a "tweet-up." Organized by the team, it was a way to further connect with the passionate Cavalier fans.

Those on hand were shown a classic new uniform design with simple lettering and a simple color scheme, a departure from the previous uniforms which had a bit more flair. But consider it a complete coincidence because this new look was finalized B.T.D. (Before 'the Decision'). 

As we've seen with other NBA teams who have recently revamped their looks, the Cavs' updated unis are a nod to the team's heritage. The adidas jerseys feature "deep wine" and "bright gold" hues, similar to the colors from the 1970's. The front of the home white jersey reads "CAVALIERS" across the chest, while the front of the road jersey reads "CLEVELAND."

 

The unis also feature some unique design features including the Cavaliers DNA statement: “All for One. One for All.” Those words are printed along the back of the inner-collar of the crew neck jersey and the Cavaliers secondary logo, the “C-sword,” appears on both sides of the shorts.

Cavs fans and team members alike are looking forward to the future. At yesterday's unveiling, NBA legend Austin Carr explained, "'All for One. One for All.' describes the team's mentality for the upcoming season. They will work together as a 12 man unit, rather than relying on one guy." Wonder who he could be referring to? 

Only time will tell how the Cavs and their new unis fare this season. For now, here's another look at the team's updated on-court fashions:

 

- Glam Gal -

UTAH JAZZ HIT A HIGH NOTE WITH NEW UNIS

The biggest stars of the Utah Jazz took to the runway last night to unveil the team’s new uniforms for the 2010-2011 season.

A public fan fest was held outside EnergySolutions Arena where new Jazz center, Al Jefferson, along with teammates C.J. Miles, Paul Millsap and Ronnie Price, were on hand to debut the home and away jerseys during a fashion show.

 

For the upcoming season, the Jazz will revert to the team's original music note logo with a new color scheme of white, navy, dark green, gold and gray. Similar to the Golden State Warriors who recently debuted their updated look, the new Jazz unis are also a nod to the team's heritage, which dates back to their days in New Orleans. The only exception: no more purple. Either way, the retro look is a welcome change from the mountain silhouette that was featured on the jerseys in recent years.

And now that the cosmetic changes are in place, many hope this will give the team a fresh new start for this season, translating to improvements on-court as well.

Jazz fans can pick up the new jerseys here. Check them out:

 

The Jazz are one of four NBA franchises to change their insignia this summer, joining the Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Team broadcasters Austin Carr and Campy Russell will unveil Cleveland’s new uniforms later today. Be sure to check back at A Glam Slam for a peek at their updated look.

- Glam Gal -