Fall Winter 2008 Collection of Reebok

Reebok India, world’s leading sports brand launched its Fall Winter'08 collection at F-Bar, Ashoka Hotel. The much awaited fashion presentation by the top models of the fashion industry along with International Tennis star, Nicole Vaidisova and India’s leading tennis player Sunitha Rao gave Delhi a sporty, energetic and never before fashion experience. The presence of the sport stars walking on the ramp along with super models like Indrani Das Gupta, Sonalika Sahay and Krishna among others added more glamour and charm to the evening.

On this occasion Subhinder Singh Prem – Managing Director, Reebok India said “We are really excited to have Nicole in India. She is an epitome for strength and versatility and I am sure she will be a source of inspiration for all budding talents. She is here to unveil the Reebok Fall Winter'08 Collection and will walk the ramp in our tennis collection. We are proud to have technologically advanced products that an athlete can wear to enhance his performance. With award winning technologies like Hex Ride, Smooth Fit, Kinetic Fit etc we are able to support athletes with products that help them to outperform. This fashion show is an opportunity for us to showcase the best of our sports collections. We will be presenting our tennis and fitness collections today evening. As market leaders we believe in chartering new territories and we hope to do so by introducing “playgear” – trendy fitness collections comprising of tennis dresses and training gear that is comfortable yet stylish and follows the unique mantra of “my clothes make my work-out fun”.

The evening started with a line-up of Reebok's tennis and fitness collections. In line with the brand's philosophy of making fitness fun there was a power packed performance by an acrobat artist followed by a line-up of the winter collection of Reebok. Since there is no better season than now for a good game of tennis Reebok unveiled their tennis collection to help sports lovers enjoy a dash across the court. With high technology silhouettes and eye-catching designs, this collection truly exemplifies the spirit of Tennis with prominent colors being white, cilantro leaf and honest blue.

The evening was made special with Nicole Vaidisova's presence on the ramp. Nicole took the professional tennis world by storm in 2004, becoming the first player in Tour history to win two titles in her rookie year. She has six singles titles under her belt already and at just nineteen years of age, Nicole exudes an unparalleled confidence and persona.

On the occasion of the fashion show, Nicole said “I am really thrilled to be in India for Reebok. It is a brand that I endorse. And am really grateful that it has always been right there for me, making sure I had the top-of-the-line performance gear. On the court I use the Reebok KFS (Kinetic Fit System) tennis outfit which facilitates fluid and quick movement and I train with Reebok’s Hex Ride as it keeps me really comfortable and stable during my long and intense practice hours.”

Adidas Climaproof Storm 3-Wayle Jacket

A golfer's day on the links might be affected by wind, rain or cold ... or all three. And "three" is the magic number for the adidas ClimaProof Storm 3-Way Convertible Jacket, which can be worn three different ways: long sleeve, short sleeve or vest.

"Our ambition was to reinvent the rain jacket to make it more versatile, so it can be worn in a variety of conditions, and to make it less restrictive, so that every type of shot can be executed with absolute freedom," Tiss Dahan, adidas Golf's senior director of apparel, is quoted as saying in a news release about the jacket.

The jacket includes a thin compression wrap inner layer that provides warmth and increased support while removing the need for a liner, making the jacket less bulky.

The jacket's convertible sleeves include stretch-elbow articulation and shaped and ajustable cuffs. An inner collar flips up; the zipper is waterproof so no need for a storm flap. There is a concealed internal pocket and concealed venting, plus silicone grippers on each shoulder to help prevent your golf bag from sliding off your shoulder.

Also new are the adidas ClimaProof Storm Pants, which match the jacket. The adidas ClimaProof Storm 3-Way Convertible Jacket comes in black, zinc-black and Barez, and in sizes S, M, L, XL and XXL. It comes with a three-year waterproof warranty and is available at retail as of this writing with an MSRP of $275. The matching storm pants carry an MSRP of $170.

Official Pro Sports Adds Fall Line Up of MMA Clothing, UFC Gear plus Fight & Sports Apparel

Official Pro Sports, a leading retailer of professional sports apparel and equipment today announced the additions of numerous MMA clothing lines, new NFL apparel items as well as NCAA merchandise, providing hundreds of items for sports fans and athletes alike.

"With the increased following of mixed martial arts, we understand that the growing demand for MMA clothing and UFC gear is not just spurred by another trend or fad sport," stated Keoki Kaine, spokesperson for Official Pro Sports "Our mission is to bring competitive prices and top brands for MMA clothing to mainstream consumers as well as competitive athletes. In addition, our five dollar domestic shipping promotion provides even greater value, especially with recent changes in the national economy," Kaine concluded.

Highlighted this month are featured fighters UFC Champion BJ Penn, WEC Champion Urijah Faber, and the Legendary Iceman Chuck Liddell. Shoppers can get their official signature or blast shirts or picture shirts online at www.OfficialProSports.com.

The very nature of mixed martial arts brings a new audience to the rapidly growing sport. By combining various fighting techniques such as the standing moves of boxing, striking and kicking to on the ground grappling moves performed in jiu jitsu and wrestling, MMA athletes and fans have grown in international popularity like no other sport in recent years.

Official Pro Sports brings a full line of top brands of MMA clothing and UFC gear including leaders like: Punishment, Sinister, Cage Fighter, Triumph, Toe 2 Toe, and Soldier among others. As a full contact combat sport, its important to have quality fight gear and clothing that will withstand intense competition, look good on both fans and fighters. From gloves, shorts, and head gear to t-shirts, caps and more, Official Pro Sports provides everything you need to "keep it official" in the cage, ring or walking down the street.

Featuring premier MMA clothing companies for mixed martial arts and UFC gear, Official Pro Sports brings MMA fans and fighters the very best and highest quality MMA gear available. As an added bonus, Official Pro Sports offers five dollar shipping on all United States orders and seven dollar shipping to all Canadian orders. With new brands added regularly, inventory represents the sports apparel and equipment that drives the sport of mixed martial arts from a niche sport to mainstream competition. For more information on Official Pro Sports, please visit http://www.officialprosports.com.

Orlando Magic's New Uniforms

The long wait is now over and we finally got the new uniforms of Orlando Magic. September 23, as Orlando celebrates its 23rd anniversary season, was the day of its launch. These new uniforms, which were designed in partnership by the Orlando Magic, Adidas and the National Basketball Association, celebrate the past by returning to pinstripes.

They were unveiled by Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Community Ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw. As part of the ceremony, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer presented Howard with a key to the city in recognition of him winning a gold medal as part of Team USA at the Beijing Olympics.

As you can see, it looks like their previous uniforms. The main thing that is noticeable is its tapered pinstripes. Also, the arm-hole detail borders were removed. The road uniform is the same vivacious blue and white remains to their home jerseys with Magic as their front text.

Oakley's Gretchen Bleiler Signature Series Collection

Oakley, the global leader in sport performance optics including premium sunglasses, goggles, and prescription eyewear, has revealed its snowboard apparel line.

"Predictably, we wanted more. Style. Attitude. Function. More – across the board – that couldn’t simply be explained by conventional mechanisms of cause. The effect? The Gretchen Bleiler Signature Series Collection."

The collection will include women's technical outerwear, lifestyle apparel and accessories, available from this fall. Based on the company, this is the first time for Oakley to release an apparel series inspired by a single athlete.

This also puts an edge on classic styling by blending subtle lines with bold details. Bridging the gap between form and function, every detail in the line embodies Gretchen's spirit. From the most desirable technical outerwear to the lightest organic cotton tees, there's a sense of rhythm that mirrors a smooth ride down the mountain. Antique brass hardware adds personality to functionality, but the line is still highly technical with up to 20,000mm breathable waterproofing in performance pieces.


For more information including pricing of the new Gretchen Bleiler Signature Series Collection, visit www.oakley.com/women/gbcollection..

Y-3 Adidas Spring Summer Collection 2009

Sport, simplicity, comfort and ease of dressing were the key themes of the Y-3 Adidas clothing collection. Another successful release for Adidas and designer Yohji Yamamoto - the 2009 Spring/Summer collection - as Adidas waves its 60th years in sportswear industry.

This season saw simplicity and low key definition. Yohji Yamamoto paid subtle tribute to the 3 stripes which popped up throughout the collection on clothing and footwear. Yohji reinterpreted the 3 stripes through various graphics for both men and women, our favorites being on the sports shoes.

Shrunken black vests were paired with slouchy trackie-bottoms, easy nylon anorak coats with running shorts and hooded robes with jogging pants or pencil skirts.

Another thumbs up for Adidas... Another way to look sharp yet sporty and casual.

Lacoste Spring 2009 Clothing Collection

Check out Lacoste Spring 2009 collection showcased at the New York’s Fashion week!

The runway was invaded by arrogant models in catsuits or shorts with hoods in aggressive reds, oranges, yellows and apple green, as if the house’s crocodile logo was prepared to use its jaws to conquer a bigger share of the wealthy 18-21 market.

Blonde model twins, body suits and checkerboard bikinis - Lacoste's crocodile had a good day. These designs are inspired by chirping, olive tress, cool breezes and couples by the pool and a creation of designer Christophe Lemaire. Think dusty pink and clay-colored maxi-striped menswear-style button down shirts, fabric Grecian sandals, white cotton pants with white short-sleeve tunics topped off with rolled turbinettes.

It looks great, bold and viciously sporty. A clothing collection thumbs up for me.

Cole Haan to Launch New Sports Clothing Collection With Maria Sharapova

Cole Haan, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc., announced Maria Sharapova as a lead collaborator and the face of Cole Haan Sporting, a new sports clothing collection for Spring 2009, rooted in sport and remixed with fashion.

Cole Haan Sporting stakes out fresh territory with a new, dynamic pairing of Cole Haan's authentic craftsmanship and Nike's sports innovation. The collection introduces new technologies like Flywire which build on the successful Nike Air franchise by recasting them into fashion-forward designs.

The Spring 2009 global launch of Cole Haan Sporting includes men's and women's footwear and accessories, and features international tennis champion Maria Sharapova. This lifestyle fashion collection will encompass day to evening silhouettes in both the footwear and accessories categories.

"Maria Sharapova embodies the blend of fashion and sport that makes Cole Haan Sporting unique," said Cole Haan Chief Executive Officer James Seuss. "We created this collection as the foundation to a dynamic lifestyle - weaving Cole Haan's history of craftsmanship with Nike's tradition of high-performance innovation."

Maria Sharapova, 21, is a triple Grand Slam winner who has a longstanding passion for style. She will step into the role of collaborator for the Fall 2009 season.

"Cole Haan Sporting proves that fashion and technology can work together to change the way women think about and wear sport-inspired product," said Sharapova. "I look forward to working with Cole Haan to bring new innovations to this leading fashion brand with such a rich history."

For Spring 2009, Cole Haan Sporting will embody sport style with a collection inspired by nautical, court, track, and golf. The women's footwear collection includes elevated wedges, chic flats and sleek sandals. Signature men's styles include the brand's iconic boat shoe and edgy lace-ups in bold color palettes paired with classic neutrals.

This new sports clothing collection will continue to showcase Nike Air, an innovation that has enabled Cole Haan to redefine luxurious style and comfort. Outside, the styles are pure Cole Haan, luxurious and fashion-forward; inside, they share Nike's innovative technology that debuted in Beijing.

The accessory collection encompasses a range of silhouettes from a tennis racquet bag to a versatile duffle. Continuing to weave style with innovation, the accessories will be created from recycled plastic bottles and will be trimmed in vegetable chrome-free leather. Cole Haan Sporting will be sold at Cole Haan boutiques worldwide, luxury department stores and on colehaan.com. Price points range from $115 to $200 (footwear) and $225 to $550 (accessories).

Success of the Olympics Sparks Sports Clothing Sales

The Olympics has sparked sports clothing sales despite a sagging economy. The British Olympic team success has inspired consumers to purchase sports and fitness clothing and equipment. Households have been cutting back on spending and only purchasing necessities which has resulted in declining retail sales for durable goods and non-essential house wares. But the Olympics have reversed a downward trend that has lasted for 3 months.

The Experian national retail footfall index actually rose in August by 3.9% when compared to July. The 3.9% reflects an increase of .4% for the prior 12 months. Consumers have been purchasing equipment such as bicycles and exercise equipment. They have also been purchasing fitness clothing including t-shirts, shorts,polo shirts and sweatshirts. Much of the buying has been done online. Online purchases for all purchases have increased by 3.5% from this same time last year compared to this year, whereas sports and fitness online purchases increased 36%.

This increase was welcomed by fitness equipment and clothing retailers who are now hoping the trend continues. An event such as cycling, which was handily won by the British cycling team, has inspired consumers to purchase bicycles. The sales of the BMX are up. Robin Goad of Hitwise said, "It is likely that shopping visits to out-of-town locations were helped by the resurgent interest in sports and fitness products."

There is speculation that retail sales in general will continue to fall as a result of economic conditions. But sports and fitness retailers are hoping the spirit of the Olympics will live on in terms of increased sales in fitness equipment and clothing. Many sports clothing items are inexpensive and so are not as subject to consumer spending cutbacks. Retailers will be anxiously watching to see how consumers respond to credit crunches over the next 12 months.

Serena and Sharapova US Open Clothing Collection by Nike

The US Open attracts a large number of tennis lovers every year to the heart of Queens NY. Whether it be homegrown New Yorkers or Hollywood’s finest…everyone falls victim to the lavish green court of the US Open. Nike athletes Maria Sharapova & Serena Williams have developed new fresh looks for this years U.S. Open. Sharapova’s "Day & Night" dresses feature key materials that we chosen for moisture management, comfort, and strength. The Sharapova U.S. Night Dress is made up of two layers, which feature a sleek & yet body forming lightweight jersey. Leaving the outer layer, permanently pleated and features a Dri-FIT premium lightweight jersey, allowing the dress to be fluid with controlled movement. Taking cues from the red carpet and the runway, Maria’s color palette for the night dress is black adorned with gold accents.

As for the Sharapova U.S. Day Dress, it provides world-class support with a bodice fitted top, black stretch velvet waist details, sheer conchord fabric overlay in the skirt to add depth and movement, and a black seamless short, letting female tennis athletes elevate their game without sacrificing freedom of movement or fashion. The Sharapova U.S. Day Dress is currently available for $95 and the U.S. Night Dress is also available for $110.

Sharapova Day Dress

Sharapova Night Dress

As for my girl Serena Williams, her ensembles during the US Open are always a topic for discussion in my camp. Seeing as though Serena is a "show stopper" in every sense of the word her U.S. Open Collection is nothing to play games with! Especially the Serena Court Day Dress which is currently available for around $100, features the same Dri-Fit material and is perfect for any athlete.

Serena Day Dress

All of these are available at Nikestore.com

Sears Sports Clothing Collection - US Army inspired

Retail giant Sears is set to launch a new collection of men's, women's and boys' sports clothing inspired by the US Army's First Infantry Division.

The October debut of the All American Army Brand sportswear collection in 550 Sears stores across the US and on Sears.com marks the first time that the US Army has officially licensed the use of its marks and insignias.

The First Infantry Division collection, which Sears said was "inspired by the oldest division of the US Army", includes T-shirts, hoodies, denim and outerwear, with prices ranging from US$11.99-119.99.

"Embracing the diversity of the US Army through various Divisions, each Army Brand sports clothing collection will be comprised of authentic lifestyle reinterpretations of the supreme fit, classic design and rugged performance of regulation uniforms and military issued gear," said Robert McGuinness, a Sears executive.

The licence fee paid by Army Brand is used to support programmes that benefit the well-being of troops and their families.

"Over the years, military-inspired clothing has played a distinct role in shaping fashion trends," said Craig Israel, president of Sears Apparel. "We are now able to exclusively offer a line that is pure to the origins of that inspiration."

The brand is set to take a prominent role in Sears' Fall Forward fashion exhibit, held on 10 September during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. A range of related marketing campaigns will follow, added Israel.

An authentic women's sports clothing

While watching the television last night, I happened to switch the channel to a replay show of woman's basketball event between the team USA and team Australia. Well it's been very obvious, while Lisa Leslie (one of the famous WNBA player) and the rest of USA Team pouring out their best, that this will be a medal for USA, another this captures my mind and made me scramble and think to create this one... It's the very sexy sports outfit of the Australian team.

It's been my first time to see a basketball team clothing up with this authentic sportswear. They were able to surpass the typical 'tomboy' look for basketball. With this uniform they're for sure look more outstanding , more feminine and, I will admit it, they look like bomb and hot girls playing with this great clothing! Plus it really complements with their light color that's why I was awed by their look. But nevertheless I am still grateful to see such a wonderful women playing with wonderful sports outfit with the not so feminine sports.

I wonder how about the USA team? Why don't they try to have this kind of sportswear. I feel it will be comfortable for them.

Polo Ralph Lauren - 2008 US Open Clothing Collection

2008 US Open is finally up and Ralph Lauren collection goes within the competition. Launching their sports wear collection, the U.S. Open-Polo Ralph Lauren merchandise includes tennis shirts, shorts, skirts, and warm-ups. Also part of this will be the Ralph Lauren Classics, including Polo shirts, oxfords, and chinos.

Here's the list of their collections

Official limited-edition US Open jacket in featherweight technical softshell with strategic graphic engineered mesh for superior ventilation.

• Two-way zip-front with mockneck collar. Long seleves have mesh insets under each arm. Contrasting left sleeve with textured screen-printed RLX logo.


• Banded neckline, cuffs and hem. Zip hand pockets, concealed vertical zip chest pocket.


• Graphic mesh at the lower back with contrast tipping at the hem.


• 96% polyester, 4% elastane. Machine washable. Imported.

Official limited-edition US Open classic-fitting, short-sleeved polo shirt in breathable cotton mesh.

• Applied contrasting stripe at the shoulders.


• Two-button placket, ribbed armbands, uneven vented hem.


• Our embroidered Big Pony and applied "US Open 2008" patch accent the chest.


• 100% cotton. Machine washable. Imported.

Official limited-edition US Open short-sleeved polo shirt, cut for a trim, modern fit with higher armholes and a shorter hem than the classic in breathable, durable cotton mesh.

• Two-button placket, ribbed armbands, uneven vented hem.


• Our embroidered Big Pony accents the chest.


• Applied "US Open 2008" patch accents the right sleeve.


• 100% cotton. Machine washable. Imported.

Official limited-edition US Open short-sleeved polo shirt in moisture-wicking microfiber, knit with a hint of stretch for an athletic fit.

• Concealed two-snap placket, ribbed polo collar with contrast tipping.


• Hemmed sleeves, contrasting mesh ventilation panels at the back yoke, sides, shoulders and top-sleeves. Even-sewn hem.


• Screen-printed Big Pony accents the left chest. Screen-printed "US Open 2008" flaming ball logo at the right sleeve.


• 92% polyester, 8% elastane. Machine washable. Imported.

Official limited-edition US Open colorblocked short-sleeved polo in high-tech, breathable fabric with strategically placed micro-jacquard insets for maximum venting comfort during high-impact training.

• Ribbed polo collar with contrast tipping and concealed two-snap placket.


• Sewn cuffs and even hem.


• Big Pony screen-printed at the back and left chest. Screen-printed "US Open 2008" with flaming ball logo at the right sleeve. RLX logo is subtly woven into the lower back mesh.


• 55% cotton, 45% polyester. Machine washable. Imported.

Official limited-edition US Open short-sleeved T-shirt in lightweight cotton jersey, cut for a classic, comfortable fit.

• Ribbed crew neckline, sewn sleeves and hem.


• Silhouetted players and "US Open 08" graphics screen-printed at chest.


• Screen-printed pony accents the back.


• 100% cotton. Machine washable. Imported.

... visit Ralph Lauren for more details.

Reebok Classic to showcase sports and fashion

Reebok, the leading sports clothing brand is set to tap the Indian market with the launch of their new lifestyle vertical Reebok Classics. Reebok Classics is the recent format of lifestyle stores by Reebok carrying edgy and stylish collections from the domain of Reebok International like the Classics collection, DGK, Evolution and NFL and few of Indian origin like the Dance inspired collection being promoted by Bipasha Basu, Dhoni 7 collection designed with inputs from MS Dhoni himself and Fish Fry for Reebok designed by Manish Arora.

Reebok Classics Stores offer the consumers a unique experience of energized style and houses collections that have been inspired from contemporary trends relevant for the youth of India. To bring Reebok Classics closer to the youth, Reebok has brought together Yuvraj Singh and Bipasha Basu for the first timer ever.

On the occasion of the launch Subhinder Singh Prem – Managing Director, Reebok India said, “As fashion takes a new connotation with being ‘fun’, ‘savvy’, and ‘futuristic’, Reebok is introducing sports inspired style to help up the ‘cool quotient’ of our young consumers. Reebok Classics Stores fuse sports and fashion to offer the consumer a unique fashion experience.

We are bringing forward four upcoming trends for the youth in the Fall Winter’08 collection. We have nearly 20 Reebok Classics stores across the country already and we plan to take the figure up to 75 stores by the end of the year. We will also undertake a unqiue marketing approach to promote the Reebok Classics stores. Our brand ambassadors Yuvraj and Bipasha are both youth icons who represent high decibel style quotient while also representing the synergy between sports and style.”

The Reebok Classics stores would house the Street Style Collection, Dance inspired collection NFL fan gear, etc for men and women as part of the Fall Winter ’08 Sports Style collection.

Talking of the collection Bipasha Basu said, “You can call these collections a confluence of sports and style. The dance inspired collection that I loved has interesting neck designs, shimmer and style, which gives it a very Club look. There is also dance inspired fashion footwear collection which is available in satin materials with shapely contours and loads of colours.”

Commenting on the DGK collection, Yuvraj Singh said, “The Street Style collection has loose T shirts in grunge colours matched with a cap and cargos for the comfortable yet cool look. Sleeveless Hoodies with bold prints makes for an ideal winter collection with just the right mix of keeping you warm yet stylish. I can associate with it as that’s the kind of clothing I like to wear off-field - Cool, trendy yet comfortable.”

New sports attire of New Orleans Hornets unveiled

The Hornets unveiled updated logo modifications and new team uniforms. The new designs were created in collaboration with the Hornets, the NBA and adidas, and are inspired by the emblems, colors and textures that New Orleanians and people around the world associate with the city of New Orleans. With pinstripes, darker colors and "Mardi Gras gold", New Orleans Hornets forwards Morris Peterson and Julian Wright walked across a raised stage Wednesday, modeling the new uniforms during a news conference at a French Quarter jazz club.

Hornets also unveiled some new logos. The first one below is the Fleur de Bee that was introduced last season. The second logo is an updated version of the traditional Hornets logo, while the third is "NOLA horn" featuring the city's abbreviation and a Mardi Gras gold trumpet.

The Hornets uniforms maintain consistency with the logo identity, using the same logos, fonts and colors. “New Orleans” will still be featured on the front of the home and away jerseys, making the Hornets one of only two NBA teams to wear their city’s name on the front of both jerseys. The “Fleur-de-bee” is featured on the side of the shorts and on the center back of the neck of the jersey. The NOLA horn is placed on the back of the shorts. The home (white) and road (Creole blue) uniforms also feature pinstripes, which provide a bit of jazz flair as well as pay tribute to the 20 years the Hornets franchise has been in existence. In addition, the team’s second road uniform has been retired.

The entire launch event was featured on Hornets.com in a live stream. New merchandise featuring the new colors and logos will be available immediately at the Hornets Nest team store as well as online at NBAStore.com.

Minnesota Timberwolves unveils their new 2008 - 09 NBA Uniforms

In anticipation of the 20th season of Minnesota Timberwolves basketball, the Timberwolves today unveiled new home and road uniforms for the upcoming 2008-09 NBA season. The new-look uniforms, designed in partnership by the team, adidas and the NBA, were displayed publicly for the first time at the IDS Center's Crystal Court.

Home uniforms

• Primary color remains white
• "Timberwolves" changes to "Wolves"
• Timberwolves trees appear on the side of the uniform under the arms and on the side of the shorts
• Wolf head logo on back of neck
• "Minnesota" now appears on the back of the shorts

Road Uniforms

• Primary color remains slate blue
• Front changes from "Timberwolves" to "Minnesota"
• The Timberwolves trees appear on the side of the uniform under the arms and on the side of the shorts
• Wolf head logo on back of neck
• “Wolves" now appears on the back of the shorts

A new era

The adidas-designed jerseys will debut at the start of the 2008-09 season -- the Wolves 20th anniversary season.
"As with our recent re-designed logo, our new uniforms usher in a new era of Minnesota Timberwolves basketball," Timberwolves President Chris Wright said.

3rd design in team history

The new uniforms are the third design in team history. The last uniform change was before the 1996-97 season. The Timberwolves' uniform design had remained unchanged for 12 seasons.

15-foot jersey signed by fans

Timberwolves also unveiled a 15-foot high replica jersey that will travel throughout the state at team events and will be signed by Wolves fans. The jersey will be hung from the rafters of Target Center on Opening Night in celebration of the start of the team's 20th season. Fans will have their next opportunity to sign the jersey beginning Thursday, Aug. 21 at the Timberwolves booth at the Minnesota State Fair.

The introduction of the new uniforms is the latest step in the re-branding campaign of the Timberwolves as the team approaches its 20th season. The Wolves introduced a re-designed primary and new secondary logo earlier this summer.

Harrods Bulletproof Clothing

Harrods is now stocking a luxury range of 'ballistic daywear' for patrons who fear they are in the firing line.

A Columbian entrepreneur, Miguel Caballero, came up with the idea for the range as student while pondering how to protect his wealthy classmates from guerrilla revolutionaries.

King Abdullah of Jordan, Venezuela's President, Hugo Chavez, and Columbia's President, Alvaro Uribe, are all said to be fans of the range alongside actor Steven Segal, star of the bullet-riddled action film Under Siege.

The line includes a polo shirt, a blazer, a sports jacket, a biker jacket and a raincoat. It is made-to-measure and priced between £3,300 and £7,700.

Tough enough to withstand fire from automatic weapons, the clothing is also reportedly unobtrusive enough to be worn at parties.

Makers claim the jackets give the same protection as a 4.5kg police vest while weighing just 1.8kg. They come in three levels of protection. The lowest level guards against revolvers and pistols, medium protects against higher calibre pistols while high protection reputedly bounces back bullets from an Uzi machine gun.

They even contain "thermo materials" to keep body temperature at a cool 13-17C.

Harrods admits no-one has yet bought a single item from their range but said it expects good international sales.

Ralph Dunning introduces 'Dunning Classic' Premium Sportswear Collection

Leading menswear designer Ralph Dunning announces the launch of Dunning Classic, a country-club driven premium sportswear collection featuring cuts, colors and fabrics fueled by the brand’s authentic golf heritage.

Premiering for Spring 2009 and built on the tradition, etiquette and exceedingly high quality serious players respect both on and off the course. The collection includes a broad range of staples, such as cotton pique polos, performance wovens, extra fine Merino wool sweaters, Pima cotton pullovers, vintage varsity tops and traditional rugby polos, as well as cotton-Coolmax blended pants and shorts.

Showcasing clean silhouettes, the richest fabrics and finest tailoring, the Dunning Classic collection is made almost entirely in Canada to the highest production standards, ensuring complete consistency of quality and fit. The line will be sold via a focused, high-end distribution network, including leading menswear shops, major retailers and the brand’s existing network of country club and resort accounts.

“Members of the world’s finest clubs have come to recognize, appreciate and desire our unrivalled attention to producing superior garments,” says Dunning, the company founder and principal designer.

“With their ‘D’ repp-shield crest, these timeless garments are designed to be the centerpiece of a man’s casual wardrobe for years to come. They speak directly to golf’s heritage while remaining current, and that’s exactly what the market has been asking for.”

A 42-year-old Ontario native and lifelong athlete, Dunning is a former IRONMAN competitor and marathoner who boasts a 17-year heritage on the leading-edge of performance apparel design. His eponymous golf line is sold at marquee clubs and resorts throughout North America and worn in competition by scores of PGA Tour stars, including 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson.

Dunning first garnered widespread acclaim in the 1990s for his Rip n’ Hammer line of premium technical clothing for triathletes and cyclists. He also drew praise for work on behalf of some of the world’s largest and most authentic sports brands, including Saucony, Reebok and Cervelo Cycles.

The Dunning Classic collection will begin shipping in November. Sizes range from XS-2XL in tops and 30”-42” in bottoms.

An authentic golf-lifestyle brand, Dunning apparel is available throughout North America via a focused, high-end distribution network, including marquee country clubs and resorts, premier menswear shops and major retailers.

Dunning Classic Collection Highlights

Saville Stripe Polo ($100)
- Colors: westchester/navy, surf/pink, palmer/white, white/navy, surf/navy
- Fabric content: 100 percent combed cotton pique
- Description: Modern-prep striped short sleeve polo with embroidered repp-shield 'D' crest appliqué, two-button placket, ribbed collar and cuff detail

Tipped Collar Polo ($100)
- Colors: white, palmer, navy, burgundy, prep
- Fabric content: 100 percent combed cotton pique
- Description: Solid tipped collar polo with vintage look, embroidered repp-shield 'D' crest appliqué, two-button placket, ribbed collar and cuff detail

Performance Woven Square Check ($120)
- Colors: sendo, palmer, stable, surf
- Fabric content: 43 percent Coolmax® / 35 percent cotton / 22 percent polyester
- Description: Blended, ultra-lightweight button down combining classic look and feel with technical performance, including permanent moisture management and wrinkle-resistance

Extra Fine Merino Wool V-Neck ($200)
- Colors: canary, palmer, pink, surf, navy, burgundy, charcoal, black
- Fabric content: 100 percent extra fine Italian Merino wool
- Description: Luxuriously soft sweater offering a gentleman's look and rich hand with natural performance

Pima Cotton Zip Neck ($150)
- Colors: burgundy, stable, surf, sendo, burnt orange, navy, prep
- Fabric content: 100 percent Pima cotton (made in Peru)
- Description: Classic sportswear pullover featuring contrasting neck and cuff detailing, a branded zipper and embroidered repp-shield 'D' crest appliqué

Traditional Rugby Polo ($140)
- Colors: navy, burgundy, sendo, prep, varsity, black
- Fabric content: 100 percent cotton (16 oz.)
- Description: Classic rugby with embroidered repp-shield 'D' crest on chest and 'D' icon appliqué on left sleeve, and authentic features such as a canvas collar, interior placket, sidesplit detailing and three-button placket with rubber buttons

Cotton Coolmax® Seersucker Pant ($120)
- Colors: navy, surf
- Fabric content: 62 percent cotton / 38 percent Coolmax®
- Description: Traditional seersucker look with classic feel, lightweight construction and ultra-technical performance, such as permanent moisture management and wrinkle resistance

Cotton Coolmax® Tattersall Short ($95)
- Colors: surf/pink, tocatta/navy
- Fabric content: 65 percent cotton / 35 percent Coolmax®
- Description: Preppy tattersall patterned short with classic fit, ultra-lightweight construction and technical performance, including permanent moisture management and wrinkle resistance

Speedo LZR Racer - a swimwear for beating records

Speedo's new LZR Racer swimsuit has caused a respectable amount of controversy for itself in the run-up to the Olympics. The innovative, NASA-aided design cinches up on a swimmer and promises to have a:

10 % less drag then fastskin fsII
5% less drag than fastskin fs pro
4% faster in starts, springts and turns compared to fastskinR FS-PRO
5% better oxygen efficiency compared to a normal training suit

48 world records were set this year before the olympics, 44 of those wearing the suit. And the technology inside this swimwear has really impressing everybody espescially on this ongoing Beijing Olympics. 8 records have fallen, and that number is certain to grow.

I happened to watch the Olympic games and I was astound by the results. Heat after heat, new record has getting beaten. And as I watch the event, majority of the swimmers are wearing this swim wear.

For details, these are the technology inside Speedo LZR Racer:

LZR PULSE

The suit is constructed from Speedo's unique LZR Pulse fabic. Ultra lightweight, powerful and water repellent, LZR Pulse reduces muscle oscillation and skin vibration through powerful compression. This fast drying fabric also offers low skin friction drag.

LZR PANELS

Ultra thin, ultra powerful, ultra low drag LZR Panels, embedded at strategic points on the swimmer's body deliver optimum streamlined shape and drag reduction.

CORE STABILIZER

The internal Core Stabilizer supports and holds the swimmer in a corset-like grip and helps them to maintain the best position in the water for longer.

BONDED SEAMS

The LZR RACER suit is the world's first fully bonded bodysuit. Ultrasonically welded, bonded seams create a perfectly smooth yet flexible streamlined surface.

ULTRA LOW PROFILE ZIP

Bonded into the suit to further maintain a smooth surface shape.

UNIQUE 3D THREE-PIECE PATTERN

Dynamically engineered to optimise the shape of the swimmer

Asafa Powell Debuts Leading-Edge Nike Zoom Aerofly

Nike’s deep focus on innovation for the Beijing includes work with one of the world’s fastest human beings – sprinter Asafa Powell. In his bid to reclaim dominance in the 100 meters, Powell today debuted the sleek and aerodynamically efficient Zoom Aerofly when he steps into the blocks in August.

The Zoom Aerofly is one of Nike’s most technologically advanced and lightest weight track and field offerings ever, designed to lock down the foot, grip the track, and provide advanced aerodynamic properties to shave valuable time off the clock.

Working closely with Powell and his style of running, Nike has incorporated leading-edge footwear innovation. Instead of more traditional stitched fabric panels, the upper’s super-strong, super-lightweight composition employs Nike’s revolutionary Flywire technology. Flywire emboldens the construction with 65 super-strong criss-crossed threads, or synthetic tendons, per shoe, woven from Vectran liquid-crystal polymer threads (a lightweight polymer. Like the cables on a suspension bridge, this construction method works to resist stretching, helping maintain lateral stiffness and locking in the heel and forefoot without adding extra weight. The heel-forefoot lockdown is further aided by Nike’s new lightweight lobe-technology collar, to help fill the area between the heel bone and ankle bone, helping avoid shoe slippage.

The Zoom Aerofly spike’s high-density glass-reinforced nylon spike plate, the same one Powell’s been wearing in his last two highly successful world-record seasons, provides a supremely strong and stable ride and amazing lightweight power transfer. The full-length plate is anatomically configured to work with the natural shape of the foot, keeping it in optimal sprint position. The eight-stud design allows for spike-length customization to accommodate any track and condition.

Weighing in at 186 grams (a normal track spike is in the 245-gram range), the wind-tunnel-tested Zoom Aerofly fits like a second skin. With Powell’s roughly 70 mph foot swing-through, the Zoom Aerofly helps reduce drag, in a sport where success is measured in hundredths of a second. In these shoes, says Nike’s Sean McDowell, “It looks like we spray-painted his feet.”

Powell’s Zoom Aerofly goes a step beyond the aerodynamic shroud, to also help tell the sprinter’s personal story. The upper offers a finish that emulates the spots on a cheetah – one of the world’s fastest sprinters – rendered in a fading Jamaican flag-esque white-to-yellow-to-green. This ultra-lightweight upper draws a further graphic distinction, converting some 10 spots into meaningful iconography for Powell. “We had many interviews with Asafa over the last few years as he prepares for the Games,” said Nike’s Sean McDowell. “These give him a little boost of inspiration as he steps up to the line.”

Spots include the image of the island of Jamaica, a speeding bullet, the likeness of one of his reggae music stars, a bass guitar (which Powell plays), a powerful and personally important biblical verse (Philippians 4:13), a fast car, the names of his deceased brothers Vaun and Michael, the “MVP” ensignia for his track club, and an image of the globe.

One of the world’s fastest men channels one of the world’s fastest creatures. Asafa Powell in the Nike Zoom Aerofly – it is destiny just waiting for the starter’s gun.

Highlights
• Nike’s most technologically advanced and lightest weight track and field offerings ever
• Super-strong, super-lightweight composition employs Nike’s revolutionary Flywire technology, using criss-crossed threads, or synthetic tendons woven from Vectran liquid-crystal polymer threads.
• Supremely lightweight at 186 grams)
• High-density glass-reinforced nylon spike plate provides a supremely strong and stable ride and lightweight power transfer
• Inspirational iconography

Olympics exhibition of fashion in sports clothing

The much awaited start of Beijing Olympics sparked yesterday and it's indeed quite marvelous. But aside from the competing players and the aim to reach for the gold let's still look at another part of this event which also plays an important role - the fashion in sports clothing in this Olympic Games. Different sportswear and the opening ceremony dresses to some extent reflect the various characteristics of each country.

We can find a variety of culture and customs through each outfit. The inspiration for many designs comes from national flags, especially their colors.

Italy

Italy deserves its reputation for being a fashion hot spot. I have always appreciated Dolce & Gabbana's designs. Its simple yet stylish look impresses many.

Australia

Their crisp, dark colors show their professional side, while the tie and scarf design depicts an elegant grace.

Germany

The German team does not wear black red and yellow – the colors of their flag – but a tasteful and classic gray and white combo.

France

Also known for its fashion sense, France keeps the Opening Ceremony bright with a hint of red.

Spain

Combining such flashy colors as yellow and red can be a challenge, but the Spanish excel, lighting up the Ceremony in the colors of their flag.

Greece

Greece chooses a summery and delicate white to grace the Opening Ceremony.