Possibly the biggest name within the cross over between tennis and fashion has to be Fred Perry. Frederick John Perry was one of if not the best British tennis player to ever grace the courts and alongside Rene Lacoste is credited with bringing colour and change to the tennis uniform and from this polo shirts, shorts and many other pieces including sweat bands and track tops were introduced to tennis from this. Fred Perry captured the fashionable eye of the British public in the 50s when the MODs and skinheads adopted the brand as their own, enjoying the fit and colours the polo shirts were produced in. This style saw the birth of the twin tipping on the collar and also the Fred Perry laurel logo used on the chest. Around the same time Rene Lacoste was developing his pique polo shirt, again in a variety of colours with a green crocodile on the chest. The crocodile idea dated back to a French Davis Cup match when Lacoste was bet he wouldn't win the game, he duly won and was presented with a crocodile skin bag. With it came a new nickname and a brand logo that is instantly recognisable across the world.
Fila Vintage and Ralph Lauren became involved in the lawn tennis much later than Fred Perry and Lacoste. Ralph Lauren due to their American roots sponsor the US Open with umpires, ball people and officials all kitted out in Ralph Lauren designed and branded kit with Ralph Lauren towels, jackets and polo shirts all being sold as official merchandise at the major tennis event. Fila Vintage shot to prominence when Bjorn Borg signed an exclusive sponsorship deal with the brand and before long the signature 'F' logo was seen on a variety of photos of Borg parading winning trophies. As Borg's tennis career moved on he became involved in the design of Fila Vintage and before long the Terrinda, Matchday and Settanta track tops were commonplace around Europe as were the Fila branded polo shirts and short shorts that have reappeared over the past few summer seasons.
So with these four key brands available at Mainline Menswear what better place to start your Wimbledon themed shopping?
Remember: Mainline Menswear are Trend Setters...Not Followers!!!
Want the latest news on Mainline Menswear? Why not visit the blog (blog.mainlinemenswear.co.uk)
# # #
Mainline Menswear is an independent designer menswear company and are authorised stockists of over 100 of the biggest designer brands in the world. Our product range is well over 8000 individual items and will only grow in 2011. Establised for six years.
