Hip design house, Paul Frank, teams up with Deere
COSTA MESA, Calif (April 01, 2004) — There are certain American institutions that just seem timeless and classic (aside from mom, baseball, apple pie, and fireworks on the Fourth of July). Like John Deere, one of the oldest industrial companies in the United States, whose tractors, dozers, and lawn mowers have shaped, built and groomed America since 1837. Starting in Fall 2004, however, America will experience the juxtaposition of John Deere in apparel as interpreted by Paul Frank.
The collaboration will make its debut at the MAGIC Marketplace tradeshow Feb. 23-26 at the Las Vegas convention center with a special appearance by Paul Frank himself signing autographs from atop a John Deere utility tractor, parked on a neatly manicured lawn and surrounded by a white picket fence — pretty much the antithesis of slick.
In a one-year agreement with Deere & Company, Paul Frank Industries will produce clothing and accessories bearing the official John Deere logo. The collaboration includes product offerings such as pajamas, swimwear, outerwear, vinyl accessories, eyewear, and even sportswear for men and women. Prices will range from an opening point of $30.00 up to $110.00 for a limited edition women's vinyl handbag.
"Don't look for traditional licensed product to come from Paul's head, it's not gonna happen. Instead expect to find things you wouldn't normally associate with John Deere," says Ryan Heuser, president and co-founder of Paul Frank Industries (PFI).
Sometimes disenchanted with the slick product that's lacking in detail on the market today, Paul Frank's affinity towards and inspiration from traditional Americana brands like John Deere makes for a perfect collaboration between two companies that may seem mismatched on the surface – an industrial and farming institution firmly entrenched in its market, and a young upstart design house still bucking the system.
"We're very excited to collaborate with Paul Frank on this collection. They bring a fresh, unique look to John Deere that celebrates the brand's 167 year heritage," says Jeff Gredvig, Director, Brand Licensing for Deere & Company.
ABOUT PAUL FRANK INDUSTRIES
Founded on the simple principle of pure creativity, the design house of Paul Frank Industries specializes in originally created men's and women's sportswear accessories, pajamas, swimwear, intimates, t-shirts, and home furnishings. PFI collections are available at top retailers worldwide, including Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Macys, Kitson (Los Angeles), Colette (France), Selfridges (London), Bearns (Japan), and 13 Paul Frank stores worldwide. Recent company developments include license agreements with Vestal, Inc. for PF Timing and Baum Vision for PF Optometrics.
For more information visit paulfrank.com
Paul Frank is a registered trademark of Paul Frank Industries, Inc. and may not be used without the prior permission. Paul Frank Industries, Inc. © 2004 Paul Frank Industries
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