In the 80’s and early 90’s, starter jackets were a staple in urban and basketball fan communities. Last being produced in the mid 90’s, they will be hitting the shelves once again this fall.
During the 2013 NBA All-Star Weekend, Starter, owned by Iconix Brand Group, along with G-III Sports and retired NFL Champion Carl Banks, announced that the new Starter X NBA collection will be available in September. An invite-only suite at The Capitol in Houston was transformed into a temporary showroom for retailers, media and players to get a sneak peak of the new collection. Starter also made a limited amount of All-Star versions of the jackets available to visitors at the NBA Store at NBA Jam Session for $150.
“We are excited to work with the NBA to celebrate basketball fandom and reintroduce the iconic Starter Jacket,” president of G-III Sports and former NFL linebacker Carl Banks said.
After spending several of his years after football in the fashion industry, Carl has a depth of knowledge and experience with many apparel companies and is well prepared to take this next step in his entrepreneurial endeavors. Banks stated, “We look forward to honoring the brand’s sports heritage and fashion tradition, while also reaching a new generation.”
Starter is a household name that many seasoned basketball fans have missed in the last decade. The relaunch of their NBA jackets will bring a fresh look (pun intended) to sports fashion, inside and outside of arenas nationwide.
“We are thrilled to partner with G-III Apparel Group,” commented Seth Horowitz, President, Men’s Division of Iconix Brand Group. “We anticipate that the new collection will allow fans to represent their favorite teams, while showcasing the classic Starter jacket.”
Starter and G-III will deployed a full-court press in the marketing of their line. “Throwback†sportswear has done well with Mitchell & Ness — and the nostalgic flavor of the new starter jackets should not be much different.