G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. has launched Hands High, a licensed sports apparel line inspired by Tonight Show host and comedian, Jimmy Fallon. The collection features team logos in a new place – beneath your arms.
“Say you’re at a big game,” Fallon posed in launching the collection in mid-October on his show, “what do you do when your team wins or scores a touchdown or makes a great play?” He then raised his hand while questioning, “Why isn’t there anything in the armpit. That’s prime real estate!”
Fallon, known as one of the most high-profile sports fans in Hollywood, said G-III was the first company he went to with the idea and they immediately signed on. He joked, “Luckily, they talked me out of the name Pitz.”
Fallon worked with the G-III design and sales team on all aspects of the project. The collection will feature professional team logos from the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL.
“I’m so excited to team with G-III, who took my vision and made it a reality,” said Fallon in a statement. “Hands High will fire up crowds to cheer with their hands in the air and bring the thrill of the game to a whole new level of fun.”
“To have a truly new, compelling idea in the fashion arena is rare,” said Morris Goldfarb, G-III chairman and CEO. “We are excited about this new product line, which we believe will be a complementary addition to our team sports business. We look forward to partnering with Jimmy Fallon with respect to the Hands High concept and other ideas in the future.”
Hands High will initially consist of men’s t-shirts, long sleeves tops, zip hoodies and pullover sweatshirts. T-shirts will retail for $35 and a fleece hoodie will retail for $75 or $80. In addition to logos under-the-arms, Hands High merchandise will feature team logos and other design elements on the front.
Following the launch of men’s product in October, G-III has plans to expand the Hands High collection with additional women’s and youth apparel. The launch will be supported by an integrated media and marketing program.