Wade Enterprises, LLC and Naked Brand Group, Inc. announced a
partnership between Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade and Naked, the fashion
and lifestyle brand. The three-time NBA Champion, 11-time All Star and Olympic Gold Medalist will spearhead Naked's “Role Models” campaign, join the Company's Advisory Board and serve as Creative Director for a signature collection of innerwear set to launch in 2016.
“When I first discovered Naked, I immediately loved the brand name as well as the fit and feel of the underwear,” said Wade. “I am very excited to partner with a brand that celebrates individuality and authenticity. What you wear underneath is the foundation for how you look and feel. Naked is taking innerwear to the next level and I look forward to helping them build the brand and the business.”
Naked believes Wade's lifelong passion for basketball, a highly accomplished career and his growing track record of success in fashion truly embodies Naked's brand philosophy.
“We are so thrilled to be partnering with Dwyane. He exemplifies the authentic character and personal success story that is core to the Naked brand,” said Carole Hochman, the CEO, chief creative officer and chairwoman of Naked. “I admire his commitment to style, the success of his other fashion and apparel partnerships and his intent to identify and partner with the emerging brands that will be the leaders of tomorrow. Dwyane is a proven champion on the court, but he also has a passion for style. The more I have gotten to know him and his strong personal sense of fashion, the more excited I am to work with him to create extraordinary products together.”
One of Wade's first initiatives with Naked will be to help launch Naked's “Role Models” campaign during summer 2015. “Naked is all about people writing their own story and being free to be themselves. We plan to build awareness and enthusiasm for Naked and our brand philosophy by sharing and celebrating the stories of men and women who live inspiring and authentic lives,” said Joel Primus, founder and president of Naked. “As a father, athlete and champion, whose personal motto is 'Make Your Own Way,' Dwyane is a true role model and the perfect partner for Naked.”
As part of this collaboration, Wade will also join Naked's advisory board, specifically focusing on helping Naked build brand awareness and achieve business goals. In this capacity, Wade has agreed to share his expertise and breadth of experience as it pertains to the growth of the Company.
In 2016, Naked and Wade will launch a Wade signature collection of innerwear for men and boys. In his role as Creative Director for this product line, Wade will work closely with Carole Hochman and her design and development team to create a collection with broad global consumer appeal. “I am eager to work with Naked to design a collection that offers standout style and comfort,” said Wade.
Wade's collaboration and endorsement agreement with Naked, which includes license to Dwyane Wade's name, image and other intellectual property, is multi-year, worldwide and exclusive in the category of Innerwear (underwear, undershirts, loungewear, sleepwear and robes).
