Bandana Fever

Ralph Lauren Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

Ralph Lauren designed the outfits for the U.S. Olympians, shown here at the Opening Ceremonies in Vancouver.

The new collaboration between local behemoth Levi’s and the New York shopkeepers-cum-coolmakers at Opening Ceremony premiered Feb. 19, and the party at the Union Square Levi’s store certainly showed it. The collection, a Pantone-popping palette of corduroy pants, jackets, shirts and shorts, was on dizzying display on the first floor.

The fashion, design and architecture sets were on the scene, each denizen hoping to score a gift bag. I peeked inside that of pal and interior designer Sally Kuchar, who was sporting one of the jackets in a toothsome curry orange, to find a logo T, a set of postcards from trendy photog Ryan McGinley and (this was my favorite) a little black Kevlar-covered button from S.F. design firm CITIZEN:citizen. Head citizen Philip Wood led a guerrilla marketing campaign before the launch. If you spotted bicycles, parking meters and mannequins around town wrapped a la Jeanne-Claude et Christo in corduroy, that work was Wood’s.

I returned to the Levi’s shop a couple days later to further paw the merchandise. At $150, these slim, straight cords don’t come cheap. But they are made in the U.S.A. and the fit is one of the truer sartorial stovepipes since Honest Abe’s headwear.

I’ll warn you that the pants are unisex, and rode a little high on the waist for me. Perhaps they’re more flattering to the female form.

Cards slugger meets Lakers star prior to Thursday’s game

They’re both champions. They’re both MVPs. Heck, they’re both Nike pitchmen. Yet until Thursday night, Albert Pujols and Kobe Bryant had never met.

Now, in addition to everything else, they’re both members of a mutual admiration society.

Pujols, along with several Cardinals teammates, made the trip down to Miami on Thursday to watch the Lakers-Heat NBA game at AmericanAirlines Arena. Most of the teammates — a group that included diehard Lakers fan Brendan Ryan, Joe Mather, Yadier Molina and Ruben Gotay — got photos with Bryant, the Lakers’ superstar. But Pujols actually sat down and talked with him for a good long while prior to the tilt.

“I did talk with Kobe,” Pujols said. “I got there about 5:30, watching practice for about an hour and a half. It’s just amazing, his preparation. When he was done, he was generous enough to come and sit down with me and [my son] A.J., and start talking about preparation and success and a little bit of everything. We kind of exchanged information. He told me to keep in touch and he would like to keep talking.

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In a combine featuring more than 1,000 players, it was not easy picking the top seven overall prospects. The Sunshine State’s top performers and an out-of-state headliner stole the spotlight in Orlando. Based on both combine performance and college potential, here’s our look at the RISE 7 from Saturday’s Nike Combine in Orlando.

Andre Davis, Jefferson (Tampa, Fla.) – Wide Receiver

Davis decided to make the short drive up Interstate-4 and test in Orlando. He has long arms and is a fluid athlete. The 6-foot-3, 185-pounder ran a 4.43 shuttle and had a 30-inch vertical jump. With his tall frame and vertical hops he creates a size disadvantage in one-on-one match-ups and red zone opportunities. He is one of the top receivers in the state and boasts offers from Miami, Florida State, Purdue, South Florida and Texas Tech amongst others.

Jabari Hunt-Days, Hillgrove (Powder Springs, Ga.) – Running Back/Linebacker
Hunt-Days is a well-built running back and linebacker. He showed great lateral agility with a 4.29 shuttle time along with the second best kneeling power ball throw of the day, 41-5 feet. The stocky 6-foot-2, 226-pound athlete posted a 104.31 SPARQ Rating. Toledo has offered and look for BCS schools to jump in the mix over the next few months.

J.J. Keels, Florida Air Academy (Melbourne, Fla.) – Running Back
There was not a better athlete on the field then Keels. We mentioned the all-around back in our preview article and he more than lived up to his top billing. The 5-9, 180-pounder recorded the top SPARQ Rating of 106.29 on the strength of his 4.51 40-yard dash and 38.2-inch vertical. Keels excels in the combine format, but he gets it done Friday nights too. Last fall, he eclipsed 1,800 yards rushing and accounted for 27 total touchdowns.

Tyler Moore, Countryside (Clearwater, Fla.) – Offensive Line
Moore impressed coaches with his 71.91 SPARQ Rating, the second best mark for an offensive lineman in attendance. Moore moves well at 6-5, 299 pounds. He demonstrated excellent quickness with a 4.75 shuttle. The Nebraska pledge will follow in his dad’s footsteps and play for the Huskers when he is expected to sign his intent for the Class of 2011.

Devondrick Nealy, Jefferson County (Monticello, Fla.) – Running Back
At 5-8, 173 pounds Nealy is a dynamic all-purpose back. He recorded a 4.76 40 and solid 4.62 shuttle in wet conditions. He displayed good straight-line speed and sudden burst quickness. The fleet-footed athlete reports offers from Ole Miss, Georgia Tech, Duke, Stanford and Florida International.

Sam Smiley, Raines (Jacksonville, Fla.) – Quarterback
The dual-threat QB checked in at 5-11, 166-pounds and the speedster athlete ran a 4.6 40. Smiley also finished with a 4.40 shuttle and 33.4 vertical jump. He is taking over the starting job next fall following the transfer of Herman Tapley to First Coast. The multi-skilled prospect claims an early offer from Illinois.

Quayshun Smith, Godby (Tallahassee, Fla.) – Defensive Back
Smith had a stellar combine showing. He sizzled with a 4.39 40 and 4.00 shuttle time. The 5-8, 157-pounder has explosive athletic ability and a game-breaking skill set. Off the gridiron, he stars on the Cougars track team and is a standout in the triple jump. So far he lists an offer from Arkansas and is receiving interest from other BCS programs for track.

Over the next week, ESPN RISE will have several items pertaining to the NIKE Orlando Combine. For complete coverage of the event be sure to check ESPN RISE daily.

Andrew Redington

Tiger Woods’ multiple mistress scandal may have cost him his marriage – but it also cost shareholders in his sponsors like Nike, AT&T and Gatorade $12 billion.

Tiger Woods is not the only one who blew big bucks with his image-busting cheating spree.

His losses are chump change compared with the up to $12 billion that the scandal has cost shareholders of his big-money sponsors like Nike, AT&T and Gatorade, a study revealed Monday.

“Total shareholder losses may exceed several decades’ worth of Tiger Woods’ personal endorsement income,” said study author Victor Stango, a professor at the University of California Davis.

The study compared the stock prices of nine Woods sponsors with competitors and the overall market after the scandal erupted last month.

Investors in the three sports-related companies – video gamemaker Electronic Arts, Gatorade and Nike – fared the worst, experiencing a 4.3% drop in stock value.

On the other hand, Accenture, a global management consulting firm, experienced no measurable ill effects from Woods’ fall from grace.

The national ad campaign “SLAP” stars Team Jordan athletes Carmelo Anthony, Derek Jeter, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul featuring the players’ journey to team building and success.

Today, Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE), unveiled its latest chapter of the “Become Legendary” a national brand campaign, entitled “SLAP.” This campaign shows today’s youth how important team-work is in the game of an athlete’s life.

“SLAP” headlines a national television ad campaign that is supported by an integrated marketing campaign starring Team Jordan athletes Carmelo Anthony, Derek Jeter, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul. The ad takes viewers through a series of quick visual cuts and invigorating audio on the players’ journey to team building and success, from the pain and frustration pushing each other to the limit, to the elation and satisfaction that comes with making it out on the other side.

“We chose the ‘SLAP’ ad to kick off the third season of the ‘Become Legendary’ campaign which embodies what our Brand represents,” said Sean Tresvant, Marketing Director of Jordan Brand. “The concept references Michael Jordan’s legacy of team leadership and features a roster of Team Jordan athletes carrying on his gift in the game today.”

“SLAP” will air on major networks including ESPN, TNT, FOX, and cinemas across the US beginning Sunday, October 25. Subsequent spots meant to connect with consumers on what it takes to ‘Become Legendary’ will air during seasonal sporting events including All-Star Weekend.

The integrated campaign is fully complemented with digital presence on www.Jumpman23.com, in-store retail marketing, and community, consumer and celebrity events throughout 2010.

About Jordan Brand

A division of NIKE, Inc., Jordan Brand is a premium brand of footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by the dynamic legacy, vision and direct involvement of Michael Jordan. The Jordan Brand made its debut in 1997 and has grown into a complete collection of performance and lifestyle products. The Jordan Brand remains active in the community by donating a portion of its proceeds to Jordan Fundamentals, an education grants program for teachers.

For more information on Jordan Brand, visit www.Jumpman23.com.

Sports apparel brand Nike has launched a pair of limited-edition Manny Pacquiao t-shirts a full week ahead of the famed boxer’s match against Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto.

The two shirts – called Nike MP Team Paquiao Eagle and Nike MP Tee – are reportedly “inspired by [Pacquiao's] phenomenal athletic journey” while training for his “Firepower” bout against Cotto in Las Vegas on November 15 (Sunday, Philippine time).

If Pacquiao wins over Cotto, it will be his seventh world title win in seven different weight classes.

Nike came up with the t-shirts to commemorate the possible historic feat.

Designs

The Nike MP Team Pacquiao eagle shirts come in two colors – black and red- and are printed on the front with a gold outline of a fierce-looking Philippine Eagle.

On the red version of this shirt variety, the eagle is embossed over a line of feathers in the background.

The shirts have “Nike Pacquiao identity crest” on the front which bear the letters “MP” (the boxer’s initials) crowned with three rays of a small sun – similar to the sun found on the Philippine flag. Underneath is the Nike swoosh.

The back part of the t-shirt is printed with “Team Pacquiao” and a Nike swoosh in gold script, along with another Nike Pacquiao identity crest near the nape.

The black Nike MP Tee, meanwhile, has the Nike swoosh on the front along with Pacquiao’s initials in red and blue. The back part of the shirt bears the statement “Lamang Gawin Ito.”

The exclusive t-shirts also have versions in the United States, where the back parts of the garment bears the tagline “Just Do It” in bold letters and the Pacquiao identity crest below it.

Mythic boxer

The Nike MP Team Pacquiao Eagle shirt in red (inset: back view of the t-shirt).

According to a press statement sent by Nike Philippines, the identity crest is a symbol of Pacquiao’s victories and Nike’s support for the Filipino boxing champion.

“Manny embodies the good sportsmanship and athleticism that Nike athletes possess,” said Mar Dichupa, Nike Philippines Marketing Manager, in a statement.

The Nike shirts, priced at P1,095, were officially made available in “limited quantities” on November 6 at select Nike stores nationwide.

In Metro Manila, the shirts are sold at Nike stores at The Fort in Taguig, Trinoma in Quezon City, and Glorietta 4 in Makati.

Nike is also set to auction off Manny Pacquiao merchandise, signed by the boxer himself, from November 12 to 15.

Proceeds from the auction will go to the education of young communities in Gawad Kalinga areas that were hit by typhoon Ondoy last month.

Pacquiao signed an endorsement deal with the Oregon-based multinantional company Nike USA in September 2006.

He was listed in Forbes Magazine as the 6th highest-paid athlete in the world with a net worth of $40 million in endorsements and fight earnings. He tied in 6th place with basketball player LeBron James and golfer Phil Mickelson. Photos courtesy of Nike Philippines.

Elton Brand’s second signature basketball shoe known to be the Converse EB2, a successor to EB1 is now available in White/Black/Red colorway. The sneakers’ main features include the Black Velcro strap across the midfoot with Red stitching with two-strap design across the same area, Converse logo on the side panel, and Elton Brand logo on the collar area. The White base also acquired a White midsole with Black forefoot and Red heel outsole.

Source

Nike Soccer+ and CTR360 boot connect innovative product design with the virtual and physical world of training to help improve player performance.

NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) today unveiled a new concept in game improvement: a unique digital coaching experience called Nike Soccer+, launched alongside the new CTR360 Maestri boot – a soccer boot crafted for the player looking to master control and make the difference come match day.

A unique user-code that comes with every pair of the boots allows access to exclusive training content from some of the biggest names in the game, including Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal and Andrés Iniesta of FC Barcelona.

The Nike Soccer+ and CTR360 boot connect innovative product design with the virtual and physical world of training to help improve player performance.

“We’re bridging the gap between the physical and digital world to give soccer players a competitive edge and inspire them through new experiences,” said Stefan Olander, Nike Global Brand Connections Director. “Nike Soccer+ is an exciting innovation for soccer players worldwide and a new development in training that will work hand-in-hand with our soccer products to deliver benefits to players at every level.”

Nike Soccer+ Online Training Experience

Nike Soccer+ allows amateur players the chance to tap into interactive video-based tips and drills developed by Nike’s elite soccer players and coaches.

Included with all CTR360 Maestri boots is a card with a unique user code. When entered online at www.nikesoccer.com this code unlocks unique user content to enable players to be trained by the experts. This training tool is also available as an Apple® App available for iPhone and iPod. Nike Soccer+ ensures players can connect with each other tracking and posting scores associated with different training drills.

The Master Control training drills are conceived and demonstrated by coaches from FC Barcelona, while other content includes players such as Cesc Fabregas and Andrés Iniesta demonstrating their signature moves.

The Master Control coaching is the first edition of the Nike Soccer+ coaching program and later programs will focus on other skill areas such as speed and accuracy. Each of the three programs is a 4-week training regiment.

CTR360 Maestri Boot

The CTR360 Maestri boot has been engineered for enhanced passing, close control and effective distribution. Nike designers paid close attention to key zones of the boot, with the outsole adjusted to maximize a player’s ability to trap and control the ball, while the upper has been refined at the key contact points for receiving and distributing the ball.

The boot is made from a unique synthetic upper called Kanga-Lite, which delivers the fit and feel of soft leather, but with the performance qualities of engineered fabrics. For years Nike material technicians have worked on developing a synthetic solution that achieves the fit and feel characteristics of traditional leathers. Kanga-Lite delivers this solution with a supple feel and upper that performs well in any weather condition, maintains its shape and doesn’t soak up water.

Nike Soccer+ can be accessed at www.nikesoccer.com from October 1st.

The CTR360 Maestri boot is available at retail globally and at www.nikestore.com from October 1, 2009.

This past Saturday adidas hosted a star-studded event for the official “kick off” of the UNDFTD superstar, David Beckham designed by Undefeated co-owner, James Bond. The event encased much of the adi spirit with many originators in the their own respective light in good company with the entire collaborative works on display.

The Marathon TR Mid was a part of the collection and featured a re-worked upper aside from the low key colorways with leather tassels added to the upper. Also, the ZX800 was shown in a zestful yellow/orange and blue hue navy/black colorway. Much of the collection also consist of jackets and hoodies that you can look forward to seeing drop closer to the winter months. Via Hypebeast

Tons of the pics after the jump!

There’s been much talk about the first billion dollar athlete.

Tiger Woods is supposedly on track to reach $1 billion next year, though his agent Mark Steinberg told us he doesn’t keep an official tally anywhere. And many mention LeBron James as the guy who is most likely to follow Woods.

But, at least according to one metric, they’ve already been topped by Michael Jordan.

It’s hard to say how much Jordan has reaped personally, but 2009 will be remembered as the year MJ was inducted into the Hall of Fame and the year that his Nike // [NKE 54.99 -0.43 (-0.78%) ]// brand, Jordan, topped $1 billion in annual revenue for the first time. It appropriately comes 23 years after Nike reached $1 billion in revenue for the first time.

The rise of Jordan as a marketing icon is an amazing story. The kid from the University of North Carolina, who had never worn Nikes before he signed his contract, made buying Air Jordans an annual ritual. And 6 ½ years after he played his last game, the business continues to grow. At more than $1 billion in sales, the Jordan brand now makes up roughly 5 percent of Nike’s overall revenues.

Consider these statistics, provided by SportsOneSource, a sports market retail tracking firm:

• The Jordan brand has a 10.8 percent share of the overall US shoe market, which makes it the second biggest brand in the country and more than twice the size of Adidas’ share.
• Three out of every four pairs of basketball shoes sold in this country are Jordan, while 86.5 percent of all basketball shoes sold over $100 are Jordan.

“The Jordan brand has established itself as the premium ‘designer’ brand in athletic footwear,” said Matt Powell, an analyst for SportsOneSource. “The breadth and reach of this line will never be duplicated.”

Nike Pro Combat is the feature product in “Alter Ego”, a television commercial featuring Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson

Nike (NYSE: NKE) today introduced a comprehensive campaign featuring NFL All-Pro players Adrian Peterson, Brian Urlacher, Justin Tuck and Steven Jackson. The campaign, entitled “Prepare for Combat,” features out-of-home marketing, print, online and broadcast content of some of the game’s top players while highlighting Nike’s innovative padding system called Nike Pro Combat.

Nike Pro Combat is a lightweight, breathable padded protective base layer ergonomically designed to provide sport-specific protection to athletes without restricting flexibility. Introduced in competition at the end of the ’08-’09 college football season by a number of teams competing in Bowl games, Nike Pro Combat is currently available at retail.

Nike Pro Combat is the feature product in “Alter Ego”, a television commercial featuring Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. The spot, directed by David Fincher, will begin airing during Thursday night’s nationally televised (NBC) NFL season opening clash matching the Tennessee Titans against the host Pittsburgh Steelers. The ad will run through several weeks on major networks and cable channels including ESPN, ABC, Fox, NBC, NFL Network, MTV and BET.

Peterson’s dynamic talents and powerful on-field persona are portrayed in “Alter Ego”, but it’s the image of last season’s NFL’s rushing leader sitting on front of his locker at game’s end that provide the title for the ad. A 3-D overlay treatment of the distinctive Nike Pro Combat deflex pattern on Peterson’s skin is symbolic of an implied transformational experience for athletes who wear the product, and creates a visually compelling closing to the ad.

“This is an exciting time in the sports calendar, the kick-off of the football season,” said Ken Dice, Nike’s Vice President, North America Marketing. “The campaign captures the energy, power and speed of football. We put a spotlight on our new Nike Pro Combat protective gear which can help athletes on all levels become a more dominating force on the field.”

In advance of the television commercial, which was produced in cooperation with Portland, Ore.-based advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy, Nike launched print ads featuring Peterson, Urlacher, Tuck, and Jackson. The print ads feature each athlete individually posed wearing the Nike Pro Combat Deflex Short along with the tag line “Victory Won’t Come Find You. You Must Seize It.” Nike will also unveil several billboards featuring Peterson, Urlacher and Tuck in Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York and Chicago.

To coincide with the launch of its “Prepare For Combat” campaign, Nike will also launch COUNTDOWN2COMBAT on www.nikefootball.com. COUNTDOWN2COMBAT is a digital feature that provides high school football players with fresh content daily such as tips and motivational videos, Nike gear spotlights, wake-up calls from Nike football athletes; as well as free music downloads. COUNTDOWN2COMBAT was produced in cooperation with R/GA.

To pump up athletes before the game, Nike partnered with Island Def Jam, Universal Motown, and Interscope Records to remix some of today’s biggest hip-hop tracks with Nike’s elite NFL players to create Game Day Remixes. Every Thursday, the songs will be available for limited download on www.nikefootball.com and for purchase on iTunes. Songs include “Always Strapped (Nike Sport Remix)” featuring Birdman, Lil Wayne and Adrian Peterson, and “Ain’t I (Nike Sport Remix)” featuring Yung LA, T.I., Yung Dro and Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson.