When the University of South Carolina and the University of Notre Dame women’s basketball teams step out on the court today to compete in the Oui Play Classic in Paris, they’re going to look a little different.
The players and coaches of both teams, which are sponsored by Under Armour, will be sporting tracksuits designed by buzzy custom tailor Richfresh.
The goal is to elevate women’s sports to the same level as men’s where everything from pre-game training to tunnel walks are frequently featured on social media.
“The Oui Play Classic isn’t being played in the States, it’s being played in Paris,” said Patrick “Fresh” Henry, tailor and founder of Richfresh. “This game is different so the athletes and teams should feel different as a result. I want each player to feel elevated yet comfortable, like royalty, but also like boxers, ready to enter the ring. I want them to feel untouchable, appreciated and deserving. The UA x Richfresh suits celebrate the athletes, coaches and this historic moment for women’s collegiate basketball.”
Richfresh has focused on menswear throughout most of his career, working with NBA athletes such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Jrue Holiday, who have made clothes with their double stripe detail a coveted addition to their wardrobes. But working with women represented a bit of a departure for him.
“Working with women is a lot of fun,” he said. “I really like what’s happening in sports and women are really changing the game, so it was a privilege to team up with two of the biggest teams in women’s athletics.”
He said that South Carolina coach Dawn Staley is a friend and client, which made the collaboration even easier.
Henry said his design “played with more color and detail” than has traditionally been found in the team uniforms. “For Notre Dame, you always see navy and gold but you don’t see green very often unless it’s on a shamrock. So I thought it was really cool to pull that color out.”
And for South Carolina, Henry worked with the team’s traditional colors of black, crimson and white, but in an updated fashion.
The tracksuits are the latest iteration of Under Armour’s new focus on the sportstyle category, a more-elevated offering that straddles sports and lifestyle.
“For this Sportstyle collaboration, we wanted to join forces with a designer that is authentic to the basketball community,” said John Varvatos, chief design officer at Under Armour. “I can’t think of anyone better than Richfresh. The close relationships he fosters with his clients speak to a collaborative spirit and a desire to make each player feel empowered and confident. This athlete-first focus aligns with Under Armour’s commitment to helping every player meet their full potential.”
Henry added: “I’ve always been aware of Under Armour’s presence in the athletic industry with their footwear and apparel in particular. My business partner has a close relationship with the company and brought the conversation to me. The synergies were there and it made perfect sense. The experience has been seamless.”
“When Under Armour became aware of the Oui Play Classic, we knew we had to get involved,” said Sean Eggert, senior vice president of global sports marketing at Under Armour. “Not only because two Under Armour schools are competing, but because it’s an historic step in the world of women’s collegiate sports. To celebrate this moment, we teamed up with the talent behind Richfresh to blend iconic style and UA innovation from head to toe, giving the athletes the confidence and swagger they need to compete on the world’s stage. Our goal is to elevate the athlete experience and embrace this historic moment in the fashion capital of the world.”
As part of the event, Under Armour will host a UA Next Youth Basketball Clinic for local Parisian teenage female basketball players who will receive Under Armour gear along with access to the players from both teams.
“Our athletes are all very confident and already bring their unique feminine flair to their styles and personalities both on and off the court,” said Niele Ivey, head coach for Notre Dame women’s basketball. “They express themselves through social media, music, fashion and culture, and I’m excited for them to have the opportunity to take that passion one step further with their custom UA x Richfresh tracksuits in Paris.”
Later this year, Under Armour will release 100 UA x Richfresh tracksuits for purchase to South Carolina and Notre Dame alumni and fans. Pricing has not yet been determined.
Henry said that partnering with Under Armour was a milestone for him and his brand. “For them to put this much faith in me is huge and will open a lot of doors. I hope to be able to work with them in the future.”
The game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will mark the start of the women’s NCAA basketball season. It is also the first time an NCAA regular-season basketball game will be played in Paris.
