By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Perry Ellis is on to a winning strategy, partnering with star NFL player Tua Tagovailoa, the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins.
Under the terms of the deal, Tagovailoa will serve as the global ambassador for the brand, which will include the launch of a branded collection set to debut in summer 2024, and inspired by Tua’s Hawaiian-Samoan heritage.
“We’re incredibly excited to unveil a long-term partnership with Tua,” said Oscar Feldenkreis, President and CEO of Perry Ellis International, Inc. “As a remarkable talent, both on and off the field, Tua is the quintessential Perry Ellis man.
“In his position as a star quarterback it’s all about performance, and he is “Always Ready to Make the Play” which complements our brand ethos Always Ready. We’re proud to welcome Tua to our own team as an ambassador and creative inspiration.”
Speaking of making the plays, Tagovailoa showed off his talent on the field Sunday, when the Miami Dolphins put on an offensive masterclass, defeating the Denver Broncos 70-20 in their home opener.
That’s the second most points by a team in a regular season game in NFL history, and in fact, the Dolphins could have broken the record simply by kicking a field goal, but opted to take a knee.
Tagovailoa played a literally perfect first half, completing 16-of-16 passes for 206 yards, with two touchdowns and zero interceptions to lead the team to a 35-13 lead. Tagovailoa is the first quarterback since 1991 to complete 15-plus passes without an incompletion and throw for 200-plus yards by halftime.
In addition to serving as an ambassador for the brand, the partnership extends to a product collaboration, set to launch in Summer 2024. Tua and Perry Ellis are working closely together throughout the design process to tell a layered story, authentic to his heritage and the contemporary sensibility of the brand.
Using elements like earth and water for inspiration and as a vehicle for innovation, the collection emulates the lush mountains, oceanic horizons and the bright florals and textual foliage of the islands. Examining the artistry of Hawaiian-Samoan life and the symbiotic relationship between the Earth and its people, Tua and Perry Ellis aim to represent the native Hawaiian and Somoan islands in an authentic manner. In a stroke of serendipity, the tropical sensibility of the collection seamlessly connects to his new home on the verdant Florida coast.
“Versatility, optimism and inclusion are just a few values that Perry Ellis continues to emulate through their designs and their business,” says Tua Tagovailoa. “I’m excited to be working so closely with the Perry Ellis team and to have the full support of an iconic American brand.”
In addition to their creative collaboration, Perry Ellis is extending its support to Tua off the football field by partnering with the Tua Foundation. This partnership will focus on youth initiatives, health and wellness programs, and various charitable causes.
In light of the recent natural disasters in Hawaii, the Tua Foundation is actively dedicating its resources to assist Maui families affected by the devastating wildfires.
For more about the partnership and Perry Ellis, visit www.perryellis.com and follow @perryellis on social media.
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