ASAP fashion news archive - apparel industry news from before September 2005
This page is part of the ASAP fashion news archive on Apparel Search, which collected apparel, fashion and textile industry news from before September 2005. For current coverage, see the Apparel Search news page and the fashion blog.
From: ASAP
Australian swimwear company, Seafolly Pty Ltd has been selected by international sportswear company, NIKE Inc. to design, manufacture, market and distribute Nike Swimwear in the Asia Pacific region. The countries include Australia, New Zealand, China, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South East Asia. This comes at an exciting time for the Australian company, which aims to be the number one brand in swimwear, worldwide. Nike has partnered with Seafolly to produce and market its range of performance swimwear because of Seafolly’s 27 years experience in swimwear design and manufacturing. “The combination of these two great companies will definitely make a major impact on the performance swimwear market and set new benchmarks,” stated Anthony Halas, Managing Director Seafolly Pty Ltd. “This is especially great news for an Australian company. To partner with the world’s leading designer and marketer of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories to lead its swim category is indeed recognition of Seafolly’s expertise.” Seafolly’s production of Nike Swim is a natural progression for the family-owned company, which already has the fashion segment of the market covered with the Seafolly, Seafolly Girl and Bodypaint brands. The performance swimwear market has been an untapped opportunity for Seafolly. The Seafolly and Nike agreement will create a strong partnership that intends to compete against Speedo, the current market leader in Australia.
“Nike is committed to offering consumers the most innovative and inspirational products, and Nike Swim is no different. We have selected Seafolly as a partner for Nike Swim because of its heritage and success in the swimwear business,” said Jill Stanton, General Manager for Apparel, Nike Asia Pacific. Nike Swim will enter into the international arena of competitive swimming with designs reflecting the latest in swim technology and fabrics. Product categories under the Nike Swim brand will include men’s and women’s swimwear, together with accessories such as goggles, swim caps, kick boards, nose clips and ear plugs. Seafolly is now expecting to double its business over the next three to five years. The first Nike Swim range will be released to the trade in March 2003 and will be delivered into store in July.