Fred Perry Releases A Limited-Run 'Philippine' Polo Shirt
Among the iconic makers of the polo shirt, Fred Perry is the British one founded by three-time Wimbeldon champion and sports icon Fred Perry and (would you believe?) an Austrialian footballer Tibby Wegner.
The pair did not first make the twin-tipped polo shirts we know today, but instead created the very first sweatband with a laurel leaf emblem, a logo based on Wimbeldon's own.
Perry introduced his version of the tennis shirt next. It was a trim, light, and all-white creation that, not only suited the gentlemanly sport of chasing around a yellow ball, but also filled that need for very stylish leisure wear.
His polo shirt was a hit among many. A wide swathe of subcultures, in fact, made it their uniform, from the Mods to the Skinheads, the Punks to the plain ol' dandies. Later on, musicians put it on, giving it life in the modern age and cementing its unique character among the other makers of polo shirts.
Unlike its peers, like those French guys, who is loved by the older set (in other words, chic), or the American fellas, which is the choice of the preppy set (in other words, louche), the British clothier have built a persona as the uniform of the more fashionably inclined (in other words, cool).
It is no different over here. Fred Perry celebrates a decade in the Philippines, and to mark the milestone, it presents a special version of its original twin-tipped polo shirt: made in England, in black and white, and emblazoned with “Philippines 10 years.” Only 200 pieces are available.
More fun things over at its Subculture website. The label curates a video series starring the people who has helped shape Fred Perry as a community in the Philipppines. Dressed, of course, in FP threads, Jappy Gonzalez, Jay Taruc, Kerwin Go, Par Sallan (who we think has the most interesting clip), and more reveal the dear things that occupy their mind. These shorts say a lot about how the brand has carved a space in the country. It is the clothes of choice for very interesting people.
And tomorrow, the celebrations culminate with a party, at hotspot XX XX, headlined by iconic British frontman Terry Hall. The guest list is closed, but you can get the polo shirts from Fred Perry shops around the city. Hurry.
fredperryph10.com
