Patriot adopts US college boy

Patriot Clothing is well schooled in the art of launching brands into the big wide world of fashion.
A long-nurtured relationship with US collegiate brand UCLA has now paid off for the importer and wholesaler in the form of the exclusive distribution licence for UCLA product in Australia and New Zealand.

As Ragtrader went to press, Patriot was in negotiations with Fashion Exposed organiser Australian Exhibitions and Conferences to grab a spot for the official southern hemisphere launch of UCLA menswear at the trade expo.
With retail prices at $50 to $60 for tees and around $60 to $70 for chinos, the brand was positioned for the mid-market and would concentrate on courting deals with niche retailers and chains rather than majors, confirmed Patriot Clothing director Barry Neivandt.

"The current range consists of around 140 SKUs - inclusive of colour ways - of men's fashion. We will also have the capability to give UCLA - which is designed and produced in the UK and US - its own Australasian spin in terms of market appropriate colours and styling.

We're looking at expanding the range into a more fashion focused offering including on-trend men's shorts, chinos, polos, hoodies and tees. We'll also be looking at launching a womenswear range next year," he said.

Neivandt - who runs Patriot as part of the Vangool & Neivandt set of businesses with co-director Hank Van Gool - described the deal as a significant enhancement to the business, which has also developed product for major fashion entities such as The Just Group, Quiksilver and Voyager Group.

"The UCLA brand certainly gives our business some diversity and a way of being more directly involved with the retail sector. It's also a ready-to-wear product and strong brand with a very distinctive heritage."

By Belinda Smart