When Football Meets Fashion

Designs by Dennis Basso, Alice & Olivia, and Pamela Love Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

The Super Bowl XLVIII being held on February 2, 2014, has not only grabbed attention of the every day sport lovers, but has also sparked some fashion designers this year. The Super Bowl, watched by tens of millions of fans, has become so much more than just an athletic game. From the insanely expensive commercials to the half time show, which this year will be Bruno Mars, to the viewing parties, things are always exciting for fans around this time of year. For this Super Bowl, something even crazier is happening. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has partnered up with Bloomingdale’s and the National Football League (NFL) to create 48 one of a kind, statement striking helmets. Each of the helmets will be auctioned off with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the NFL Foundation. The NFL Foundation is a non profit organization that supports educational football programs, health and safety measures in sports, and community health initiatives. 

Rachel Zoe Helmet Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

 


Some designers include Diane von Furstenberg, Rachel Zoe, Donna Karen, Cynthia Rowley, Rebecca Taylor, Nicole Miller, and Kenneth Cole. Each design house has brought their own personal taste into the helmets providing plenty of options for any fashion-football fan. Helmets range from happy florals to mohawk streaks and even touches of Swarovski! Rachel Zoe's helmet, featured on the right, shows no fear in her love for sequins, covering the entire helmet.

Not only are the helmets creating a major buzz in the fashion industry, but Bloomindale’s has decided to start selling Super Bowl related gear. Although this is not a place one would look to find Super Bowl apparel, Bloomingdale’s has collided the worlds of fashion and football. The Super Bowl is one of the biggest cultural events for the US, so it’s about time the fashion industry has become involved. 

On January 15, 2014, at 5:00pm, Bloomingdales will unveil the helmets in the windows of its 59th Street flagship store and online. The Super Bowl is being held around the New York area, putting the flagship store a perfect point for the placement of these helmets. It’s a great marketing strategy for Bloomingdales as well as the NFL itself. With New York being the retail capital of the world and the Super Bowl being held nearby, this makes it the perfect opportunity for a new idea to evolve that will get the consumers excited. This is the first year the NFL will be working with Bloomingdales. They have never sold Super Bowl merchandise through their stores until now, reaching a whole new market of fans and giving the Super Bowl a new perspective. The display of helmets in the flagship store on January 15 will start off the auction in support of the NFL Foundation! The auction will run through February 4, with bidding starting at $248, recognizing the Super Bowl XLVIII. The bidding can be placed online at bloomingdales.com/superbowlhelmets. Crazy how two worlds can collide, isn’t it?