Fred Perry
This classic British clothing brand burst to life around the roaring success of the No.1 British Tennis player of the 1930’s, Frederick John Perry. As three-times Wimbledon champion, Fred Perry, as he was known, was classed as the World No.1 player between the years 1934-1938, and he won all 4 Grand Slam Singles titles.
With this highly respected position, it is not difficult to see how his collaboration in the late 1940’s with Austrian footballer, Tibby Wegner, in inventing an anti-perspirant device for the wrist, had a profound effect on British society.
From Sports to Fashion
Recognising Perry’s roaring success in the sporting world as a potential catalyst to launching the wristband into the fashion world, Wegner asked Fred Perry to put his name on it. Perry developed the idea into the famous sweatband that we know today, wore it at Wimbledon, and created a storm. The duo went on to design the knitted, pique sports polo-shirt with a three button placket in 1952. Once again, with Wimbledon as the showcase, the world fell in love with this sleek, fresh look and the Fred Perry clothing brand was born.
The Distinctive Laurel Logo
Having given 75 of his newly designed white polo shirts to Wimbledon players, the players suggested there should be a permanent reminder of Fred Perry on their shirts, in gratitude to this great man’s generosity. So inspired by a laurel on a cup won by Perry in1934, the laurel logo was designed and stitched onto the left breast of every polo-shirt. This unique, stitched-on logo set Perry apart from the inferior ‘iron-on logos’ of other competing brands at the time, elevating his clothing range to a desirable status as society perceived it to be of better design & quality. It is noted that even the Queen inquired about the popularity of these shirts, to which Perry replied, “Your highness, my clothes fit”.
This unique, stitched-on logo set Perry apart from the inferior ‘iron-on logos’ of other competing brands at the time, elevating his clothing range to a desirable status as society perceived it to be of better design & quality. It is noted that even the Queen inquired about the popularity of these shirts, to which Perry replied, “Your highness, my clothes fit”.
Fred Perry, Rock & Roll and Contemporary Culture
From this point on, the brand has rocketed and developed into a broader market. The original Fred Perry sportswear brand developed into accepted streetwear when first adopted lovingly by the Mods in 1959 & 1960's. The brand's affinity with music has grown closer after the legendary musicians, Paul Weller and Pete Townsend began to wear the brand with pride. With the Mod-inspired notion that the clean-look designs can be worn all night and still look amazing in the morning, Fred Perry clothing inspired youth cultures linked not only with sports heritage, but also with music culture.
The Brand Today
As the understated Laurel motif is inherited with ease and acceptance through generations, the ever-evolving Brit-pop & rock culture has allowed this revered brand to continue to re-invent its contemporary relevance today, whilst still retaining its image as a timeless, sports classic.
The distinctive Laurel logo has become legendary, and still lives on today as an inspiring reminder of the simple man who became a tennis legend.