FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Los Angeles, California—July 1, 1998
The Harley-Davidson Motorclothes Fall 98 debut was recently held at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, CA.
Fashion has always been part and parcel of the Harley-Davidson experience. It is fitting that this season’s debut of clothing for the biker is at the Peterson Automotive Museum, so close to Hollywood. Certainly, the movie industry has played an important part in the mystique and appeal of the biker image.
The late 60's saw many movies which defined the look of the American outlaw biker. Jack Nicholson began his career in these films and even played an important character in the seminal biker film "Easy Rider" starring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper.
With general merchandise sales upwards of 95 million dollars the market is booming for this icon of American motor technology and free spirit. So, to say that fashion and related accessories is just part of the marketing mix is an understatement. In terms of marketing a lifestyle, it is paramount and generates a respectable 5% of revenues for the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company.
Donna Peterson of Harley-Davidson Merchandising, explains that the success of the apparel division comes from the fact that their apparel and accessories have been designed for bikers by bikers. Leading the design team is Karen Davidson whose philosophy is "design with fit in mind." If it does'nt’t fit well, it won’t sell. Her designers are motorcycle enthusiasts and it shows.
This year marks the 95th Anniversary of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company of Milwaukee. So marks this debut as especially important for their retailers.
The Collection: Hit the Streets in Style, Fall 98!
Clothing and apparel from Harley-Davidson and its various licensees hit an exciting runway which was designed with a double yellow stripped roadway flanked by familiar road signs, loud music and flashing lights.
Harley-Davidson is the all American name in leather, jeans, belts and vests. They line classic black leather jeans down to the knee for superior riding comfort and safety. The popular basic skins vest is matched with a long sleeved logo emblazed Suplex T shirt with top stitching. The jacket features a removable lining. Fit is emphasized for this season.
Black leather chaps are still a staple for the Harley rider while denim jeans and coats round out the traditional look. For the men, bold color blocking gives a bold and aggressive look and for the women, a low-rider black denim pant is matched with a brightly colored Suplex T shirt.
A sexy look is highlighted with lace-up Melrose leather jeans and vests for women who ride shotgun on a Harley. This outfit is matched with a creme Suplex T shirt with contrasting trim.
A number of racing inspired crew jackets and pants are accented with vents and bold stripes. The men’s jacket has a diamond tufted removable lining. Team jackets come in creme with black and orange stripes and piping.
FXRG is their newest line of all weather riding gear. It incorporates the latest and toughest in fabric technologies and comes with removable linings, zippered flaps, and vents. For the traditionalist, they also come in top grade water-resistant leather.
The black FXRG riding suits are fitted with safety features such as Astrosorb padding on the shoulders and reflective piping and trim. FXRG abrasion-resistant Nylon options for men and women include a jacket or full riding suit. For added warmth, one can opt for exclusive FXRG layerings like vests and jackets or zip-neck jerseys and turtleneck sweaters.
Style and attitude with this pair of top quality leather
riding jackets for men and women.
The newest addition to the Harley-Davidson lineup is this all weather Nylon FXRG riding
suit.
Victor Osaka
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