UA x Richfresh Collab
11.06.2023

Under Armour and Richfresh Unveil Custom Suits for University of Notre Dame and University of South Carolina Paris Match Up

New collaboration brings luxury sportstyle to the first-ever women’s collegiate basketball game at the Oui Play Classic

Female athletes today are breaking barriers, shattering records, and making a historic impact on the future of sport. So why are they less visible than their male counterparts? While everything from pre-game training, to game-day fits and tunnel walks from a men’s game goes viral, female athletes of equal caliber still receive limited representation and exposure. Under Armour wants to change that and is committed to supporting the expansion of women’s sports and elevating female athletes worldwide.


As the women’s basketball teams from two Under Armour-sponsored schools—The University of South Carolina and The University of Notre Dame—go head-to-head in the Oui Play Classic in Paris, France on November 6, there’s never been a better time to raise awareness and make a statement. Under Armour is partnering with luxury tailor and designer, Richfresh, to elevate these athletes’ off and on-the-court experience by outfitting them in suits fit for the pros. Marrying sport, style, and culture into one iconic design, UA’s collaboration with Richfresh represents the future of Sportstyle at Under Armour and celebrates the journey each team will take to Protect This House.

“The Oui Play Classic isn’t being played in the States, it’s being played in Paris. This game is different, so the athletes and teams should feel different as a result. I want each player to feel elevated yet comfortable—like royalty but also like boxers ready to enter the ring. I want them to feel untouchable, appreciated, and deserving. The UA x Richfresh suits celebrate the athletes, coaches, and this historic moment for women’s collegiate basketball.”

Patrick “Fresh” Henry, Richfresh Founder & Tailor

Having over a decade of fashion experience and a unique eye for color, Patrick Henry, known as “Fresh”, created the brand Richfresh with a dedication to tailoring, a commitment to comfort and an indiscriminate use of double stripes as its hallmarks. Richfresh has become a name quickly known and admired amongst Hollywood and professional athlete elite, including the University of South Carolina’s own Coach Dawn Staley. UA and Richfresh collaborated to create two sets of custom suits for the University of Notre Dame and University of South Carolina athletes—each line proudly sporting the school colors.

 

The face-off between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will tip off the women’s NCAA basketball season and be the first time an NCAA regular-season basketball game has been played on Parisian soil. The Oui Play Classic is a significant step forward in the ongoing mission to provide a larger platform for women’s sports on a global scale, and Under Armour and Richfresh will use this moment and their collaboration to set a precedent for future women’s basketball games.

“When Under Armour became aware of the Oui Play Classic, we knew we had to get involved. Not only because two Under Armour schools are competing, but because it’s a historic step in the world of women’s collegiate sports. To celebrate this moment, we teamed up with the talent behind Richfresh to blend iconic style and UA innovation from head-to-toe, giving the athletes the confidence and swagger they need to compete on the world’s stage. Our goal is to elevate the athlete experience and embrace this historic moment in the fashion capital of the world.”

Sean Eggert, SVP, Global Sports Marketing at Under Armour

As these athletes set out to make their mark in the fashion capital of the world, they’re in prime position to demonstrate the increasingly important intersection of sport and style. Playing a key role in an athlete’s presence and their persona on and off the court, the Sportstyle category is one that Under Armour sees as essential for the future generation of powerhouse athletes. The UA x Richfresh collaboration intersects the grit of the game, the finesse of fashion, and the cultural context surrounding this event to make the female athletes and coaches feel like the icons they are.

"For this Sportstyle collaboration, we wanted to join forces with a designer that is authentic to the basketball community. I can’t think of anyone better than Richfresh. The close relationships he fosters with his clients speak to a collaborative spirit and a desire to make each player feel empowered and confident. This athlete-first focus aligns with Under Armour’s commitment to helping every player meet their full potential.”

John Varvatos, Chief Design Officer at Under Armour

Beyond providing players with stunning suits on the ground in Paris, Under Armour is also hosting a UA Next Youth Basketball Clinic for local Parisian teenage female basketball players to continue to empower the next generation of athletes. Participants will receive UA gear and access to mentorship from University of South Carolina and Notre Dame basketball players. 


Later this year, Under Armour will release a limited quantity of UA x Richfresh suits for purchase to South Carolina and Notre Dame alumni and fans. In addition, to take athletes and sports fans alike on the journey to Paris, Under Armour will release a digital docuseries that provides a behind-the-scenes look at this momentous occasion. From the collaboration’s inception, to the reveal of the final design, this series will highlight the creative spirit of two brands and two schools coming together to elevate a historic moment for women in sports.

“Our athletes are all very confident and already bring their unique feminine flair to their styles and personalities both on and off the court. They express themselves through social media, music, fashion and culture, and I’m excited for them to have the opportunity to take that passion one step further with their custom UA x Richfresh tracksuits in Paris.”

Niele Ivey, Head Coach, University of Notre Dame Women’s Basketball

Whether on their home court or in Paris, these female athletes deserve nothing but the best as they Protect This House.