FRED PERRY

Fred Perry is an iconic British brand, known for bringing together the worlds of Tennis and fashion. Born in Stockport, England in 1909, Frederic John Perry began his sports career with table tennis and won the world championship title two years in a row at only 19 years old. A legend was about to be born. When he switched to lawn tennis, his exceptional forehand and remarkable agility led him to the mythical Wimbledon tournament and then the Australian Open, which he won with flying colors. In total, he won 10 major tournaments and was recognized as the first British player to win a Grand Slam. At the age of 27, Fred Perry moved to the United States as an accomplished tennis player. There he gave tennis lessons to Charlie Chaplin, Errol Flynn and the Marx Brothers and got involved with show business. He quickly discovered his business acumen and bought the very chic Beverly Hills Tennis Club. His charms and British chic turned him into a true fashion icon. Fred Perry always dressed well and in 1953 he launched his first short-sleeved tennis shirt made of piqué cotton, marking the beginning of the M3 polo shirt. Comfortable, practical and polished at the same time, it was worn by Fred Perry himself as well as by many players. When the white piqué polo shirt appeared on television, it became widely popular. Its logo? The laurel wreath that was once embroidered on the England team's uniform, now adorned polo shirts for all, making Fred Perry one of the first brands to transition from sportswear to streetwear. The most famous model? The M12 with double piping on the sleeves and collar, featured in all colors. Soon enough the brand introduced its first pair of sneakers. Over the years, Fred Perry continued to affirm its credibility in European fashion with a refined style, innovative collaborations, appeal to subcultures and polo enthusiasts alike.