The Best of The Rest: Interview with Made to Measure Magazine

                              North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers 

                                            and Distributors Awards   2010

Las Vegas, venue for this year's Convention where awards were presented for the most outstanding uniform programs.  The two primary categories:  Safety, and Images of the Year (IOY).  The first--uniforms for those who serve to protect our population; the second--best designs in uniforms that enhanced a product, place, and concept.

Within these two areas, there were a total of 22 awards.  Each award represented a winning category as well as its own unique presentation.  Several awards were given to the same manufacturers, whose talents and creativity spanned multiple ideas and designs.

For over 30 years, NAUMD has been recognizing efforts to create styles that enhance the presentation of these groups.  Each primary category had multiple criteria, many of which were similar in terms of durability, wearability during the tasks performed on the job, fabrics and designs utilized for image enhancement as well as practicality and comfort.  Other characteristics were unique unto themselves:  Projection of confidence, reassurance, and organization were key for the Safety programs; IOY programs effused end-product quality, keen marketing dynamics that projected a unified and focused brand & theme,  and identity that customers could grab on to and remember.   Competition was tough.

No matter the area of expertise, the concept of the whole presentation was paramount; recognition and identification with intent and purpose of the program, was the final nod for an outstanding uniform apparel award.  "New technologies, fabric enhancements and innovation in design and composition are key to being named the best of the best!" exuded Richard Lehrman, President and CEO of NAUMD.

*

Red the Uniform Tailor scooped up two awards in the Safety category.   Michael Buck worked with the University of Delaware Police, garnering the "University Police Department Award," and Bruce Klein headed up the Old Saybrook (Connecticut) Police Department , winning kudos for the outstanding "Police Department Under 50 Officers."

While both men sponsored entirely different departments, the representation from Red's was of equal excellence in both areas.  The U. of Delaware Police was a force of 60 officers, all dressed the same, with incredible attention to detail.  If you can believe it, the gold thread color from the shoulder emblems, hash marks, and chevrons--used to denote rank--was the exact same shade of gold as the inlaid gold cloth striping on the pants.  The uniform pants were a poly wool serge with a terrific matching Class "A"  military dress blouse, sporting wide shoulders and a narrow waist with room for a Sam Brown styled gun belt to be worn over the top.  The General Pershing styled hat complemented the ensemble.  The shirts (long and short sleeved) were a lighter weight than the coat and pants--11 oz. or 8 oz, whereas the outer garments were a 14 oz weight.  The shirts had sewn-in creases, double elbows, reinforced pockets,  a hidden zipper front; everything was attended to meticulously. 

The reason for this year's win with the University is that the group, itself, decided to stop using off-the-rack items, and decided to customize the exact same design it had used for years, but with better fit, fabric, quality, and attention to the people's figures who were wearing the uniforms.

*

Old Saybrook, on the other hand, was sporting a brand new design, purchased with money that the 20 person department had raised itself, spearheaded by its new Chief of Police, Michael Sperta.   There's a story regarding the history of the force, but essentially, when the old chief retired, the old uniforms went with him.  Red the Uniform Tailor, under the design and direction of Bruce Klein, came up with P&F  blue and lighter blue garments that not only had an official image, but some razzle dazzle as well.  The fairly standard styled garments had squared off knit ties, and "trooper" cowboy hats.  

Sperta is quite a showman, and he introduced the new uniforms on stage--the old uniforms and retiring Chief vanishing behind a closing curtain; at once opening again, with the new Chief and new uniforms.  "Image is everything in this business," said Bruce.  "How a department looks and presents itself is what makes the difference between an agency that can solve a situation with speech, vs. the agency that gets into the brawl.  If the uniform is so classy that no one wants to mess it up, then the officers will be less willing to fight, and the instigators will be less willing to engage."

Klein and his brothers, Barry and Harvey, own Red's.  Begun in 1977 as a security guard manufacturer, the corporation now offers several different brochures with multiple thematic concepts:  Everything from police to cocktail waitresses.  No matter what the company does, however, the same intensely personal focus is attached to each order--thread, fabric, buttons, design, quality fabric, appropriateness for the weather, practicality, economy, and use.  A very fine group, supported with superb sales people such as Michael Buck, Red the Uniform Tailor was easily deserving of its two awards.

*

Perfection Uniforms, manufacturer, was presented to the West Virginia Sheriffs' Association  by loyal dealer, Ronk's Uniform Center.  Winner of the NAUMD award for "Special Organization,"  Miranda Brock told about a people invested in its state, and in its uniforms.  With a designer who hummed, "Take me home, West Virginia," as he created the concept for the 65 counties whose members all decided to wear the same uniform, including patrol cars with paint that was matched to the fabric of the garments in order to blend everything into the rugged backwoods terrain of the state, the story of the West Virginia Sheriffs is a unique one.  "We appreciate customers who inspire what we do; it's because of them that we're growing," said Miranda.  "The recession has allowed so many people to have so many choices.  They could go anywhere, but they chose us."

800 members of every single department in the state chose Perfection, a new and small-based company that was affiliated with such a large order for the first time, and it literally took years to complete, in part due to funding.  It was a genuine grass roots project to get these folks in proper attire.  Functionality and comfort, including water repellency, were primary.  The colors were black for the shirts, as well as the trouser stripe, and grey for the pants, themselves.  Perfection provided the garments, alone.  All accessories were provided by others, and the groups worked in combination with one another to create a winning team.

The sentimentality for the project was focused on boosting officer morale, being non-invasive or frightening to the public, and reminding the public of who was in charge.  Originally, another company had the account, but Perfection added such perks as better technology, stain resistant fabrics, a gusset in the crotch, and an expandable waistband.   The sheriffs in West Virginia won this award, and it was just that--perfection.

*

A tie.  Yep.  For the "County Sheriffs' Departments" award, it was a tie between Guidry's Uniforms for the Vermillion Parish Sheriffs' Department, and Nye Uniforms for Roscommon County Sheriffs' Department.

Tom Meagher purchased 62-year old Guidry's, in 1980.  A safety apparel family-owned retailer,  this 12,000 sq. foot establishment prides itself on ready-to-wear garments that are then completely customized to fit the customers' sizes and need for unique styling.    The Vermillion Parish had its share of tragedy with the Louisiana storms of Katrina and Rita.  Many of the deputies' lives were washed out or partially ruined.  Thus, when the new Sheriff wanted something new for his Departments, he came to Tom, not only with unique ideas in mind, but with a need for budget, a moral boost, and practicality as well.

Ordering from only the best--Blauer, Fechheimer, Southeastern, and Smith & Warren, Guidry's customized the basic garments, identifying rank, too.  The royal pants with a piggyback stripe in yellow-gold and silver, a tan shirt with royal and the yellow-gold, the waterproof LAPD navy jacket had a removable lining, and was a Smokey Bear hat with royal: A totally new look in Louisiana. 

Approximately 450 sets of uniforms were made of polyester-gabardine garments are American-made, don't fade, easy-care, less expensive, washable, and water resistant.  "Service, trust, long-term relationships, and quality are the secret to customer relationships," said Tom.  "Our focus is on staying positive."

  

Nye's Uniforms in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a distributor, rather than a manufacturer.  His uniforms are often made by Red the Uniform Tailor, whom Bill Nye feels is the best, anywhere.  But Nye, himself, is a fine salesman, and put together an excellent program for the 30 dress blouses  in tan and brown that distinguished the multiple departments  of officers who heretofore had nothing but a basic off-the-shelf shirt and pants.  For 75 years, Nye has been providing superb garments for public safety apparel.  By reversing the colors of the garments, these blouses varied for each department: Correctional, Road Patrol, S.W.A.T. members.  Some wore hats, some didn't.  The fellows picked the best 16.5 oz. elastique poly wool available.  Top drawer. 

Originally, Nye's handled the Roscommon Department, lost it to a cheaper bid, then got it back a year or so ago: Quality and good service overrode fewer dollars.  The Sheriff wanted everyone to have a good looking dress uniform; hence, he collected the money, and over time, department by department, the town has paid for these garments.  Each member is "taped," or custom measured rather than fitted with try-on's.  Every detail is paid attention to.  All accessories that go with the department and the task are provided.  Is it any wonder that Nye's Uniforms have been NAUMD winners for the last four years?

*

"Best State Agency" winner was the California Highway Patrol--a Fechheimer customer for decades.  6,800 officers are outfitted in the tightly specked uniform code of standards.  According to Fred Heldman, "While multiple companies are authorized to service these officers, there's no question that Fechheimer won the award due to experience and expertise in uniform manufacturing, and particularly high-end tailored garments."

The uniform consists of wool and wool blends--best for appearance, comfort and durability.  High-profile representation in California through well-established retail companies, provides in-stock services and expert tailoring facilities.

The uniform projects authority, in part as a result of constant inspections to check for uniform maintenance and fit.  The uniforms are traditionally khaki colored with a campaign hat and blue & gold trouser braid.  The dress uniform includes a green jacket and a royal blue tie.  Cold weather and utility uniforms are dark blue. 

*

Outstanding "Special Agency" award goes to Galls-Aramark for the U.S. Mint Police.   Nine years ago, Galls took over the Mint contract under the supervision of Molly Roberts.  The Mints include the six American facilities that produce coin and store gold at Fort Knox.  Aramark purchased Galls in 1995; the latter is a distributor of safety apparel and accouterments.  For the Mint, alone, the contract called for over 200 separate worn items to be provided in mass quantities.

The appearance of the officers, honor guards, and operations teams--used for transportation of the coinage, and protection in the Mints, themselves--was key to the award.  "The Mint prides itself on classy, traditional look with new innovations as they are developed," reflects Molly.  Different garments for different locations, the use of Cool Max and Under Armor for comfort, a classy clean look that is very professional, all go into the makeup of a top-notch set of garments. 

They are navy blue, no striping.  Hats very with division and function.  The outerwear depends on climate.  All badge and patch applications were made and/or applied in-house at Galls.  The goods is poly wool, everything the same weight.  The more specialized the particular uniform, the more varied the fabric--durable, colorfast, everyone wearing the exact same color.  There are no counterfeits in the quality of the uniforms, nor in the manufacture of the money: Galls is professionalism at its best with its second win for the Mints.     

*

Newfoundland, originally a British Canadian province, still has constabularies for its constables, rather than police departments; hence,  R. Nicholls' Distributing, Inc. won the award for the best "Canadian Safety Department--" the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.  Brian O'Connor represented his account, which had its uniforms made by Perfection Uniforms.   Nicholls's is a uniform distributor, also with its own private label brand, that sells to law enforcement groups.

The fabric for these uniforms is polyester and recycled pop-bottles with polyester.   They are navy with royal braid.  The pants are a cargo style, a standard police-styled cap, and outer body armor.  There is tremendous attention to detail and comfort, with the crotch gusset, expandable waist, wicking inside the garments, and repellency outside of them.  The shirts have a stretch in the underarm.  280 members wear the exact same 1,120 uniforms, other than ranking on the sleeves and collars.

The entry design is basically the same as it was in the past, but Perfection's new attention to detail is what convinced the Constabulary.  Brian states that Nicholl's solicited the Department.  "We were big enough to handle the order, we were new, they liked our product, and they liked Nicholls's."

*

The biggest winner in either the Safety Apparel category or the IOY, was Cintas Corporation--four awards, each for a different uniform program in the Image of the Year division.  Cintas Corporation, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, provides highly specialized services to business of all types around the world.  It designs,   manufactures, and implements corporate identity uniform programs, providing apparel and supplementary items.  For the 11th straight year, Cintas swept with:  "Healthcare--" Florida Hospital Cardiovascular  Institute; "Hotel Single Unit (United States)--" The Pierre Hotel; "Restaurants Fast Food--" The Panda Express; "Cruise Lines--" Royal Caribbean of the Seas.  Andi Vance provided information that covered all four separate and unique venues.

In the healthcare category, Cintas developed an apparel program for five different departments within the Florida Hospital Cardiovascular Institute.  To complement the corporate color palette, the scrubs incorporate a complete custom color program centered around the color cinnamon.  In addition, Cintas designed a patterned trim with a custom heart-shaped design along with the Florida Hospital logo to honor the focus of the renowned organization.

"This prestigious award truly reflects the integrity of our apparel program," said Danielle Johnson, Assistant Vice President of the Hospital.  "This facility is committed to quality care, so we wanted a uniform program that reflected our brand, while enhancing the job functions of each employee.  By working with key personnel throughout the process, Cintas helped us to develop a program that met everyone's needs."

*

The Pierre Hotel in New York is a luxury apparel program balancing the high-class nature of the age-old establishment with the durability and comfort necessary for work.  The Cintas winning designs combine traditional European styling with form and function to enhance the guest experience and celebrate the hotel's $100 million  renovation.

"Cintas developed a luxury collection that echoes our brand and the environment in which our employees serve," said Hekio Kuenstle, General Manager of The Pierre Hotel.  "We wanted to set the standard for outstanding hospitality, and an award-winning uniform program further sets us apart from the competition."

*

For the Panda Express, it's important to showcase a top-of-the-line apparel program for the back of the house staff, because the fast food restaurant operates with an exposed kitchen.  The Asian-inspired uniforms include black complementary chef and cook tunics, each with red accents and the iconic Panda Express logo on the right arm and back.  The chef version is differentiated by a Chinese character trim.  A traditional skull cap has been updated and re-thought to include mesh panels and adjustable straps.  Both uniforms are paired with four-way reversible aprons.

"Panda's mission is to deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences to our guests during every visit.  When guests enter a Panda Express, we want to 'wow' them in all five senses and showcase the culinary skills of our chefs preparing delicious Asian cuisine with fresh ingredients," said Nader Garschi, Executive Director of Concept Innovation at Panda Express.  "Cintas was a great partner in executing that goal by creating a cultural connector uniform that properly reflected the higher quality of the Panda Express brand."

*

For the cruise line award, Cintas created day, evening, and formal wear garments to enhance the new Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas' "Neighborhoods" concept.  This concept provided vacationers with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences, based on their personal styles, preferences, or moods.  The garments feature a blue theme for day, and black charcoal for night.  Formal wear can be difficult to maintain when dry-cleaning services are not available, but the custom poly-wool blend is both easy to care for and durable.

"We are honored to have four programs selected for these prestigious awards," said Bill Goetz, Cintas' President and Chief Operating Officer of Global Accounts and Strategic Markets.  "These awards are a testament to the way our designers and merchandising team are able to work with our customers and create functional fashions that match any aesthetic."

*

Moving into "Transportation" and the Image of the Year awards,  Hawaiian Airlines was captured by four-and one-half year old company, Apparel Solutions.  Two fun, hardworking, entrepreneurial fellows--Ron Steel, who has years of uniform experience, and his partner who is an IT genius, have combined to create this fabulous company. 

Hawaiian, in honor of its 80th anniversary, decided to celebrate by getting all new uniforms, and giving the airline a completely revamped look.  They remodeled and re-decorated.  More muted tones permeated the planes, the ticket counters, and baggage.  Apparel Solutions was responsible for the attendants, the ticket counter folks, and the baggage men: "Above the wings and below the wings," as Ron referred to the various employees. 

Hawaiian has been the top-ranked on-time airline for years, and just as it has paid keen attention to detail, so Apparel Solutions paid attention to every tiny detail to the 2,300 uniforms in multiple styles of teals & azure prints with solid greys.  Everything from day-glo orange T-shirts to elegant blazers and skirts were collected and presented to the airline. 

One of the best aspects of the program is that every employee was given his own access to the website, with a special catalogue for the Hawaiian Airline products, each customized for that employee's particular job, having points available for dollars to spend, and availability to order in the necessary size! With the time-zone changes, it was a uniform salesman's dream.

The styles were very very much a part of the brand--the Asian look.  The buttonless blazers have mandarin collars; neither the shirts, blouses, or blazers are allowed to have pockets, all buttons are monochromatic and match the color of the garments, and wherever possible, there are no buttons at all.  Minimalist.  Simple.  An HMS fabric, 8.5 oz, a beautiful, soft hand. Sophisticated, elegant, and easy to wear.

**

Lion Uniform Group, a G&K Services Company, is the manufacturing and direct purchase division of the corporation.  Jeanna Peifer, Vice President & General Manager was proud of the talented and diversified company that won two NAUMD awards: for best "Retail Establishment," ampm, and for "Special Recognition" award for Class V.

Lion has had over 10 years of marketing experience with the petroleum industry, and in that time gasoline sales has morphed from the gasoline pump to the convenience store.   ampm , in ten states across America, is allied with over 1,100 Arco and BP stations.  When the brand team changed the image of its stores, some 10,000 uniforms were re-vamped and transposed into workable uniforms that were comfortable, functional, easy to launder, reasonably priced, and provided an eye-catching memory for the customer.

The basic uniforms were long and short-sleeved shirts, male and female stylings, outerwear, and an apron.  Pants were up to the employees.  A very astute design team created the garments as well as the terrific coordinating pattern done with sublimation color printing that advertised all the goodies that ampm sells.  Their slogan is "Too much good stuff." 

*

Lion Uniform Group, with its umbrella corporation G&K Services Company, is a Fortune 500 offering.  Its employees are hardworking, creative, and dedicated to producing a product that is not soon forgotten.  Proof of that is its diversification with the "Special Recognition" award for Class V, a completely different concept than that of ampm.

L.A. coterie designer, Richard Tyler, who works with Lion on many projects, produced a high-end, tailored group of garments in black: Blazers, skirts or slacks, and outerwear.  The shirts and blouses are white.  For the 14 color accents that contrast with the basic design of the very basic garments, the coat lining, collars, scarves, accessories, are all eye-catchers that sparkle throughout the locations in 138 countries, with 25-50 employees each.  Each style is friendly, employee approachable, and comfortable.  The customer is at once, engaged by the striking colors, the elegant styling, and the subtle but definite weave and presence of religious crosses into the high-styled, fabulous apparel.

*

Superior Uniform Group is another big NAUMD winner.  Ruby's Diner won for the "Restaurants, Multi-Unit" category; the Hilton Corporate won for "Hotels, Multi-Unit."  Speaking with Janice Henry, Vice President of Marketing; Viv Smith, Marketing, and Sandy Pegler, Merchandising Manager, it's clear why this group captured multiple awards: They're excited about what they do, they work hard, they're a team.

Ruby's is a diner concept from the 1940's, steel and chrome outside, with red and white everything inside.  The waitresses have the white half aprons, red and white striped outfits, and even little headbands for their hair.  The fellows wear black pants, black slim-Jim ties, and white broadcloth shirts.  Everything matches.  Theme is paramount, the visual rules. 

Superior has been doing Ruby's for a long time--seven-eight years.  The reason why it won this year?  It was submitted.  This is a perfect example of the manufacturer giving the customer exactly what he wants.  It's about customer attention, and having a wonderful time.  "What a great company we are to have an in-house design department!" said Janice.

As Ruby's was a totally visual experience, the Hilton Corporate Hotels was a cerebral one--a mood, a vision, a deliberately coordinated experience.  Hilton, too, has been with Superior for seven years.  The entire focus is around global involvement with environment, ecosystems, and going "green."    Fabrics are eco-friendly, with recycled polyester, Lycra, or regular polyester.  Washable, fashionable to the point of being worn outside of work, based on retail looks,  both Housekeeping and the Front Desk garments were entered in the NAUMD award experience, albeit  Superior does the hotels from front to back of the house.

The color palette was chocolate, bark, and charcoal with black.  Neutrals and earth tones, only.  Two-three years in advance, in color-forecasting and design--pants, skirts, blazers, and stunning blues, silver & bronze--solids and a stripe--in blouses and shirts.  The details?  Stretch elbows in the fabrics, moisture wicking in the backs, a soft hand and a luxurious feel.

Today's world is full of younger employees who want a contemporary look, with "green" being a big factor in the Hospitality quadrant.   With their two collections, Select, and Signature, Superior Uniform Group feels very pleased with what it has done.  "We worked darn hard on this," emphasized Janice.

*

Another hotel took the best "Hotel--Single Unit (Canadian)," and that was the Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver, designed and manufactured by Omega Uniform Systems (formerly Omega Frontline).  Margaret Ramsdale is the owner and president of this 10-year-old company, her first account being this particular hotel.   One of the outstanding features of the program is that the employees each have their own web-accounts, tailored to their job descriptions, uniforms for the purpose, and amount of money to spend.  Thus, ordering online from measurements to delivery at the employee's front door, is computerized, and a snap.

Omega, originally having begun in hotels and the hospitality industry, now focuses on transportation--everything from bus lines to cruise ships.  It is a manufacturer and direct seller of uniform programs, as well as doing its own designs.

The doormen coats were Omega's entry for the NAUMD awards, and the exterior of the hotel in glass and steel, as well as the surrounding mountains, the lake, the misty climate, all inspired a monochromatic look of blacks, charcoals, and greys.   The garments are clean in terms of design, and match the simplicity of the structure.  Winter uniforms are charcoal with light grey accents; summer is a lighter weight in lighter grey with charcoal accents.  There are pewter buttons, with silver striping in a matte finish. 

The reason they won this year for the two-year old program is that Margaret decided to enter into the contest this year as opposed to last.  Living in Canada, the NAUMD  awards are newer, and just beginning to catch on.  However, catch on, she did, as her first award came for the Holland America Cruise Lines in 2009. 

"The Pan Pacific uniforms are the result of taking traditional styling and interpreting it in a traditional way," smiled Margaret.  "Everything is neutral, and nothing is shiny.  It is low contrast, minimalist, low key.  The customer is thrilled with the aesthetics, and the doormen loved the functionality as well as the style."  There were four-six doormen, and a total of 24 uniforms, overall.

*

Brookhurst, Inc. is a manufacturer of garments coming out of California.  It won the best design for the "Service Apparel" winner with client, Mary Kay, Inc.  Brookhurst has had the account for the last six-seven years;  however, it has decided to close its doors, and The Lion Uniform Group, a G&K Services Company, will take over in the future.  Over the years, Mary Kay has won again and again through Brookhurst, as the fashion collection reinvents itself each year, keeping pace with the retail fashion industry.

  Elena Morgan knows the program inside and out.  In the U.S., there are 13,000 wearers of the Red Jacket Directors' Program for Mary Kay Independent Sales Directors who coach the over 650,000  Independent Beauty Consultants.  Mary Kay is one of the world's largest direct sellers of skin care and cosmetics.  Globally,  there are approximately two million Independent Beauty Consultants.

The current program consisted of three uniquely different jackets, tailored in an exclusive sapphire blue and black mélange worsted wool fabric, developed especially for Mary Kay. The three choices were a long jacket with a funnel neck, curved border accent with black silk piping, in a 25" length; a short modern peaked lapel jacket with banded border and shaped waist illusion in a 22" length; a young, trendy swing jacket with inverted back pleats and 3/4 lantern sleeves in a new 21" length.

Skirts are available in five lengths, insuring that every Sales Director has an option that meets her style and figure.  There are two different styles of skirts:  Pencil with double back pleat; and ankle length with elegant peplum back detail.  Levels of accomplishment are recognized by distinctive camisole sweaters, bejeweled above the Director level. Seniors shimmer in iridescent blue sequins and beads; Futures shine in navy sequins and beads; Executive Seniors and Elites sparkle in embellished pewter/silver sequins and beads with rhinestone accents.  Elites are recognized by an exquisite National Sales Director-inspired button.

An alternate scoop neck sleeveless sheath dress may be worn with the jackets.  There are also accessories and complementary prints.

The uniforms are durable and comfortable, able to be worn year-round throughout the U.S. and abroad.  They are appropriate for women ranging in sizes from 00 to 40, plus an equally fashionable outfit for expectant mothers.  There are suits in three jacket lengths, offered in petites, regulars, and talls.  washable sweaters and blouses are elegant, durable, comfortable and tasteful.  Fabric that will withstand the attachment of numerous recognition awards, while maintaining its integrity and good looks for the duration of the program, is a must.

*

Winner of the outstanding "Casino" uniforms is the Unisync Group LTD, originating from Canada.  Ryan Beliveau. Marketing Coordinator....

* 

  The Disney Costume Wearhouse won two awards:  One for best "Arena or Sports Facility--" ESPN Wide World of Sports; and one for "Restaurants, Fine Dining--" Sanaa.  All one has to do is say the magic word: Disney; to know it's full of thought, cultural and art history research, giggles, and customer-oriented fun.

The ESPN Wide World of Sports Arena is located on the mammoth Disney World campus, in Orlando, Florida.  It's a multi-faceted area where both amateur and professional athletes come to compete and play.  Disney's job,  according to Jodi White, was to build a costume that combined both the professionalism of an athletic area with all of the sparkle and delight of Disney World.  It is a merger of ABC's Wide World of Sports, and ESPN (Entertainment Sports Programming Network).

The new uniforms were a result of the new partnership, and needed after ten years of wear.  The costumes are more "today," and more about the ESPN brand.  Everything is more sports' oriented, more authentic.  The designers didn't want the employees to look like they were representing just one sport, but all sports.  The color palette is ESPN red, with the ESPN logo on everything, and easy to identify:  Guest Services, Food & Beverage, Athletic Coordinators, and everyone who works in the Arena.  There were two categories: 85% wore red polos with logos front & back, with black pants or shorts and a red windbreaker or fleece jacket.  The other 15% at the Welcome Center who do setup, logistics, and competitions, wear light grey, but in the same outfit.  Everyone has a baseball cap with different logos. 

Champion athletic fabrics that were used, included wicking for moisture absorption, safety with reflective tape where necessary, logo branding, due to the stretch of the fabric the ability to fit several sizes, were highly branded and themed to Disney.

"These uniforms are tied in with ESPN," said Jodi, " but they're Disney costumes.  We have received such positive feedback from attendees, as well as our cast, who are happy and comfortable, and having a very good time with a true sports venue, feeling good about themselves.  It was a fantastic partnership--ESPN and the Wide World of Sports."  There were 700 people, and approximately 8,500 garments.

*

Sanaa is a South African themed premiere food location restaurant, a part of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, located in Kidani Village, Disney World.  Unique, Sanaa is built in a circular fashion with high windows all around, so that a small savannah complete with wild animals, is able to be viewed from every seat in the establishment.  Resulting from research involving fabrics, textiles, and colors, costumes were built for the wait staff, as authentically as possible, and yet were as comfortable and functional as they were germane to the culture that the restaurant represented. 

There were two kinds of costumes: The wait staff, who were dressed in very colorful electric blue and rusts, wearing a dyed poly cotton print that imitated primitive kuba cloth, or twine.  The shirts were blue, pants were spice, with vests that were brown, beige, or gold.  Everything was a solid but the vests; The greeters represented international students, and their costumes depicted their countries of origin--daily garments worn for men and women. 

For the men, a round little pillbox hat or kufi, was worn; a dashiki or v-necked top, and pants.  A unique print, created by the Disney costume people, who came up with their own design after studying many others.  The colors were all earth tones of spice, orange, yellow, chocolate, red.    The women  wore long, fitted tops to mid hip, and a fitted skirt with a flair at the bottom, in colors that tied in with the wait staff, in rusts and blues.

The more inspiration one gives to the designers, the better it is.  The interior color samples, tile, wall coverings, table coverings, the particular job to design for, and involvement from project managers.  "Disney is considered a leader in innovation re: fabrics, prints, designs, new ways of sewing things.  It is always about surprising the guests," said Pam .   The garments must be functional, and the casts love them.  In addition, they must fit into the atmosphere of the venue, and the guests love them. "  There are 50 wait staff or 250 sets of costumes; 8 greeters, or 40 sets of costumes.  There is always a full size range kept in stock.

"We are so proud of what we produce here, and it's nice to have a chance to brag about our product," laughed Jodi White.  "We are the industry leaders in the type of work we do, and it's nice to be recognized for it."

   *