World famous sportsman Cristiano Ronaldo has collaborated with New York based designer Richard Chai to introduce a debut collection of luxury underwear and socks, under the brand name CR7 by Cristiano Ronaldo. The range has been created in partnership with leading Danish textile group JBS, who have over 70 years experience in developing and producing high end underwear. CR7 by Cristiano Ronaldo is the inaugural brand venture for the celebrated sportsman and his first personal venture into fashion design. His love of fashion and interest in design were key factors in his decision to launch his own collection, and he sought the expertise of CDFA Award winning designer Chai, who is renowned for his work with labels including Marc Jacobs and Donna Karen, to collaborate on design elements. Ronaldo said of the project, “Fashion and design are two passions of mine and I have wanted to launch my own brand for a long time. Working on this collection alongside Richard has given me a great creative outlet and I have loved every part of collaborating on the range, from selecting the colours and designs to testing the styles and fits myself. I am very proud that the collection is launching worldwide.” Chai added, “Ronaldo and I work well together because we both appreciate the same things aesthetically - a refined and contemporary look. I’m excited that the lines that we have created are going to be available around the world and we are already busy working together on the next collection.” Ronaldo and Chai share a mutual love of classic yet contemporary designs and wanted the collection to feature dynamic colour and trend stories, detailed design elements, clean lines and sleek yet understated aesthetics. A luxury feel and premium quality are integral to the collection, which comprises four distinct ranges; Luxury, Fashion, Basic and Boys. With aesthetics and comfort equally important, each collection is fashion orientated and high quality, produced using the finest materials delivering the ultimate in comfort and fit. Luxury Luxurious and elegant, the Luxury Underwear range comprises three different styles: briefs, trunks and buttoned trunks. Each piece is delivered in classic white with chic coloured accents. The accompanying Luxury Sock collection features three subtle yet stylish patterns in refined tones and colours. Materials such as merino wool and silk, mercerized cotton and bamboo give the product a luxurious high quality execution. Fashion Bold and directional, the Fashion Underwear range comprises four different styles: briefs, trunks, American boxers and long johns. This range features stylish, fashion-forward colours and on-trend details. Ronaldo, particularly, is a huge fan of colour and wanted to experiment with bold prints and exciting colourways. The Fashion Sock line compliments by featuring bright colours and designs, with stripes, colour blocking and panelling details for a distinctive, ontrend look. Basic The Basic Underwear range comprises three different styles: briefs, trunks and American boxers. These everyday-wear pieces come in a classic white, grey and black colour combination and are complemented by classic coloured socks from the Basic Sock collection, providing a versatile range with ease of wear. Boys Fun and playful, the Boys Underwear range comprises two styles: the trunk and American boxers. Ronaldo and Chai had fun with this collection, delivering bright colours and bold patterns and prints, including camouflage and stripes as a focus. The Boys Sock collection features patterns relating to Ronaldo’s signature number 7 and football inspired details. Experienced Danish company JBS Textile Group is behind the development and production of the CR7 by Cristiano Ronaldo line. The company has a rich heritage in producing high end products and has been involved in exciting fashion based projects for over 70 years. The company drew upon its specialism and production expertise to produce the collection, delivering a premium product. JBS CEO Michael Alstrup said of the project, “We are proud to introduce the opening collection of CR7 by Cristiano Ronaldo. Creating the collection alongside Ronaldo has been an extremely enjoyable process. It is important to us that we work with people who share our company values, which centre on producing superior quality product, and this goal was shared by Ronaldo. We look forward to a long future of working together on this unique project.” The official CR7 campaign imagery, which features Ronaldo modelling items from the range, was shot by world renowned photographer Giampaolo Sgura. The collection is available internationally through www.cr7underwear.com and select retailers from 1st November 2013 www.jbs-underwear.com For further information or press enquiries please contact: Laura Coller, Account Director M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment laura.coller@mcsaatchi.com 0207 543 4536