There's Silver in Them Basics
David Hayes used to drift off to sleep when his father, an astrophysicist, gave him long, complex explanations to his math and science homework. But when the 25-year-old entrepreneur told his father that he wanted to manufacture a line of basic tops for menswear, he was captivated by the scientist’s commentary on clothes.
According to the astrophysicist, NASA and different military organizations have protected their men by bonding silver ions, or particles, to garment fibers. It was for more than the sparkly look. Silver’s antimicrobial properties eliminate odors and guard against bacteria, which can infect wounds.
Hayes felt that the silver/cotton mix would not only produce fashionable henleys, and crewand V-neck T-shirts, it would also give him a unique angle in an increasingly crowded basics market.
Hayes’ gamble paid off.
The first collection for his new brand, Est. 1887 Ag, is carried in Los Angeles–based menswear boutique Douglas Fir for the Christmas holiday season. It will roll out to select boutiques across the United States in spring 2007.
Est. 1887 Ag is named for the year his family’s farm was founded and the atomic symbol for silver.
The designer paired the silver particles with Supima cotton, grown on his family farm in Texas. A tank top will retail for $146 and, a henley for $209. The clothes come in different colorways of white, black and beige.
For more information, call (877) 378-1887, e-mail info@est1887.com or go to www.est1887.com. —Andrew Asch
