Generation Tux’s George Zimmer, ESPN collaborate on ‘New Year’s Eve Collection’
With this year’s College Football Playoff Semifinals taking place on Dec. 31, ESPN is awarding fans from the four final schools – Clemson University, University of Alabama, Michigan State University and University of Oklahoma – with the ultimate New Year’s Eve ensemble.
That’s the premise of the “New Year’s Eve Collection” — a unique assemblage of tuxedos, designed exclusively by Generation Tux founder George Zimmer, reflecting the special attributes and personalities of the four playoff teams.
Starting today through Dec. 16, fans will have a chance to win a school-themed tux by entering their size and school of choice at GenerationTux.com/ESPN. The winners – 10 lucky fans of each of the four schools – will receive their suits in time to ring in the New Year watching the Playoff Semifinal games on ESPN.
The suits also will be showcased during tonight’s The Home Depot 25th Anniversary College Football Awards, airing at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Front Row spoke to Zimmer about the collection and his inspiration for the tuxedos:
How did you get involved with ESPN for this campaign?
New Year’s Eve is an occasion that often calls for a tux. When we learned that the College Football Playoff would fall on December 31 this year, we thought men shouldn’t have to make the difficult choice between sweats or suits as they cheer on their favorite teams. That’s why we teamed up to create the “New Year’s Eve Collection” so fans can celebrate touchdowns in tuxedos – and not sacrifice their holiday style.
Can you describe the process and your inspiration in designing the tuxedos?
Designing the tuxes was no small feat, as we – like football fans everywhere – anxiously awaited the final rankings to know which teams would make the cut. For each look, we wanted to make sure fans could show off their school pride while also looking dapper – so you’ll see accents like Clemson Tiger bowties, Michigan State Spartan epaulettes, Alabama crimson bowties and Oklahoma wheel wagon buttons.
How long did it take for you to design each of them?
We’ve been working on the designs for months, which meant we had no choice but to watch plenty of college football to keep our eyes on the frontrunners. We put the finishing touches on each tux this week once the Playoff teams were officially announced.
Are you a college football fan and do you have a prediction for the National Championship?
Sure I’m a college football fan. I was at the USC-Cal game and as the season progressed I’ve been watching ESPN more and more. I’m rooting for Clemson, but Alabama looks tough to beat.
Who do you think is the best-dressed ESPN anchor?
Let’s see what they’re wearing on New Year’s Eve.
Read Esquire Magazine’s look at the “New Year’s Eve” collection.
