Arnie clothing line as classic, timeless as the man himself

• By Win McMurry
• Sep 6, 2011 4:33 PM ET

LAS VEGAS – As Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicks off this week in New York City, it’s perfect timing to pay homage to one of the golf world’s greatest style icons.

Arnold Palmer is certainly one of the coolest and winningest athletes of all time, capturing seven major championships and 92 professional titles, but he also knows how to dress, and has accolades to back that up. In 2010 Palmer was profiled in Esquire’s “The 75 Best Dressed Men of All Time” and is often referenced for the model golf course dress. 

Thanks to a team of designers and visionaries, Arnold’s classic, clean and cool style has been recreated and consolidated into a new line, aptly named Arnie, directly inspired by the looks worn by Palmer during the peak decades of his playing career.

Geoff Tait and Bobby Pasternak, who founded Quagmire in 2005 after meeting on a golf trip, are the masterminds behind the new line, which, above all collections shown at this year’s PGA Expo, was the most unique and impactful. 

In fact, in a PGA show that seemed to revolve around the “old school” throwback theme, Arnie, hits right on trend.

Tait and Pasternak worked closely with Palmer to ensure that the looks were authentic. They literally thumbed through Palmer’s closet in Latrobe, Pa., as they developed the line in addition to combing through Palmer’s library of photographs from the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

“It was a true honor when we received the phone call from Mr. Palmer’s camp asking if we’d be interested in discussing a new Arnie apparel collection,” said Tait, the creative director. “Having worked tremendously hard the past six years to perfect the Quagmire Golf brand’s service, quality, and distribution, we felt more than confident to take on such a wonderful venture.”

The 2012 Arnie line is comprised of four collections: 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and Timeless. Each features “Palmer Performance” pieces that use technical fabrics to keep cool, dry, and comfortable. In addition, practically exact replicas of some of Palmer’s signature styles are included in the line. One shirt in each collection features the Arnold Palmer silhouette to distinguish these pieces as Palmer originals.

“The Arnie line of apparel represents the styles of clothing that are as popular today as they were in the earlier part of my career,” Palmer said. “It’s been a real thrill to see some of my signature pieces come back to life, and experience the enthusiasm Geoff and Bobby have for introducing them to the next generation.” 

But this line is not just for the young. It appeals to all ages, just like Arnie himself does, and has, for generations.