In the sports world, few names are as instantly recognizable as Deion Sanders.

Known for his magnetic personality and exceptional athleticism, Sanders has always been more than just a sports figure. He’s made a brand out of himself.

Like many sports icons, Sanders’ influence extends well beyond the stadium—he has emerged as a game-changer in the fashion industry with his brand, COACH PRIME.

Let’s look at how Sanders developed an iconic personal brand. We’re about to cover:

• The origin of COACH PRIME
• How Sanders created a seamless sports/fashion crossover with his brand
• What makes the brand so iconic
• How Sanders leverages social media to amplify his impact
• Key takeaways for apparel brands

Get ready for a thrilling ride through Deion Sanders’ branding playbook.

Build an Iconic Brand with Scrappy Apparel!

The Birth of COACH PRIME

Deion Sanders was an NFL player whose prowess and charisma were unparalleled. But his journey didn’t stop there. Sanders took his career to the next level and became the head football coach at Jackson State University in 2020. In 2023, he is entering his first season as head coach at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Sanders was never one to stay within the confines of the field. He was a visionary, always looking beyond the game. From the moment he was drafted, he marketed himself and his pursuits. He knew his worth and his potential. He wasn’t afraid to put it out there for the world to see.

In the heart of this vision, the brand COACH PRIME was born. It reflected Sanders himself—strong, charismatic, and ambitious.

In October 2020, Prime Time Enterprises, Inc., Sanders’ company, filed a COACH PRIME trademark. This new venture covered a range of products, including footwear, gloves, hats, scarves, and clothing. It was a testament to Sanders’ ever-growing influence and versatility.

COACH PRIME was more than just a name—it represented Sanders’ story and his relentless pursuit of excellence. Although “COACH PRIME” is a catchy name, the meaning behind it is what resonated with sports fans nationwide.

Why COACH PRIME is the Ultimate Sports/Fashion Crossover

The COACH PRIME brand is an integrated philosophy that encompasses Sanders’ coaching style, approach to life—and of course, his style.

Sanders has taken inspiration from legendary figures in football, such as Bobby Bowden, the renowned FSU coach (Source: News-Press). This influence is apparent in his hands-on approach to coaching, where he isn’t afraid to get involved and guide his team personally. However, Sanders has also managed to carve out his own path, drawing from his rich experience as a player and personality in the sport.

But Sanders’ philosophy extends beyond football. He views the sport as a platform for making a difference and impacting lives beyond the game. This belief is reflected in his coaching style, where he focuses on improving his players’ skills and shaping their character and outlook (Source: HBCU Sports). That’s what the COACH PRIME brand stands for.

So, What Does Style Have to Do with It?

Personal style is connected to self-expression. Sanders is a trendsetter who has inspired a whole new generation of fans.

In the video “Coach Prime Is Also CU’s Head STYLE Coach” by Thee Pregame Show, Sanders gives fashion advice to long snapper Camden Dempsey.

Throughout the conversation, Sanders exhibits his passion for fashion and personal style. He engages in the dialogue enthusiastically, offering specific advice and ideas to create a fashionable and standout appearance for an event. He emphasizes the importance of looking fashionable while maintaining a sense of individuality and confidence.

Sanders’ fashion influence is evident in the crossover to COACH PRIME. His signature style, trendsetting, and innovative blend of sports and fashion create the perfect brand combination.

The Power of Social Media: How COACH PRIME Amplified Its Impact

Before discussing Sanders’ modern-day techniques for making his voice louder online, we should acknowledge that his marketing genius goes back to his early years of playing football.

In an interview with The Rich Eisen Show, he mentioned that he cultivated his “Prime Time” image back in his dorm room at Florida State University, where he played football at the time.

Sanders also had quite a bit to say about what it takes to succeed. He pointed out that not all athletes are putting in the hard yards they need to. For Sanders, guys like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Patrick Peterson, Antonio Brown, and Todd Gurley really get it—they understand the value of hard work and dedication.

He was quick to draw a contrast between them and some other athletes who seem more interested in hitting up parties, clubs—or ironically, spending time on social media.

For Sanders, becoming great at what you do is the key to building a successful brand. And that greatness? It doesn’t come easy. It follows the sweat, the grind, the commitment. But when you’ve put in the work, your achievements start to build a brand all on their own.

How Sanders Leverages Social Media Today

If you’re a fan of the University of Colorado Buffaloes (UC Buffs), you’ve probably noticed some significant changes since Sanders came on board as coach. He’s not just a former NFL player—he’s also a reality TV star with a pretty impressive media presence.

His son runs a YouTube channel called Well Off Media that gives fans an exclusive look at behind-the-scenes moments from Sanders’ coaching journey.

Since Sanders joined the UC Buffs, the excitement around the program has skyrocketed. 20,000 people expressed interest in season tickets within just a month of his hiring!

By April, they announced a sold-out season for 2023—for the first time in 27 years (Source: Fox 31). With so much hype surrounding the program, it’s unsurprising that the apparel sales started rolling in. UC Boulder apparel sales increased 525% in December 2022 vs. 2021 (Source: WSJ).

Deion Sanders is doing something unique with his media presence and personality, completely transforming the UC Buffs football program. It’s a fascinating look at how sports media, player recruitment, and engagement are evolving, and it really shows the power of personality-driven content in today’s sports world.

UC Buffs fans can gear up for game day with Coach Prime apparel on The Official Bookstore of CU Boulder online shop.

What We Can Learn From PRIME’s Prominence as a Brand

Sanders’ transformation into “Coach Prime” offers valuable insights for apparel brands. His innovative blending of coaching philosophy with performance wear and modern fashion trends has sparked a fashion sensation and inspired a movement that celebrates individuality and excellence.

The key takeaways here are:

• The power of authenticity
• The potential of sports icons to break barriers
• Importance of creating a lasting legacy for your brand

If you want your brand to stand the test of time, you have to create more than just products. You have to build a movement that resonates with your customers on a deeper level.

Build a Community of Passionate Fans with Products They Will Love

Want COACH PRIME-level success?

Scrappy Apparel is your reliable partner in the apparel industry, offering unparalleled services that help amplify your brand’s impact.

Why High-Volume Apparel Production is the Key to Creating an Iconic Brand

Creating a successful brand isn’t just about producing high-quality products. You also need to make sure you have the manufacturing capabilities to scale up when demand increases (like it did for Colorado after Sanders took over).

Here at Scrappy Apparel, we pride ourselves on being a powerhouse in high-volume apparel production. We utilize top-of-the-line technology and efficient processes to scale up your brand, all while maintaining impeccable quality.

We conduct thorough pre-shipment inspections to ensure every product is defect-free and meets your specifications. Once approved, we import the goods to our fulfillment center for the final assembly before distribution. We then perform another comprehensive quality control check to guarantee that every item is in perfect condition.

Our team makes sure your garments are retail-ready by folding, bagging, and applying barcode stickers to each one. We prioritize compliance with vendor and final destination requirements, knowing the importance of maintaining positive industry relationships.

We’re Ready to Be Your End-to-End Manufacturing and Fulfillment Partner

At Scrappy Apparel, we don’t just make products—we build brands.

We act as an extension of your team, taking the guesswork out of the production and fulfillment processes. Our 5-star customer support is dedicated to addressing your needs and providing guidance every step of the way.

With Scrappy Apparel, you are partnering with a team of experts committed to propelling your brand to greater heights.

Ready to Begin Your Project?

If you’ve turned on your TV (or even scrolled on TikTok) this year, chances are you’ve seen A LOT of pink—thanks to the new Barbie film, which grossed $1 billion in box office sales within the first 17 days after its premiere, according to BBC News.

The movie’s massive appeal, combined with the enduring allure of the Barbie brand, transformed a nostalgic shade of pink into a contemporary fashion phenomenon.

“Barbiecore” is one of the trends dominating summer 2023 in the wake of the film’s release.

Today, we’re going to cover:

• What Barbiecore is
• How the iconic Barbie pink color influences the trend
• The power of color recognition in branding
• How Scrappy Apparel can help you stay on brand at all times

Whether you’ve seen the Barbie film or not, the buzz surrounding it is hard to ignore—so let’s talk about the iconic brand and the trend it inspired!

Build a Memorable Brand with Scrappy Apparel as Your Manufacturing and Fulfillment Partner!

The Inevitable Triumph of the Barbie Movie

In 1959, a visionary American businesswoman named Ruth Handler had an idea that would shape the toy industry for countless kids around the world.

She dreamt up Barbie, a fashion-forward doll that would soon become a household name. Partnering with the toy giant, Mattel, Inc., Barbie quickly began to stride her tiny plastic heels across the globe.

Fast forward to today, and you’ll find her being adored in every nook and cranny from Europe to Asia. Both a companion for children and a cherished collectible for adults, Barbie has earned a place in our history (and hearts!)

Mattel, well-aware of the gem they had in Barbie, went all out on their marketing campaigns to make her a global sensation.

According to Yale Insights, more than 90% of girls have a Barbie to call their own. The 2023 Barbie film had a $700 million valuation even before she graced the big screen.

Barbie appealed to both children and adult moviegoers—and according to Wired, this was a key ingredient that contributed to the film’s success.

Just as Barbie dolls have fans all over, the movie made waves in some seriously big markets, including the UK, Mexico, and China. The global audience simply couldn’t get enough of Barbie’s cinematic charm.

Barbie’s not just a doll. She’s an icon—and as we’ve seen throughout history, many icons are known for sparking new fashion sensations.

What is Barbiecore?

“Barbiecore” is the vibrant summer fashion trend inspired by Barbie’s signature pink hue. Pantone 219 C, otherwise known as “Barbie Pink,” has inspired summer outfits everywhere. Social media has the proof.

@shivanijune_ 🎀🌸💗 #barbiethemovie #barbiestyle #pinkaesthetic #barbiecore #barbieoutfit ♬ Hi Barbie Hi Ken Barbie Movie Only In Theaters – Barbie Movie

@itstemithesage Real life barbie! Which look do you love? Check out my amazon storefront (link in my bio) for all the items! #barbieoutfitinspo #barbieoutfits #barbiecore #barbiecoreaesthetic #pinkoutfitinspo #pinkoutfits ♬ Hi Barbie Hi Ken Barbie Movie Only In Theaters – Barbie Movie

Barbiecore isn’t just a color. It’s about style, too. Matching sets, ruffles, and chic blazers are also part of the trend.

The Power of Color Recognition in Branding

Color recognition is a powerful tool in branding. It helps create a visual affinity with customers and makes products recognizable.

That’s exactly what Barbie Pink has done for the movie and the trend it inspired.

Color is so much more than a design choice. According to Oberlo, using a signature color can increase brand recognition by 80%.

Color psychology also influences how customers interact and respond to products. Red can incite high energy levels, while green is commonly associated with stability and growth. HubSpot says that color psychology can influence purchasing decisions by up to 85%. It’s a colorful world out there, and those hues are working overtime, telling stories and building connections without saying a word.

For Barbie, the pink hue represents her signature sense of style—and it has become an integral part of her brand identity.

How Pantone Color Matching Can Make Your Brand Instantly Recognizable

Pantone is a standardized color system used around the globe. It’s recognized by many industries, including apparel! The system ensures that specific colors look the same everywhere.

For brands like yours, this is huge! If you want to stand out with a signature look, Pantone color matching can help you create an instantly recognizable brand.

Consistency is key in branding. Imagine ordering your company’s logo on a bunch of merchandise and the color varies from one item to the next. Not a great look, right?

With Pantone, brands can be confident that their signature color will be spot-on every time, creating that essential, consistent brand image that resonates with audiences.

Stay On-Brand with Scrappy Apparel’s Manufacturing Powerhouse

With a range of custom apparel services, Scrappy Apparel is a one-stop-shop for brands that need robust manufacturing and fulfillment support.

Scrappy Apparel offers a game-changing solution for businesses looking to elevate their corporate apparel. Our precise Pantone color matching ensures that your brand’s unique shades are captured perfectly.

This isn’t just about getting the colors right—it’s about ensuring brand consistency across all apparel, from uniforms to promotional items, creating a unified and professional brand image.

Whether you’re aiming to boost brand recognition or leave a lasting impression, the magic of custom dyes and washes can make all the difference. Instead of settling for off-the-shelf colors, you can create a unique look that reinforces your brand. We can create garments with treatments like tie-dye, lightning wash, camo wash, dip dye, and more.

Branding is all about the details. You can elevate your apparel even more with our private labeling program. For a small additional cost per garment, we’ll add your brand name and logo on the inside of the garment. We offer custom neck labels that add a personalized touch, weaving in your unique brand elements, from taglines to care instructions.

We have the capabilities to help your apparel stay on-brand all the time, and that’s one of the many reasons you should choose Scrappy Apparel as your manufacturing partner.

Build an Iconic Brand with Scrappy Apparel!

If you choose to work with us, we’ll make this promise to you: our products will be made with the highest-quality materials and production techniques, including precise Pantone color matching.

We know it takes a lot of hard work to make your brand a household name, but our team has the knowledge and resources to help you get there!

Ready to Begin Your Project?

So far in our Trend Analysis series, we’ve covered athleisure, modern hats, and cropped hoodies—focusing on emerging trends in fashion.

But today, we’re taking a closer look at a trend that has been around for quite some time—the high-low pairing. (And we’re not talking about high-low tops or skirts here!)

Imagine this: you are going to an important event but don’t want to wear a head-to-toe designer outfit because it might seem too over the top. This is where the high-low pairing comes in. This trend combines a designer piece—such as a designer shirt or an expensive handbag—with more affordable pieces.

As an apparel brand owner, it’s important to understand this approach. It will enable you to create collections that are timeless and on-trend.

Today, we’re going to share our insights into high-low pairings, focusing on:

• The origin of the trend
• How to successfully pull off a high-low pairing
• How to leverage this trend for your apparel brand

By the end of this Trend Analysis, you will understand why this trend is so popular and how to use it to position your brand as a trendsetter.

Become a Trendsetter with Scrappy Apparel!

High-Low Pairing Pioneers: Who Started the Trend?

Although it’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment this trend emerged, we can trace its roots back to the early ’90s.

Target differentiated itself from other discount retailers by focusing on high style and quality basics, launching the successful “What to Wear” campaign, which combined affordable pieces with designer wear. The campaign ultimately redefined industry and consumer perceptions of discount retailers.

Target’s “What to Wear” Campaign

In 1990, Target launched a “What to Wear” campaign that aimed to showcase trendy yet pocket-friendly clothing, making high fashion accessible to the everyday person.

Before this, high fashion was often associated only with the affluent who could afford designer labels. However, Target’s campaign changed this narrative by promoting the concept of fashion for everyone.

Target popularized the concept of high-low fashion by showing high-end designer pieces paired with budget-friendly items. This approach allowed people to assemble stylish looks without straining their finances.

This innovative approach had a significant impact on the fashion industry. It helped elevate the status of high-low fashion, encouraging other brands to follow suit. Today, it’s quite common to see individuals blending high-end and affordable pieces to express their unique style while maintaining a budget.

So, did Target start the trend? It’s hard to say, but they certainly played a major role in popularizing it and making it more mainstream.

The Popularity of Thrifting and Secondhand Shopping

Another factor contributing to the rise of high-low fashion is secondhand shopping.

Thrifting has been around for decades. However, it gained major traction in recent years as shoppers embraced sustainable fashion and sought out unique pieces that could not be found on the high street.

Shoppers were excited about finding designer items at a fraction of the price compared to buying them new. This further popularized the concept of pairing high-end designer pieces with secondhand finds.

Today, the resale market is growing at a rapid pace—twice as fast as the general retail market, to be exact (Source: CNBC). Customers are not just looking for designer items at a discounted rate but also unique and vintage pieces that often fit into the high-low trend.

How To Pull Off the High-Low Look

High-low pairings have become the chameleons of style—catering to the luxury crowd while keeping one foot in affordable chic.

The concept is simple, but it takes a good eye and creative vision to pull off the look. Here are a few tips to help you master this trend:

Basics of the High-Low Technique

• Choose high-end pieces that offer versatility. Items that can be dressed up or down are ideal.
• Invest in quality accessories, such as designer bags or luxury sneakers, to elevate outfits.

Creating Cohesiveness

• Select casual, low-end items that complement the high-end pieces.
• Opt for affordable, trendy pieces that can be easily mixed and matched.
• Thrift stores and online marketplaces can provide unique and cost-effective options.

Experimentation is Key

• Don’t hesitate to mix patterns, textures, and colors.
• Pay attention to fit and proportion to ensure a balanced look.
• Always let your personal style shine through.

Now, we’ll get to the good stuff—how to leverage this trend for your apparel brand.

Embracing the High-Low Style: A Strategy for Your Brand

Knowing that high-low pairings are here to stay, you can use this trend to ensure your brand is optimally positioned in the fashion world.

Determine What High-Low Pairings Mean For Your Brand

The key is to find that sweet spot where this style phenomenon intersects with your brand’s personality, your target audience’s tastes, and your product lineup.

You’ll want to:

• Research the latest fashion trends
• Dive into market research data
• Study consumer buying patterns

This investigation will help you understand how high-low pairings are viewed and appreciated in the marketplace.

Interpreting the high-low trend for your brand isn’t just about following a fashion fad—it’s about finding opportunities within the trend to reinforce your brand’s identity.

Offer Versatility

Create collections with versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down easily. Make sure to highlight how your items can be used in each outfit.

If you have a t-shirt line, you’re in luck—because basic tees can go with both high-end and affordable pieces.

For example, if you want to position your new t-shirt collection in the luxury market, you can photograph the apparel with designer shoes, handbags, and other high-end items.

If you pull off the look correctly, your customers will be willing to pay more for your apparel because they perceive your brand as valuable.

Prioritize Quality

Prioritizing quality is the cornerstone of any successful apparel brand. Whether you’re aiming to cater to the high-end luxury market or providing affordable fashion for the masses, the quality of your products can significantly impact your brand’s reputation and customer loyalty.

Luxury-Level Materials

Your apparel’s fabric should be durable, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. Remember, the feel of the fabric against the skin can make or break a customer’s love for a product. Using high-quality materials not only ensures longevity but also adds a touch of sophistication and luxury to your apparel.

Craftsmanship

Superior craftsmanship is equally important. Skilled tailoring and attention to detail in aspects like stitching, seams, and finishes can set your apparel apart from the competition. Make sure each piece is meticulously crafted, with no loose threads or uneven seams. Good craftsmanship should still be a priority, even if you’re targeting a lower price point. It’s about creating a garment that fits well and maintains its shape and structure even after multiple wears and washes.

Design

Quality also extends to the design of your apparel. Unique, creative designs that are both stylish and functional will stand out in the crowded fashion market. Invest in a good design team that understands your brand’s identity and can translate it into appealing and wearable fashion.

Quality Control

Always implement strict quality control measures. Every piece of apparel that leaves your warehouse should be inspected for defects. This step ensures that your customers only receive the best, strengthening your brand’s reputation for quality.

Scrappy Apparel Guarantees Quality in Every Stitch

If you’re looking for an apparel manufacturing and fulfillment partner to execute your creative vision with precision, Scrappy Apparel is your best choice. Here’s why you should work with us:

We Carefully Source and Vet All Our Materials

Our fabrics and inks are all sourced from reputable suppliers. We inspect the materials for quality before any production takes place.

Our Garments Are Engineered to Last

Durability and longevity are not just buzzwords for us—they’re commitments. Our no-feel inks and discharge inks ensure that our prints remain soft and comfortable, preventing any cracking or peeling over time. Plus, our long-lasting inks mean that even after multiple wash cycles, your apparel maintains its vibrancy and quality, giving you long-term value.

We Offer Pantone Color Matching

Our attention to detail extends to colors as well. We understand how vital accurate color representation is to your brand identity. That’s why we leverage the power of Pantone color matching and offer custom dyes and washes. This way, your apparel not only looks great but also stays true to your brand’s guidelines.

We’ll Help You Scale Up While Maintaining Quality

Whether you need 500 garments or 10,000, you’ll always get the same quality level with Scrappy Apparel. We’ve perfected our production processes to ensure consistency and accuracy, no matter how quickly you need your items delivered.

We also offer price breaks for larger orders, so you can keep costs low while providing premium garments to your customers.

We Implement Rigorous Quality Control Measures

We run multiple quality control checks on all of our garments before they leave the warehouse. Our team inspects each piece for defects, checks prints for accuracy and vibrancy, and ensures that sizing is consistent across all orders.

Make Your Style Statement with Scrappy Apparel!

With our all-in-one manufacturing and fulfillment solution for apparel brands, you can make your mark on the fashion industry with confidence.

Ready to Begin Your Project?