Wrangler® Launches ‘Next Blue’ Design Competition

Wrangler^® Launches ‘Next Blue’ Design Competition

Denim leader calls on consumers to design the next line of blue jeans

GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 15, 2011) – Throughout its long history, Wrangler^® has placed tremendous value on the insights and ideas of its consumers. Now through April 26, the iconic denim brand will hand the design process over to consumers with the launch of Next Blue by Wrangler, a limited edition collection of blue jeans launching this fall. Through a unique online competition, consumers will both design and choose the first style in the Next Blue jean collection.

With no experience being necessary, participating in the Next Blue design contest only requires a vision. From design school students and fashion fiends to stay-at-home moms and weekend warriors, jean wearers from coast to coast are encouraged to submit ideas. Entering the competition is simple: contestants must create a short yet compelling video explaining a unique jean idea and upload it to www.NextBlue.com.

“The first jean ever made by Wrangler was designed by cowboys for cowboys back in 1947 when a rodeo tailor joined the brand and worked with actual rodeo stars to develop a product. That pair of jeans was literally designed by the very men who would eventually be wearing them,” said Craig Errington, vice president of marketing for Wrangler. “For more than 60 years we have been paying close attention to the needs and insights of our consumers; so the concept of Next Blue by Wrangler is both progressive yet uniquely tied to our brand’s legacy.” 

To be eligible, video entries must be received by March 29, 2011. Submissions will then be narrowed down through a series of consumer-led voting rounds online. During the video entry period, visitors to www.NextBlue.com will vote to choose ideas they like best.

Based on originality and total number of votes received, Wrangler executives will then select five finalists to travel to Wrangler headquarters in Greensboro, N.C., to work alongside Wrangler designers, merchandisers and marketing teams to bring their ideas to life. Following this design period, beginning April 19, the five finalists will be showcased on www.NextBlue.com where fans will have one week to vote for the final winning design, announced on April 26.

Chosen to collaborate with one of the most recognized apparel brands in the world, the ultimate Next Blue winner will receive $5,000 and have their jean design produced, marketed and sold by Wrangler this fall.

For more information and to view the official rules, please visit www.NextBlue.com.