A New Look at High Point College Basketball: The Pantherstooth Collection by Alexander Julian

HIGH POINT, NC High Point University Hoops is featuring a new look in 2022-23, thanks to award-winning designer Alexander Julian. Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams at HPU wore the new uniforms, along with specially designed shooting jerseys and warm-ups to complement the new concept.

Alexander Julian, born and raised in Chapel Hill, is a longtime member of The Fashion Hall of Fame. He is a six-time winner of the American Menswear Designer of the Year Award and has been shortlisted nine times on the International Best Dressed List. The NBA’s Charlotte Hornets are purple and teal multi-striped, followed by the UNC Tar Heels Argyles.

“As the first American fashion designer to design my own signature fabric, it was very important to reflect the “handwriting” of my designs in my uniform designs — the concept has always been “bringing sportswear to sportswear”.

He is also a longtime friend and admirer of Dr. Nido Qubein, who had the idea to enlist Mr. Julian’s skills for High Point College basketball.

“When Dr. Qubein and I came back from a UNC basketball game together, he originally asked me to wear the High Point University basketball uniform, no one could refuse Dr. Qubein. He was so charming and amazing and so effective. What he finished with (High Point University) was amazing.”

“America knows Alex Julian’s creative capacity and, over the years, has rewarded him measurably for his work.” said President Nido Qubein. “We are blessed to have him as a friend and advocate of HPU.”

“When I sit down to actually build something for High Point University, the process for me is the same as for the Hornets and Tar Heels, which is to try to find something unique that’s visually strong and that people can identify with the team in a split second.”

The process involved Julian compiling a history of High Point University and its athletics program, which featured the Panther mascot and Panther head logo. Sitting at a drawing table with the HPU Panther logo on him, he thinks about the Carolina Panther logo and starts researching other Panther symbols in the world of sports.

“I was surprised to know there are 40 or so different Panther logos around the world. Looking at all of that and all the different shapes and sizes in the crouch position and the growl position and all that, the one thing they have in common are the big fangs on the front teeth.” For Julian, it didn’t take long to connect the dots back to one of the most iconic staples in his design space.

“As a designer of clothing and textiles, one of the most classic and timeless patterns is called the houndstooth design. I looked up the tooth size of a panther and then I looked up the tooth size of the largest hound that is out there, and the tooth size of a black panther. -roughly 30-40 percent larger than the largest dog teeth. That gave me the idea to take the classic houndstooth pattern, and scale it up, until it became the uniquely identifiable (and cool!) “Pantherstooth”.

While design elements are an important part of the process, Julian maintains that the student-athlete who will use his designs is at the forefront of his mind in his creative journey. Alongside the new uniforms, Pantherstooth hoopers are also seen wearing new designed shooting shirts and hoodies by Julian while trainers will receive pullovers and quarter zip ties. Julian worked with High Point University athletic wear partner, Adidas, to bring his design to life. “They did an amazing job of bringing my ideas to life,” says Alex.

Julian’s new team shooting shirt features the iconic HPU Panther big head logo, with the inside filled with a Pantherstooth design. The new player’s warm hoodie is a “retro-futuristic” combination of the degraded Pantherstooth and 1920’s Letter Sweater. The quarter trainer zipper knit top is an innovative “layered look”, achieved by carefully designed digital printing, which appears as if if Coach wears a white and purple Panther collared shirt with a purple Panther sweater vest, even though it’s a classic quarter zipper pullover knit.

“I’m delighted that the new kit is working so well for both the men’s and women’s teams,” said Alex. “Distinctive textile design is key. It is simple, timeless, and appeals to both men and women simultaneously, a win-win!”

“High Point University basketball joins an exclusive group to own a uniform designed by legendary fashion icon Alex Julian.” HPU Athletic Director Dan Hauser said. The unique “Pantherstooth” creates a compelling brand design for HPU and provides many applications for licensed and team apparel.”

Julian is a loving father of seven children, and he and Meg recently moved back to his hometown of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Alex Julian will be recognized for his work with a presentation on the court during the High Point College Family Weekend men’s basketball game this Saturday, February 4 at 7 PM.

#GoHPU