Reef, the global surf lifestyle leader, partners up with the iconic surf media brand, Surfer, to create a collection of magazine cover inspired sandals and t-shirts. With a unique pop-out design, the sandals provide an experience for the buyer while keeping the magazine artwork preserved.
The collaboration came about after browsing through a collection of vintage magazines and referencing Reef ads from the Surfer Magazines of the 90’s. Both brands are iconic within the surf community, so the collaboration was very natural. “Reef and Surfer have been longtime partners and share the love of surfing and the lifestyle that embodies the sport.” Says Norb Garrett, EVP of TEN’s Sports & Entertainment Group. “This licensing partnership represents a clever extension of both brands which we hope consumers will love.”
Reef and Surfer revived four of the most iconic covers that embody surf culture from the 60’s through the 80’s. The covers show the progression of surfing culture from artistic graphics of legend John Severson to Lance Carson sunset shots and of course Jon Damm surfing Pipeline in short florescent shorts.
The Reef design team wanted to create something that really stood out and wasn’t just another printed sandal. “We were inspired by the concept of framing an old album cover or vintage magazine and hanging it next your surfboards in the garage.” Says Paul LaBarbera, Director of Footwear Design, Reef. “Something a surfer would think of as art versus just another sandal that would sit by the front door. By keeping the magazine shape, we were able to bring the artwork to life.”
With the recent passing of SURFER founder, John Severson, it’s fitting that the issue of SURFER showcasing the new collaboration will include John’s artwork, not only in the Reef sandal images, but also on the issue’s cover.
The Reef X Surfer collection is available at surf shops and select retailers starting October 1, 2017. $26 – $30 MSRP. For more information visit https://www.reef.com/reef-surfer-sandals.html
ABOUT REEF
Reef is the surf lifestyle leader that encourages your journey of discovery. Rooted in California surf culture since 1984, our purpose is to provide premium, comfortable, and innovative products in a sustainable manner.
ABOUT SURFER
In 1960, SURFER began as the original surf magazine. With a long history of delivering provocative and insightful editorial features, revealing interviews and award-winning, state-of-the-art photography, SURFER remains the authoritative voice of the surfing world and thus earned the moniker “the bible of the sport.” Through its website, social media channels, magazine, and television programming, SURFER continues to be the most current and reliable source of information to the surf community, reaching more than 22-million active sports enthusiasts. SURFER is published by TEN: The Enthusiast Network. To learn more, visit surfer.com
