Everlast Worldwide Inc. Sets Unique Fashion Show In Harlem

Fashion show scheduled for May 1st at New York City specialty urban retailer Mony to be followed by “The Holla in Harlem” Rap Off competition

29.04 - Everlast Worldwide Inc. (Nasdaq: EVST), manufacturer, marketer and licensor of sporting goods and apparel under the Everlast brand name, today announced that its Fall ’03 urban sportswear line will debut at a fashion show to be held at New York City specialty urban retailer, Mony, on May 1st. Following the fashion show, Everlast and Mony will present: “The Holla in Harlem,” the Everlast Harlem Lyricist Championships, a freestyle boxing themed rap competition, which is being produced by Lyricist Lounge, an entertainment company which serves as the springboard of development for several of today’s hip-hop all-stars. Sponsors for the events also include The Source Magazine, one of the top hip-hop consumer publications, Ruff Ryders, a premier hip-hop record label, and Dibella Entertainment, a boxing promotional company.

“The Holla in Harlem” will feature 12 rounds of lyricist battles produced by Lyricist Lounge in an Everlast custom made boxing ring. Celebrity judges include George Horowitz, CEO of Everlast, Bryce Wilson, host of Weekend VIBE and the lovely Miss Jones from Hot 97 among others. Serving as celebrity referee will be Anthony Marshall, co-founder of Lyricist Lounge. The evening’s events will include special guest emcee Power 105.1 DJ Monie Love and performances by Ruff Ryders artists, Drag-on and Jin.

The Everlast 2003 Male and Female Harlem Lyricist Champions will receive the following: 2003 Everlast Male/Female Harlem Lyricist championship belt, $2,000 worth of Everlast urban apparel and boxing equipment and a chance to perform live at a professional boxing match.

The male and female winners will compete against each other to be crowned the 2003 Undisputed Everlast Harlem Lyricist Champion and will receive the following: two front row tickets to a championship fight including travel, accommodations and meals, a face-to-face meeting with Ruff Ryders records personnel and will automatically become a finalist for the NYC Source Magazine Unsigned Hype Competition.

Said Mr. Horowitz, “While the Everlast brand has a tradition in boxing, the brand has appeal to a broad audience. Our brand has a considerable inner city cache and ‘hipness’ and one of the most efficient ways of reaching this audience is through music and events like the ‘The Holla in Harlem.’ Grass roots marketing and merchandising events such as these are important for the Everlast brand.“

Ted Assis, co-owner and buyer of Mony added, “From the gyms to the streets, Everlast is an American icon that transcends time. The Everlast brand stands for many things ­ quality, style, and versatility. We look forward to a successful launch of the new Everlast urban line.”