THE WOMEN’S NATIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION AND MODEL ATELIER ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP, UNITING PROFESSIONAL SPORTS UNION WITH FASHION DESIGN HOUSE
CHICAGO, IL — May 17, 2019 — Model Atelier and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) are excited to announce their strategic partnership, which unites the fashion design house with the first labor union for professional women athletes in a unique collaboration. Model Atelier is proud to broaden its reach and appeal to the entire WNBPA membership, along with their loyal and influential fans. The collaboration will feature and celebrate women who play basketball at the highest level and their off-court expressions of style.
With this week being highlighted by the start of a new season of basketball for WNBPA members, as well as Model Atelier’s debut of a new summer campaign featuring WNBPA Player Representative and WNBA All-Star, Stef Dolson, the timing could not have been more perfect!
Model Atelier is a luxury design house exclusively for the tall, strong and confident woman. Its finely crafted made-to-order collections are tailored for women 5’7” and taller. Model Atelier was created by former Ford model-turned designer, Robin Harris.
“As a tall woman-focused company we’re thrilled to join forces with the powerful women who lead the WNBPA. Our design and style will show the world that when women support women we all win, and look good doing it!” said Robin Harris, CEO of Model Atelier.
PREMIER FASHION CONCIERGE PARTNER
As the WNBPA’s Premier Fashion Concierge Partner, Model Atelier will provide an array of benefits for the WNBPA player membership as well as for those players serving as Model Atelier Brand Ambassadors. While the collections are generally for tall silhouettes, Model Atelier anticipates enthusiastic and broad-based support for its Confidence Apparel line which, by definition, is meant to develop and promote positive body image!
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
To further demonstrate a commitment to economic empowerment, Model Atelier has already established a WNBPA Internship for a current or former player who demonstrates a strong interest and appreciation for all facets of the industry, to include manufacture, design, marketing and business trends. The internship will further encourage entrepreneurism for players, and Model Atelier will gain valuable insight to further informed the production of existing and new athletic-inspired collections.
ABOUT THE WOMEN’S NATIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) is the union for current women’s professional basketball players in the WNBA. The WNBPA is the first labor union for professional women athletes. It was created in 1998 to protect the rights of players and assist them in achieving their full potential on and off the court. The WNBPA handles the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, filing grievances on their behalf, and counseling players on benefits and post-WNBA career opportunities. The WNBPA also serves as a resource for current players, while they are competing internationally during the offseason. The WNBPA encourages players to participate in union activities including executive leadership roles, team representative positions, and global community outreach initiatives.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mika Stambaugh
The MAS Ink
mika@themasink.com
Michael Goldsholl
Associate Director of Operations, WNBPA
Michael.goldsholl@wnbpa.com
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