The Ducks are about to don a new look this Thursday night when they take the field against the Cal Bears, a look that some are calling retro. But is it? Or did Nike create a clash between two eras?
I first saw the new jerseys and apparel [for copyright purposes check 'em out here] on the always insightful Nike Blog. Upon first gaze, the shade of green accented by the golden numbers made me think throwback. It reminded me of the nostalgic combination's of solid green and yellow the Ducks formerly sported in the previous decades. The "Fighting Ducks" text on the front pays tribute to a mentality of teams from earlier years. It doesn't scream retro, but it says it.
Then I saw the shoulders. Sewn upon them is the face of our beloved Duck mascot. But wait, that's not the same face we see doing an unfathomable amount of push-ups each time the Ducks chalk the scoreboard. This is a strikingly sleek version of an older Puddles mascot with a look of determination through gleaming eyes. The writing with historic context is conversely represented through Oregon's highly exclusive and sought-after font.
Nothing depicts this mesh of two eras more so than the hat. Puddle's fresh new face on a tri-colored snap-back hat. That style was once popular in the 80's and is currently in the midst of a comeback. Microcosm? I think so.
One thing we do know about Nike is they sure know how to establish a brand; be it an individual, team or an entire sport. This advanced design process coupled with a superior creative process helped propel Duck athletics into a recognizable brand itself.
Will this new look dropping Thursday be here in the future? Or is it going to be history? I guess that has been the question the whole time.
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