Monday night was the launch function for Dick Frizzell’s apparel range for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The Kiwi artist shared the story behind the creative process that resulted in seven iconic images available in prints, tees and hoodies.

Dick Frizzell with one of his designs for the RWC 2011 apparel

Dick Frizzell with one of his designs for the RWC 2011 apparel

Frizzell laughed as he reflected on the eureka moments that made the collection what it is. The most poignant is the design of the tiki, made from overlaying the IRB ball logo to create an image that clearly depicts the geographical location of the 2011 RWC.

Other designs include the Half Time Tee which displays a bowl of oranges that by tradition every player looks forward to and a 2011 made with a boot, ball and goal posts.

One another of the tees the Kia Kaha Kid plays out the moves of the Haka in a light and cartoonish style reminiscent of the Four Square man. Frizzell mentioned that his son, Otis said that the Kia Kaha Kid “looked like the son of Four Square.”

The apparel range of tees have a recommended retail price of $72.00 and the hoodies will be $144.00. The seven designs are all available as tees, and two as hoodies. Each item is offered in two different colours.

Ross Munro of Canterbury New Zealand is the man behind the concept and is delighted with the way the range has turned out. It’s been a pleasure having Dick Frizzell on board with this and creating a such a quirky, iconic collection that is already getting an amazing response. The designs are distinctive, imaginative and laid-back, in other words typically Kiwi.

Frizzell’s enthusiasm about the range is contagious, and his excitement palpable, “I’ve had a fantastic time working on this project. There was plenty of flexibility – Ross Munro gave me the brand pillars of the IRB and I worked from that. I really hope people enjoy the results because I’m absolutely stoked about the whole thing.”

Image courtesy of Thread.