The USPS is putting their stamp on fashion.
Heavy duty coats, hats, jackets, footwear and clothing inspired by mail carriers will soon be hanging on the racks at premium department stores like Nordstrom, Macy’ s and Bloomingdale’s.
The cash-starved U.S. Postal Service partnered with Cleveland-based clothing company Wahconah Group to license it’s own line called “Rain, Heat & Snow” that is crafted to support electronics like iPods.
“We don’t want people to look like mailmen,” said Wahconah marketing chief Bob Carlston.
“We’re looking to incorporate iconic elements of their long and rich history of delivering the mail for us.”
Designers at Wahconah company are working closely on designs and sketches with the USPS, who will receive a small percentage of the sales. The inventory will be made in the U.S. with fabrics sourced from around the world including Italy, Mexico and Asia.
“We won’t be using stamps (for tagging),” Carlston said.
“Think of a Pea coat with really nice brass buttons from an old historic postal service uniform.”
An outerwear line for men will be introduced in Spring 2014. They’re also working on a women’s line.
The designs and price points are still undecided but Carlston predicts a premium wool Pea coat will retail for around $500.
“This agreement will put the Postal Service on the cutting edge of functional fashion,’ said Postal Service corporate licensing manager Steven Mills in a statement.
But some aren’t so sure that the Postal Service can pull it off.
“If it looks the price and you can see the quality and fashion in it – yes, I’d wear it,” said student Jesse Williams, 22.
“It is important that they (USPS) deliver what they are saying. And if it keeps me warm and dry, that’s a bonus.”