Avirex

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  Boys Avirex Activewear
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  Boys Avirex Outerwear
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  Men Avirex Hoodies
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  Men Avirex Jeans & Pants
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  Men Avirex Outerwear
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  Men Avirex Shirts
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  Men Avirex Shorts
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  Men Avirex Sweatshirts & Sweaters

Avirex 'Sky King' maker of classic bomber jackets

Avirex was founded in 1975 by Jeff Clyman, his wife Jacky Clyman, and New York-based fashion designer Frank Marchese. Jeff, an avid airplane collector, decided to take a risk with fashion after receiving a lot of praises for his father’s authentic bomber jacket. His love for flying, interest in historical flight equipments, and passion to make authentic American jackets paved the way for the creation Avirex, meaning “Sky King.”

Starting out as a brand of authentic leather jackets sold through direct-mail catalogs, the label progressed as the vanguard of authentic American aviation-inspired garments with its topnotch quality and manufacturing secrets. It is heralded as the genuine pioneer in designing and creating the “authentic American look.” As such, Avirex was named the leader in the leather outerwear industry for over 30 years.

For 25 years Avirex served as the supplier of combat aviation gear of the NASA Dryden Space Flight Center and the U.S. Armed Forces – the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and the US Coast Guard – while under the supervision of the Department of Defense. Despite the trendy military wears the brand has created, Avirex’s trademark piece remains to be the classic bomber jackets proudly donned by military pilots.

From military wear, the company made a big leap to the limelight by designing costumes for box-office movies such as Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Terminator. In 1986, the clothing line created the costumes for Top Gun, an army movie starred by actor Tom Cruise. Because of their ability to serve both the military and civilians, the brand’s fashion appeal managed to transcend both ways – between establishment and anti-establishment. Avirex has managed to cater to the tastes of people in the Washington association and the people in the streets.

The same year, the brand opened its flagship store named “The Cockpit” in Manhattan’s posh SoHo neighborhood. True to its inspirations, The Cockpit’s interior bears a resemblance to a large American aircraft carrier. It has a 1944 AT6 Texan as its centerpiece, and other authentic aviation artifacts for its furnishings. Because of its aviation feel, The Cockpit remains to be one of the most unique boutiques in the world.

In celebration of its silver anniversary in 2000, they presented an impeccable sportswear line for its Fall 2000 collection. In Spring 2005, Avirex was acquired by Mark Ecko Enterprises. The active wear company helped debut Avirex’s sportswear and textile outerwear. Since then, the American aviation-inspired line has developed into a trendy sportswear collection.

With an exclusive license agreement with Avirex Ltd., the brand’s young men’s and junior’s collections were born. Added in the line revamp are denims, tees, knits, and outwear created for a diverse youth market who love quality, genuine American fashion. Now, it is the brand of choice of ivy leaguers and preppy students.

Avirex’s strategy was to create a globally-recognized garment line with a strong sense of aviation heritage. With that idea in mind, Ecko launched and sold Avirex in three key fashion areas: the United States, Europe, and Japan in 2006. They succeeded in its desire to make the brand internationally renowned, thanks to unparalleled marketing and advertising.

It also attained its goal of fusing luxury aspirations and trendy fashion in its quality, yet affordable garments. As a result, the label appealed to both aviation-fashion lovers and active youth audiences.

In Spring 2007, its domination in the fashion world by signing an exclusive watch agreement with Callanen International. Now, Avirex watches, which are inspired by historical aeronautical finishes and touched up by some modern embellishments, can be bought across the United States.

Because of its appealing design and quality garments, Avirex has earned its own flock of celebrity followers including: John Travolta, Will Smith, Puffy Combs, Chris Rock, Shaquille O’Neal, Busta Rhymes, , Sylvester Stallone, Missy Elliott, Eminem, Nas, Five, Method Man, , Brand Nubian, LL Cool J, John Cena, and Georgio Armani.

Also the company is a big supporter of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and sponsored Michael “The Count” Bisping, who won the title of UFC 85 and 83, and Middleweight contender Patrick Cote. It also funded an MMA event in Montreal, Canada.

Avirex can be purchased at department stores, chain stores, and specialty retailers across the United States, Europe and Japan.