Much has changed on campus over the decades, including what hangs in a student’s closet. The look of ISU attire has evolved as well over time, with different generations sporting their own unique styles created to Spread the Red.
Alums can now purchase items from their student era through the Redbird Vintage line of merchandise, which features throwback logos from the University’s first use of a redbird insignia in the early 1930s through the appearance of the “thumbs-up” Reggie in the 1980s.
“It’s a great way to remember, or perhaps discover, our tremendous shared heritage,” said R.C. McBride, who handles trademarks and licensing. “We’ve partnered with several companies—each selected for its commitment to quality and its talent for storytelling—to create merchandise that will be available this fall.”
WinCraft will produce a variety of items featuring the evolution of the Redbird logo, including wood signs and pennants. Items will be at Barnes and Noble University Book Store, Alamo II, GoRedbirds.com, Amazon.com and other retailers.
HOMAGE will be the exclusive producer of casual attire for the vintage line. The company produces all of its T-shirts and sweatshirts in the United States. Items can be purchased at Homage.com. Brand ’47, the headwear partner, will have several designs available at a number of retailers.
Ebbets Field Flannels, which helped kickstart the retro boom in sports merchandising, will be offering Illinois State baseball jerseys that honor the University’s 1969 national championship team. The items, including a replica hat from the ISNU days, will be available online at Ebbets.com.
Plans are also underway for those eager for work attire, including Redbird Vintage polos, button-down shirts, sweaters and women’s professional attire.
