IN PICS: Designer Kevin Leonel, Teeling Whiskey and Notre Dame create stylish fan jackets
Designer Kevin Leonel teamed up with Notre Dame Athletics and Teeling Irish Whiskey to create exclusive, handcrafted "Irish Spirit" jackets for college football fans. This collaboration brings together Fighting Irish supporters and Irish whiskey enthusiasts, with two limited-edition releases alongside a bespoke line of stadium jackets.
The first jacket, featuring vintage patchwork and an Irish tartan design, is available now, with a second release set for November. Leonel's custom craftsmanship matches Notre Dame’s goal of offering stylish apparel that alumni and fans can proudly wear. The Brooklyn, New York-based designer is known for "reimagining sports memorabilia into clothing items," per his website.
Teeling Whiskey, Notre Dame's official Irish whiskey partner in the U.S., has played a key role in this partnership. According to the brand's co-founder, Stephen Teeling, the collaboration reflects shared values of tradition and innovation, similar to how Teeling blends traditional methods with a modern approach to whiskey-making.
This November, Teeling Whiskey is set to introduce the first bottle of its "Phoenix Legends" series, honoring Notre Dame's historical past. Aged 24 years and finished in Rivesaltes casks, this limited-edition whiskey marks the 100th anniversary of Notre Dame's first national football championship, led by the iconic Four Horsemen.
With just 1,000 bottles available, it will be released in perfect timing for the Nov. 23 game at Yankee Stadium. The Fighting Irish will be taking on the Army West Point Black Knights in the Bronx as part of the Shamrock Series.
A toast to Notre Dame Fighting Irish's rich history
Speaking about the collaboration, Jim Fraleigh, Notre Dame's deputy athletic director, said
"Just as Notre Dame upholds traditions while embracing the future, TEELING Whiskey revitalizes traditional whiskey-making with the same shared values.
"With two limited release whiskies and 'Irish Spirit' jackets, this partnership offers fans the opportunity to elevate fans' celebrations with a whiskey that shares both the Fighting Irish passion and TEELING Whiskey's pioneering character."
Coming up in November, the "Phoenix Legends" series will debut, aligning with a big game at Yankee Stadium.
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