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Hickey Freeman Chief Creative Officer Joseph Abboud on Ralph Lauren making the U.S. Olympic team’s uniforms in China.
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US Olympic uniform set up made in China while the controversy reaching Capitol Hill.
New York senator Chuck Schumer calling on the Olympic Committee today tell make uniforms.
In America.
He says Rochester New York based assume maker Hickey Freeman is ready to -- suits for the team and joining us now is -- a -- chief creative.
Officer for H and acts group parent company other -- -- freedom thanks so much for joining us today.
What's action all this I mean it just seems like it's almost over -- at this point.
It is in and -- so interest -- -- truly rough ones -- great designer.
I think it's a bigger issue than what's happening just for the Olympic uniforms.
I think it's about a sea change we're we're understanding -- in America it's something special.
We're really excited about what we do as a company established in 1899 making great close.
But just -- I think it's really important yes please get I'm sorry to interrupt you that I just wanted to bring you this quote from democratic senator Harry Reid do and I know the politics politicians are making handle this but he's saying quote -- they should take all the outlets put them in a big problem the most volatile over.
What's it.
-- -- the mistake though Joseph do you think based the Olympics of course is very nationally.
Based if it's a -- -- pride for your home country as they compete against others around the world.
The image do is not good you have to have met.
Yet no I think this is an an oversight in my opinion oversight.
You know clearly Ralph has done a lot for American fashion and he's he is truly a great designer.
But I think someone in his organization probably should have picked up on this end up we as a company we are -- the on air talent.
For NBC.
Matt Lauer and all of the team over there and they will be wearing Hickey Freeman of course made in America so we're pretty excited about that.
Yeah I mean it this is actually being drawn out there -- As Harry Reid said that you could turn out sports -- investment in time for the lending gains later this month.
If that was actually asked -- you could you do it.
Yes we could -- mean the great thing about American manufacturing is.
We are quick to response quick to market so.
-- -- almost a made to measure house we make incredible close an incredible speech so if that were the case which I don't think is going to happen.
We could do that I think more than just the make.
Yeah I'm sure people are wondering then if you could do that why didn't Ralph Lauren do that for the sake of the Olympic.
You know that's a great question I really don't know the answer I'm sure they thought this -- through where they're manufacturing base is and what they do.
Arched we have 14100 workers in the United States and in North America.
That -- tailored clothing so that's our expertise that's something we do well so we're used to doing that and I'm not quite sure of Ralph structure and how he does it.
You know clearly they have an enormous business a very successful business.
And I'm sure if you wanted to focus -- that -- be able to do that because of his solo you know from a business perspective this could be a great contract for your company to to have good net.
Yes of course then I think -- but I but I do think it is a bigger issue I think you made in America having the consumers understand that made in America is great.
And it's not just made in America is made in America with great quality.
So I think there is a sea change in our industry and you're gonna see more and more designers focusing on this very important fact.
Joseph the -- chief creative officer of HMX group the parent company of Hickey Freeman does -- thank you so much for jumping in on this story that continues -- Get bigger and bigger thank you so much.
Thanks for having.
