CFL.ca Staff

This fall the Canadian Football League will begin an ambitious project aimed at celebrating the league’s storied history.

The program will launch in Toronto and Winnipeg on Tuesday, August 26.  Fans are invited to attend the kick-off events at each location where a special line of retro gear will be unveiled as well as retro on field jerseys.

Toronto Argonaut players Kerry Joseph and Arland Bruce III, along with several special guests, will be on hand at the RBK Vaughn Mills Flagship Store (Highway 7 & Highway 400) in Toronto as part of the launch at 10:45 a.m. local time.

In Winnipeg, fans will have a similar opportunity to mingle with current and former Bombers, including Kevin Glenn and Milt Stegall, inside the Bombers Store starting at 3:00 p.m. local time.

In addition to meeting CFL stars of past and present, fans will have the opportunity to sample the latest CFL retro gear and get autographs from their favourite players. 

“The CFL to me has always been a true and honest Canadian brand,” said Roger Edwards, who designed the CFL sideline apparel for RBK by Roger Edwards. “It has such rich history and tradition, yet it also provides today’s sports fan with entertainment. I like that blend of respecting the past and looking towards the future – it mirrors our design philosophy as well.”

Edwards said there is a reason the vintage CFL look is bound to be popular.

“The beauty of vintage designs is that they’re timeless. No matter how fast we progress in other fields, fashion always comes back to classic looks,” he said. “Particularly in sports, fans want to associate with clothing that gives them that sense of nostalgia. Our clothing gives them a chance to wear comfortable, high quality garments that combine the history of their team with today’s fashion styles.”

Edwards, who once owned a retail store on Bloor Street in Toronto, said he drew upon many inspirations when designing the outfits.

“Because my background includes many different disciplines like painting, sculpture, interior design, music, and graphic arts, I find inspiration for my designs from a variety of places,” Edwards said. “I’m inspired by expression, passion and creativity, and I find those through architecture, art, fashion, music, and, of course, sports.”