The Mallard launches a Duck Head Revival

From time to time I like to write about clothing options that seem to have disappeared and then magically return to the mainstream.  Today I learned that although I didn't know it was gone, the Duck Head brand is making a comeback!  Yep, those down to earth, can't kill them, thick, beer drinking, made for all seasons khaki's.  I remember many a late 1980's college morning strapping on my beat up Sigma Chi cap, Bean Duck Boots, a party t-shirt and my Duck Head Khaki's whilst running late for some class I didn't want to attend to begin with.

Anyway, it seems that the Duck Head folks closed the doors when their parent company went bankrupt last year.  Now Ross Sternheimer has purchased the brand for $2.65 million and has plans to make the company a leader in the industry once again. Sternheimer wants to initially concentrate on getting the classic Duck Head apparel merchandise into stores - hopefully by this fall. He said he has had some interest from retailers, including national and regional chains, about carrying the products.  And he wants to expand the brand beyond apparel. He would like to see the Duck Head signature logo on canoes, hunting decoys, fishing and hunting gear, umbrellas and luggage.  Here's a helpful hint from ole' Britt...don't put them in JC Penny's or Wal-Mart.  It just makes the cheap!  Put them in higher class retailers with a moderately high price and people will flock to them like Bill's Khaki's.  Notice the "Flock" pun there?

A little history:

The Duck Head name goes back to 1865 when two brothers in Nashville, Tennessee, George and Joe O'Bryan bought surplus Army tents made out of a heavy, canvas-like material known as duck. Although it was not intended as a clothing material, duck proved to make sturdy work pants and overalls. These early duck pants became known as khakis which also made a success of the O'Bryan Brothers Manufacturing Company and created a durable clothing staple for the last century. In 1892 the brothers tried to trademark the name "duck," but were turned down by the Trademark and Registration Office in Washington because the term was in general use. The two brothers, both avid outdoorsmen, loved ducks. This combination led to the now famous Duck Head. When they were told that "duck head" was available, the O'Bryan brothers registered the name.

So I say good luck Ross!  It's a great brand and if you can find some of us old guys and few college boys to get back on board, I think you've got a good shot at resurrection.  Put me down for a pair whenever their available!  Now if Banana Republic would get back to selling safari apparel, the world would be right again!