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MONTEGO BAY, JA: --- The release of a new SLAM limited edition calendar has become a highly anticipated annual event for collectors.
In the vein of Italy’s Pirelli Calendar featuring the best visual art and using the top artists and models, SLAM, the Caribbean’s most popular condom brand has created an annual collectible that has redefined the genre.
“We wanted to create not just a calendar, but a work of art,” says No Glove, No Love CEO Victor Wong, the creators of SLAM.
Instead of using live models as in the past, for 2007 SLAM hired Canadian artist Ted Hammond to create the idealized SLAM girl.
Using the popular Vargas girl as an inspiration (Alberto Vargas’ illustrated pin ups for Esquire magazine in the 40s were legendary) Hammond set out to create the ultimate SLAM woman.
“She’s the independent, take charge type who is sexy and smart at the same time,” says Hammond. “This is the girl who epitomizes what SLAM is about.”
In sports mad Jamaica – the SLAM woman knows how to play, and we’re not just talking basketball, horseback riding or cricket, says Hammond, who sprinkles a sly sports theme throughout the Calendar.
While the Calendar represents a departure for SLAM, don’t worry the brand isn’t moving away from its popular spokes models, such as hip hop diva Sincerely Ward or Dance Hall Queen Carlene, said Wong.
“Our spokes models are an important part of who we are – they are women who live the SLAM lifestyle. But this is about moving the goalposts – there is beauty everywhere and popular art is an important part of telling our story and giving tribute to the vision of the Caribbean woman,” says Wong. “Ted has done a spectacular job of bringing the SLAM girl to life.”
About SLAM:
SLAM and RESPECT are lifestyle brands by No Glove No Love.
The company supports AIDS hospices of Jamaica.
About Ted Hammond:
Ted Hammond got his start as the illustrator of the popular Muscle Mag Magazine in Canada.
Known as the Herb Ritts of illustrators for his interpretation of muscular sexuality, his influences stride the breadth of pop culture, including Frank Frazetta and Alberto Vargas.
Hammond’s unique point of view and ironic humor have made his artwork highly sought by collectors. |
