College students often flaunt their school spirit with sweatshirts, flip-flops and face paint. Now, popular retailer Victoria's Secret is offering another outlet through which women can show school pride: their underwear.
The brand's new PINK Collegiate Collection line, launched this month, features lingerie and loungewear with the logos of 33 colleges and universities including Penn State and Boston College.
Penn was not approached to be part of the launch and has not yet reviewed the collection, said Business Services spokeswoman Barbara Lea-Kruger.
She added that the selected schools are mostly state universities with large student and alumni populations and recognized athletic programs, which boost sales potential.
Wharton and College sophomore Sejal Shah said she thinks the line would be more lucrative at schools more focused on athletics. "People would buy it even if they don't have a direct connection with the school because they are fans," she said.
Penn State sophomore Jana Goldfarb said she predicts the gear will be popular on campus. "I love Victoria's Secret and my college, so if the two were combined, I would definitely buy it," she said.
But, Engineering sophomore Pallavi Yerramilli said she would oppose the brand. "Printing a school's name alongside a lingerie label would undermine the academic and historical connotations associated with it," she said.
The line does not include the racier items for which Victoria's Secret is known, but at least one school has objected to featuring its logo on the merchandise.
The University of Minnesota asked to opt out of the agreement, according to a press statement from late June, because of how the brand may impact the school's image. Minnesota merchandise is still for sale as a back-to-school special and a school spokesperson did not return request for comment.
Branding arrangements were made through the Collegiate Licensing Company, so schools did not deal directly with Victoria's Secret.
Penn offers co-branded styles with companies like Under Armour and Polo Ralph Lauren, Lea-Kruger said, but is not affiliated with the CLC and manages its own licensing program.
Visitors to the Victoria's Secret Web site may nominate their schools for the line - a factor PINK will consider in evaluating new partners, spokeswoman Sarah Tervo said.
In the meantime, Penn has "no immediate plans" to offer the merchandise, said Lea-Kruger.
Wharton sophomore Tiffany Chin said that the line may appeal to PINK fans who like the novelty appeal but said she feels that Penn already offers ample logo gear. "Sweatshirts, sweatpants and tee-shirts are enough," she said.
Prices range from about $25 for tee-shirts and tote bags to $128 for stadium jackets. The merchandise is available in school stores, Victoria's Secret stores and online.
