In 2021, after honing his skills as an entrepreneur for over 10 years, Olivier Ramel launched Blue Athletics, which unites thousands of padel players in France. Today, he talks to us about the most exciting news of the year: his collaboration with American Vintage.
Photos: Talent is an art
Before we talk about this collaboration in more detail, can you tell us about how Blue Athletics got started?
Back in March 2021, some friends and I discovered padel, but, almost immediately, we ran into a few problems. Not only was the sport kind of old-fashioned, but it was also hard to find enough courts to play on. We wanted to dust off the discipline and make it more appealing. Blue Athletics has brought together a community of players for three years now. It’s an opportunity to meet up every week and go to padel camps around Europe several times a year.
How did your meeting with American Vintage go?
We met in July 2024, and we clicked immediately. First, because we share the same values: comfort, elegance, energy and a team spirit. Second, because the Marseille-based brand didn’t want to just sponsor our activity; they wanted to actually develop products and create a strong identity for the collaboration.
Does the term “off-court” refer to the fact that you dress players off the court?
Exactly. We’ve always taken a lifestyle approach and this collaboration lets us go one step farther. We’re giving our athletes a chance to feel good and show off their style before and after a match or training — while wearing natural materials in neutral or vibrant colours. Basically, we’re offering much more than athletic clothing.
What products were developed?
We developed a sweatshirt, a baseball cap, a jacket and a tote bag. The AD around the collab focuses on the key colours of padel: blue for the court, yellow for the ball. For now, the pieces are not for sale. They’re offered free of charge to the members of our leagues (we have around 500 members at the moment).
What was the photo shoot like?
It took place in Cassis, overlooking the turquoise sea. The weather was beautiful and sunny. It was a wonderful day and we’re all really happy with the visuals and the video!
How would you sum up this collaboration in a few words?
An adventure driven by sports and a great relationship!
AMV Journal is a space dedicated to encounters, discovery and travel. Every week, explore the musts, portraits and inspirations of American Vintage and its creation studio.