Known as johnnie-O to his friends and family, O'Donnell has been an avid golfer since the age of 12, and created his first polo shirts for his golfing buddies. The casual brand has a "West Coast preppy style" and now has expanded to include clothing for men, women and children. The line features shirts, belts, hats, socks, sweatshirts, and other specialty items including rain shorts, "wedge" collar polos, and johnnie-O GolfSkins ("arm warmers" to wear under shirts, when the weather is too cold for short sleeves, but too warm for a sweater.)
Now O'Donnell, who grew up with his six brothers and sisters in Winnetka, is launching his casual clothing in the Midwest. O'Donnell will introduce johnnie-O this Saturday, December 12 at E Street Denim in Highland Park www.estreetdenim.com. The designer will be on hand from noon to 4 pm. Housed in an original A&P grocery store, E Street Denim has become a destination for denim on the North Shore; johnnie-O's casual preppy line a perfect compliment to the lines already carried in the men's department. E Street Denim is located at 1876 First Street, Highland Park.
For more information, call 847-433-8338 or visit www.estreetdenim.com or www.johnnie-o.com
Meet Johnnie-O
12 noon to 4 pm
Saturday, December 12
E Street Denim Co.
1876 First Street, Highland Park
847-433-8338
www.estreetdenim.com
More ABOUT JOHN O'DONNELL
O'Donnell took up club when he was 12 and played on the golf team at UCLA, where he majored in history and business. O'Donnell emerged from the collegiate ranks as a competitive amateur golfer, participating in five USGA events, including two U.S. Amateur championships. He also played in The World Club Championships in Korea, The Unibank Open in Rio de Janeiro, and a slew of club tournaments and invitationals.
In addition to his sporting pursuits, O'Donnell recognized a knack for business while selling radio advertising in Madison, WI. From there he took a television advertising role with Fox Sports Net Chicago before returning to the California sun by way of the Golf Channel's Los Angeles office. He then spent seven years selling financial printing services for Merrill Corporation.
Known as johnnie-O to friends, the idea for the apparel line started in 2005 while helping a buddy with a hobby. O'Donnell quickly recognized a potential business opportunity in design, and developed the first models of his line for friends on a golf trip. To their delight, the "surfer dude" shirts added a new flare to their golf wardrobes, and before long, the word spread and the johnnie-O line was created.
O'Donnell now lives in Los Angeles where he continues chipping away at his golf and business legacies.
JOHNNIE-O and other FASHIONS SHOWN ON ABC 7
All available at E Street Denim, in the Men's Store. For more information, 847.433.8338, ask for Billy or visit estreetdenim.com Join E Street Denim on facebook.com
Matt Murphy wore:
johnnie-O black cap $16
johnnie-O four button polo in charcoal $44
J Williams black thermal long sleeve shirt $48
AG Jeans Protege fit straight leg $253
Spencer Cotton wore:
johnnie-O long sleeve crew neck t-shirt $28
AG Protege 1 year wash jean $215
Howie Kalish wore:
johnnie-O sweatshirt in brown $52
Hudson relaxed boot cut jeans at $198
Steve Sonen wore:
johnnie-O four button polo in navy $44
Silver Grayson boot cut jeans $198
Rich Landas long sleeve crew neck t-shirt $40
Ron Kalish wore:
johnnie-O "The Wedge" polo $48
Agave "Gringo Jeans" $209
Alternative Apparel thermal long sleeve in grey $35
