A streetwear company based in Montreal is receiving recognition for producing the original white fleece jacket that was customized to become a popular item worn in the TV series “Heated Rivalry.” The CEO and founder of Kuwalla Tee, Yaniv Abecassis, expressed how their jacket, featured in the show’s second episode, gained attention across Canada but without proper acknowledgment.
Abecassis mentioned that the fleece used in the show was sourced from their brand without prior knowledge of its usage. The modifications to the jacket included adding “Canada” in red lettering on the back, red accents on the collar and zipper pulls, and maple leaves on the arms. The design was created by Canadian costume designer Hanna Puley to be practical and comfortable.
The character Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, showcased the jacket during scenes set at the Sochi Olympics. Despite not being official Team Canada merchandise, fans have shown interest in purchasing the jacket since its appearance. Williams even presented a jacket from the show to Prime Minister Mark Carney at a recent event in Ottawa.
To meet the demand for the fleece, the show creators collaborated with the Canadian clothing company Province of Canada. However, there was a dispute as Kuwalla Tee felt their contribution to the design was not being acknowledged. Following discussions with CBC News, steps were taken to ensure proper credit was given.
The issue arose when the modified fleece was presented to Carney as part of the Province of Canada collection launch. Abecassis pointed out that their label was visible on the product being marketed by another company, leading to frustration. Despite efforts to resolve the matter privately, the producers of “Heated Rivalry” declined to remove images of Kuwalla Tee’s product from promotional materials.
After inquiries from CBC News, the production company clarified that the fleece design was not final and emphasized their commitment to Canadian production. Kuwalla Tee’s products are designed in Montreal but manufactured overseas. Following negotiations, an agreement was reached, and Kuwalla Tee received credit on social media for their contribution.
In the legal realm, McGill University professor Richard Gold explained that Kuwalla Tee had limited grounds for a case as generic fashion items like fleece jackets typically have minimal legal protection unless featuring distinct elements. He noted that the value of the jacket stemmed from its association with the show rather than the company itself.
