KC Current drops apparel collaboration with streetwear brand to celebrate AAPI heritage
May 25, 2023 | Startland News Staff
A new, limited-edition collection from MADE MOBB and the Kansas City Current features designs that blend the KC streetwear brand’s icon style with input from hometown women’s soccer players Chardonnay Curran and Hailie Mace.
The merchandise collaboration — a first between the two organizations — launched this week in celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. MADE MOBB is an AAPI-owned local business, and Chardonnay Curran is Asian American and Pacific Islander.
“Working with Hailie, Char and the KC Current crew to design the merch was really dope,” said Vu Radley, co-owner of MADE MOBB, one of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2023. “The players came to the shop, brainstormed with us and provided their input during the design process. That’s what makes this collab so special. We wanted to create something that the players and the fans would love wearing, so having the players involved in the process made perfect sense.”
Click here to learn more about MADE MOBB or here to shop the brand now.
“As an AAPI brand and small business, it was really dope seeing the KC Current not only shine a spotlight on us but also support other AAPI businesses in Kansas City like Vietnam Cafe and Cafe Cà Phê,” he continued. “We’re thankful for the opportunity and excited to continue working with the Current as they make big moves in the city. This is just the first wave of the collaboration, so stay tuned to see what we’ve got cooking next!”
Click here to check out the collaboration online.
Fans also may pick up their shirts at the Current’s next match Friday, May 26 against the Houston Dash.
Click here for pricing and ticket information.
“I love when we get to work with local businesses, but it’s even better when we get to support minority-owned companies, especially around Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month,” said KC Current midfielder Curran. “This collaboration is even more special to me as an Asian American and Pacific Islander because I get to connect with people who share my heritage, even though I am far away from home right now. I hope the fans love our new shirts.”
Founded in December 2020, the Kansas City Current is led by the ownership group of Angie Long, Chris Long, Brittany Mahomes and Patrick Mahomes.
RELATED: KC’s sports business icons joining the roster for Junior Achievement Hall of Fame
The team competes in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The Kansas City Current announced plans for the first stadium purpose-built for a professional women’s soccer team with expected completion in 2024.

2023 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Cook to CEO: Chad Offerdahl sticks to Big Biscuit basics as breakfast industry trends funky — ‘That’s not us’
Chad Offerdahl’s journey with The Big Biscuit didn’t start in an office — it began in the kitchen, explained the CEO of the fast-growing, locally owned breakfast brand. That’s where he first learned the classics that define the company, its mission and the menu. “I started as a cook,” said Offerdahl. “I trained in the…
How this founder’s hobby (plus a little trouble) became Oak Park retail incubator’s biggest success story
“Big Chunky Blankets” — soft as a baby’s cheek and custom knitted in any color of the rainbow — folded into the foundation of what would become Maryann Nzioki Hult’s resilient, nearly pandemic-proof foray into entrepreneurship. They put local Tabu Knits on the online map of must-have-items, and then became the seed of two Johnson…
Big win for UMKC: Unlocking top tier research status gives KC new competitive edge
A new milestone for the University of Missouri-Kansas City — achieving status as Kansas City’s first Carnegie R1 research institution — is expected to help boost the region’s ability to start, grow and scale more startups, leaders said this week, emphasizing the role university-led research plays in innovation across industries and communities. “It’s absolutely massive…
KC Bier Co building new 30,000-square-foot urban beer garden; founder brewing a space for all
A Kansas City-built, German-style brewery is expanding to Lenexa — bringing an authentic Bavarian beer garden experience to Johnson County, said founder Steve Holle. Developed in partnership with West Star Development, the new KC Bier Co. venue will feature a large outdoor space, an indoor restaurant, private event areas, and a stage for live music…

