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.
KC Current x MADE MOBB collaboration
“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
Planned serendipity: Endeavor Heartland’s launch aims to put founders in the right place at the right time
A global nonprofit that supports high-impact entrepreneurs is gearing up for its March 6 regional selection panel in Kansas City — the organization’s next big step in establishing a KC footprint, said Shawn Morris. “This will double as our launch into the Kansas City market and our commitment to our office expanding there,” said Morris,…
Why this KC social entrepreneur pivoted from drilling wells with Matt Damon to tapping micro-loans for water projects
Identifying unmet needs is just as critical for social entrepreneurs as their counterparts at more traditional for-profit ventures, said Gary White, explaining how Water.org needed to find its missing piece to truly tap the non-profit’s potential. “Go after those unique insights at the intersection of a great social gain and a market,” said White, offering…
Newly relaunched PR platform connects small brands to freelance journalists eager to tell their stories
Blish Mize Connor and Allison Hogan are working to change the landscape of the public relations game, they shared, starting with firing themselves. The PR veterans — with a combined 35 years of experience — have launched DeskSides, a dual-sided digital hub to connect brands with journalists/freelancers. “We were tired of traveling and schlepping goods…
US company lands on the moon: Here’s how a KC firm helped boost its flames of innovation
For the first time ever, a commercial spacecraft has touched down on the moon and Kansas City-based Burns & McDonnell provided innovation that helped to make it possible for Intuitive Machines and its Odysseus IM-1 lander, shared Brittney Swartz. The local engineering, construction and architecture firm served as the designer and builder of Intuitive Machines’…