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
For one night only, KCI’s new terminal became the city’s premier event venue; Here’s how they pulled it off
Transforming an airport terminal into a high-profile, elegant celebration and then back to an airport terminal within 48 hours is no easy feat, Whitney Butler said, but the women-led PlatinumXP team was up for the challenge. “We were creating within a venue that will never be able to be used as an event venue again.…
WeCode KC founder earns women’s achievement honor; adds national STEM figure to her org’s leadership
Only a few days into March, 2023 is already proving to be a big year for WeCode KC, noted co-founder and CEO Tammy Buckner. The organization — which operates with a mission is to give youth, especially those in the urban core, the opportunity to learn technology concepts and leadership skills and create a pipeline…
‘Shark Tank’ sets stage for Bryght Labs’ new smart play product rollout amid MO funding uptick
Fresh off a successful appearance on “Shark Tank,” Olathe-based connected gaming startup Bryght Labs hopes to capitalize on that exposure to build momentum, said founder and CEO Jeff Wigh. Wigh and co-founder Adam Roush were featured on an episode that aired in December, pitching their product ChessUp, a patented chess board that uses AI technology…
C2FO: $10M investment from Starbucks CEO will unlock $100M in loans to small, diverse businesses
One of Kansas City’s most successful scaling startups announced Tuesday a new initiative — funded by Sheri Schultz and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz — to provide access to $100 million in working capital for small and diverse businesses. The partnership — designed to use Leawood-based C2FO’s innovative lending approach to deliver flexible, equitable access to…

