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
New edition of a classic story: Made in KC founders lead ownership group buying Rainy Day Books; How they plan to expand its legacy with next chapter
When the owners of Kansas City-bound Rainy Day Books announced they were selling their popular bookstore in May, they looked for two qualities in its new owners: a commitment to uphold the customer experience and determination to grow the business, said Geoffrey Jennings. “It has been a six-month process to find people who could understand…
UMKC top student entrepreneur’s refrain: It isn’t how many ideas you have, it’s what you do with them
Improvising is vital in jazz and entrepreneurship, noted Tate Berry, UMKC Student Entrepreneur of the Year. A double major in jazz studies and business administration, Berry is well-versed in both. “Composing music is a very long collaborative creative process, which has given me the skills to look at intricate problems from a distance and develop…
Marsha Willis joins Facebook accelerator to boost 30K-strong community of Black-owned businesses, supporters
Marsha Willis’ decade-long journey of supporting Kansas City-based, Black-owned businesses is headed to the next level — thanks to a funding infusion from Facebook and Willis’ own focused commitment to providing elevated experiences to the online community she’s built. “Our focus is to create a centralized place where we can share resources and education for…
The Popper drips with KC: Why this award-winning brand won’t quit ‘until the aliens on other planets know’ his city
Walter Edwin is better known as the Popper, but it might as well be “KC,” he said. His love for Kansas City has inspired both his music career and award-winning apparel business. As a performer, he’s rapped about his hometown on his singles “I’m KC” and “For the City,” and as a collaborator on Tech…