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
Muralist Sike Style tapped to bring Buck O’Neil’s legacy to life along bridge honoring KC baseball icon
A new mural project honoring legendary baseball player Buck O’Neil not only helps capture the spirit of a Kansas City icon, artist Phil “Sike Style” Shafer said; it bridges a cross-generational legacy for the barrier-breaking sports icon. “Meeting Buck O’Neil at the K was a moment I’ll never forget,” said Shafer, a renowned Kansas City…
OMG! Her gooey butter cookies saved the family home; now this KC shop is baking even more believers
St. Louis cult favorite — gooey butter cake — serves as the springboard for a new Kansas City bakery … with a twist. It also sells gooey butter cookies. “Gooey butter cake is a St. Louis tradition. It’s where I’m from and we have the family recipe,” said Tennille Lampe, founder of Oh My Gooey…
Ideem locks in $2.4M seed round for trust tech spinout driven by Toby Rush, startup veterans
The Ideem team has a clear vision for how to make two-factor authentication easy and invisible for users, serial tech entrepreneur Toby Rush said, noting an early investment round will help the rapidly emerging startup double-down. Ideem announced a $2.4 million seed round Tuesday, backed by Sovereign’s Capital, Quona Capital, Everywhere Ventures, Hustle Fund, Oread…
New role at Endeavor Heartland scales Craig Moore’s concierge ecosystem building
In a move that highlights Kansas City’s growing influence within the global landscape, innovation booster Craig Moore has taken on a new role with a Northwest Arkansas-based network for high-impact entrepreneurs — bringing his ecosystem-building superpowers to a broader scale. As senior manager of entrepreneur experience at Endeavor Heartland, however, Moore isn’t abandoning his roots…

