Champion have launched a Champions of Pride range in partnership with the Queer Sporting Alliance. Image supplied.
Streetwear brand Champion have launched their Champions of Pride range in partnership with the Queer Sporting Alliance for Pride Month. The colourful capsule collection is proudly inspired by the colours of Pride and features the brand’s signature Champion tees, reverse weave hoodies, bucket hats, caps and socks. Champion see the new range as championing an important cause, celebrating community, and aiming to create real change.
The campaign is brought to life by five Australian and New Zealand artists who represent inclusivity, solidarity, identity and advocacy within the LGBTQIA+ community. They include talented Australian musician Jesswar, artist Frances Cannon, DJ and producer Sullivan, artist Joseph and New Zealand dancer Elvis Lopeti.
Each of the artists champions a different vibrant colour of Pride and have each chosen a word that reflects their individual journey. Their words include – infinite, carefree, self-love, proud and dream.
“A never-ending expanse of self-expression is how I define Queer community, this idea of the infinite, undefinable I find really powerful,” says Sullivan.
“When you love yourself, and trust yourself, nothing else really matters, you know? Cause you got you and it’s a beautiful thing. That’s what I’m all about, that self-love right now,” adds Jesswar.
The range is the first partnership between Champion and the Queer Sporting Alliance (QSA), which is Australia’s and Aotearoa’s largest LGBTQIA+ community sporting club. QSA aims to ensure that sport is a safe place for everyone, and as part of the parnership Champion will support the QSA with uniform and fund donations. Champion has always been about supporting sports and the brand feels that creating an inclusive space for the LGBTQIA+ community to play sport was deeply important.
“In all of our rainbow dreams, QSA couldn’t have dreamt up a more aligned partnership. It is very clear to us that Champion is fully committed to learning more about how to best support LGBTQIA+ folk and their allies access community sport. We are here and Queer for it,” says QSA President and Founder Stella Lesic.
Throughout the process of creating Champions of Pride, the brand worked directly with members of the LGBTQIA+ community on every aspect of the campaign, including queer screen culture not-for-profit Sissy Screens. Champion’s bespoke customisation offering for the range includes three Pride patches that will provide 100% of profits directly to the Queer Sporting Alliance.
The Champions of Pride collection is available online and in stores now.
Image supplied.