2023’s Pride month welcomes a dynamic and vibrant collaboration between adidas and South African designer Rich Mnisi.
This collection, aptly titled “Let Love Be Your Legacy“, is more than a showcase of striking apparel and footwear—it is a powerful statement promoting freedom of expression, encouraging allyship, and championing the LGBTQIA+ community.
A Love Letter to Self
The inspiration for the collection is as heartwarming as it is profound. Drawing from a poignant love letter penned by Mnisi to his younger self, the campaign encourages all to “Let Love Be Your Legacy.” This personal sentiment serves as a rallying cry for all to rise as active allies in support of the LGBTQIA+ community across the spheres of sport and culture.
adidas partners Tom Daley, Jari Jones, Athlete Ally, and South African rugby player Lusanda Dumke have further enhanced this initiative with their own “Love Letters”. These letters call upon the world to embrace radical self-acceptance and extend their support to the wider communities in culture and sport.
The Power of Design
The adidas x Rich Mnisi collection is an embodiment of the designer’s unique visual language. A rich, vibrant palette comes alive with the slogans “Love Unites” and “Let Love Be Your Legacy“. These powerful words are printed onto the fabric, urging wearers to lead with love and uphold inclusive values.
Mnisi’s distinctive retro graphic print, featuring a monochrome circular check design adorned with hand-drawn flowers and abstract shapes, is brought to life in bright and punchy colours. The classic adidas three-stripe logo boldly stands out in pink and red, adding a vibrant touch to the collection.
A significant aspect of this collection is its sustainable approach. It includes garments made partially from recycled materials and Better Cotton, reflecting a conscious commitment to environmental responsibility.
In creating this collection, I had a strong impulse to speak to my inner-child and express to the world how LGBTQIA+ allyship can create a legacy of love. My hope is this range inspires LGBTQIA+ allies to speak up more for the queer people they love and not let them fight for acceptance alone.
Rich Mnisi
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Extending Self-Expression to the Digital World
Recognising the importance of providing spaces for unfiltered self-expression, adidas has partnered with EA SPORTS. Selected pieces from the collection are available to wear in-game in FIFA 23, allowing players to express their support and alliance with the LGBTQIA+ community digitally.
Commitment to Equality in Sport
The adidas x RICH MNISI collection is part of adidas’ ongoing commitment to promote equality in sports. In collaboration with non-profit Athlete Ally, adidas aims to create a more inclusive sporting environment, free from homophobia and transphobia.
Hudson Taylor, founder of Athlete Ally, commends this partnership, stating, “Together with adidas our goal is to drive inclusivity in sport – supporting student athletes from the LGBTQI+ and their allies to push for fair access and safe participation in sport.“
adidas has extended its allyship beyond product lines, facilitating the Title IX Athlete Leadership Summit and workshops at eight adidas-partnered NCAA college campuses in 2022. This move furthers education and policy reform to spur equity on campus and in sports.
Ashley Czarnowksi, Senior Director of adidas Global Purpose, shares the brand’s vision, “We as a brand believe in the power of collaboration to create a more equal world of sport. We will continue to work with partners such as Athlete Ally, listen to our LGBTQIA+ athletes and support our communities to create more possibilities – by creating safe and inclusive spaces to express their authentic selves while playing sport.”
The adidas x Rich Mnisi collection, a vibrant celebration of love and inclusivity, is now available. You can find this unique collection on the adidas.com, in stores, and via the adidas app.
Click on this link to read this article in French version
