Football Club Paris Saint-Germain and streetwear brand Born x Raised recently unveiled a limited edition collection that brings together the essence of streetwear and football, echoing the distinct vibes of Paris and Los Angeles. Announced just before PSG’s matchup with Olympique de Marseille, this collaboration highlights a creative fusion in fashion and sports, blending the cool aesthetics of street fashion with the prestige of professional soccer.
A Cultural Fusion on the Pitch
At the heart of this collaboration is a collector’s jersey, a sartorial bridge between the Venice Beach origins of Born x Raised and the historic football culture of Paris Saint-Germain. PSG’s iconic home jersey, featuring the timeless combination of red, white, and blue, holds a revered status in the world of soccer. Crafted by Daniel Hechter in 1973, the design draws inspiration from the sleek lines of automotive racing stripes. Since its inception, the tricolor motif has undergone numerous reinterpretations, each paying homage to its original roots while offering fresh perspectives.
Born x Raised is synonymous with Los Angeles’s rich cultural world, using fashion as a medium to celebrate the city’s diversity and community spirit. Their iconic typography, emblazoned on the back of the PSG jerseys, symbolizes a shared ethos of unity and pride, extending a message of belonging from the streets of L.A. to the stadiums of Europe.
The highly coveted Mpabbe jersey, inspired by the French club’s 2023-24 home kit, showcases the French flag’s colors in a prismatic gradient on the front, symbolizing the club’s achievements in Ligue 1 and European competitions. Positioned on the upper left chest is PSG’s renowned crest. The back features Kylian Mbappé’s name and number, rendered in Born x Raised’s characteristic typeface.
The Classique Meets Contemporary Streetwear
This collaboration came to life in the charged atmosphere of the Classique, where PSG players donned the special edition jerseys against Olympique de Marseille. The choice of this high-profile match for the debut highlighted the collection’s significance, merging Born x Raised’s street credibility with PSG’s football heritage. The Born x Raised PSG jersey itself is a masterpiece of design, featuring a prismatic gradient of the French flag on the front, PSG’s emblematic crest, and the name and number of players in Born x Raised’s distinctive typeface.
Beyond the Jersey: A Tribute to Communities
But this collaboration extends beyond the pitch. It encompasses a full capsule collection that showcases the shared values of PSG and Born x Raised. Both entities have long histories of championing their communities and using their platforms to bring people together. For Born x Raised, this has meant highlighting the struggles and triumphs of Venice’s diverse communities. For PSG, it has been about creating a unifying spirit that transcends the game itself. Together, their partnership is a powerful tribute to the communities that have shaped them.
A First in Football for Born x Raised
While Born x Raised has previously partnered with iconic brands and sports teams, this collaboration with PSG marks its first foray into the football world. It’s a significant step for a brand deeply rooted in the ethos of Los Angeles, signaling a willingness to bridge continents and cultures in the name of community and camaraderie. PSG, with its own rich history of transforming through sport and investment, provides the perfect partner in this venture, embodying the spirit of innovation and excellence.
The Genesis of Born x Raised
Born x Raised, a contemporary streetwear brand hailing from the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, has been making waves since its inception in 2013. Founded by late Chris “Spanto” Printup, a native of Venice Beach, California, and Alex “2TONE” Erdmann the brand was conceived with a profound mission – to pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of Los Angeles. At its core, Born x Raised embodies the spirit of its birthplace, capturing the essence of Los Angeles’ diverse and dynamic landscape. Renowned for its expansive range of streetwear offerings, Born x Raised presents a fusion of style and substance. From iconic hats and cozy hoodies to stylish t-shirts, the brand’s collections exude an authentic L.A. vibe, reflecting the eclectic energy of the city streets. The brand’s distinctive typography, which graces the back of the PSG collaboration jersey, serves as a signature, symbolizing strength, resilience, and unity.
Paris Saint-Germain: A Legacy of Excellence
Paris Saint-Germain’s journey began in August 1970, following the merger of Paris Football Club and Stade Saint-Germain. PSG quickly ascended to Division 1, setting the stage for a rich history filled with triumphs and challenges. By the 1990s, under the leadership of iconic players like David Ginola and George Weah, PSG enjoyed a golden era, highlighted by numerous domestic trophies and European success. After a few years of struggling in the early 2000s, the club’s fortunes were transformed anew with the acquisition by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011, entering in an era of unprecedented success and global prominence, epitomized by the signings of Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. PSG has also ventured into fashion and lifestyle, blending athleticism with avant-garde style.
As fans eagerly await the launch of the full collection on April 5th, the Paris Saint-Germain x Born x Raised collaboration highlights the power of collaboration across different industries. It celebrates universal themes such as community, identity, and pride.
my boyfriend absolutely loves everything psg I really have no idea why but everything with this football club he’s going to pay a fortune for it the clothes I have no comments hahaha 😂 😂
this is one very cute collaboration for PSG