Popular fashion brand Puma with the Cotton Fest team have announced the launch of the new Puma x Cotton Fest FC collection set to drop on September 22.
The collection was designed in collaboration with fashion- savvy rap artist Riky Rick and inspired by the sport aspect of the “University of Cotton Fest” collegiate theme. The collection’s DNA is rooted in 90s football jerseys that have become iconic and revered fashion statement pieces.
The collection includes a T7 tracksuit top, soccer shorts, football top, and soccer balls designed by the late Riky Rick himself.
The capsule collection is supported by an exciting marketing campaign featuring Riky’s wife Bianca, their children Maik and Jordan, his brothers Themba, Toby and Sheikani, and the rest of the Cotton Fest family.
“Building on Riky’s legacy, to creating a platform for young creatives, our family fully endorses the campaign, especially with regards to the bursary and giving back to students. We are also excited about the range coming to life finally, and ready to go to market” stated Bianca Naidoo.
Puma South Africa sport style marketing manager, Hayden Manuel also spoke about the collaboration.
“We are very privileged to be able to bring what turned out to be Riky’s final collection to the market. As with everything Riky did, he was hands-on with this collection and its Cotton Fest FC aesthetic,” Manuel said.
“The arts were close to Riky’s heart and he was a former AFDA student, so we and Riky’s family agreed that supporting the students would be an appropriate way to honour his legacy.”
As part of the launch, Puma has committed to a R100 000 bursary for final-year AFDA students to cover shortfalls in their fees and assist them to graduate.
The Puma Cotton Fest FC collection will be available at most PUMA.com outlets from next week.
As a way to honour Riky’s legacy and celebrate his 35th birthday, Legends Barbershop was also relaunched at Waterfall Corner in Midrand.
His wife, Naidoo, was among friends and family who graced the exclusive event, where she was candid about how the journey has been without him.
“Its been an emotional journey for me having to do this without him here. Overseeing every last fine detail. Some might say he left some of this OCD behind. The shop is a huge part of his legacy as you know looking fresh was very important to him. I just hope we have done him proud.” Naidoo said.