What does pride mean? To some it means freedom to be your most authentic self, to others it’s the ability to explore not only yourself but the world around you and not forgetting to live in full colour.
Rich Mnisi, the world renowned designer who has obtained critical acclaim with his eponymous brand, along with Adidas painted 1 Fox Street, in the heart of Johannesburg, all the colours of the rainbow. They did this in celebration of their release of the Let Love Be Your Legacy collection.
The event brought out some of Rich X Adidas’ celebrity friends, which included Casper Nyovest, Pearl Thusi, Warren Masemola, Kamo Mphela, Trevor Stuurman, Bonang Matheba and many others. It was held at the iconic 1 Fox Precinct, which is a venue that has hosted events like House of Vans, Blxckie’s 23rd Birthday, various social markets and exhibitions.
Rich X Adidas turned the venue into a creative playground with various installations by brands like Bulldog Gin — a pink carpet, which prompted everyone who walked on it to SLAY and slay they did! If you were not there to flex your style nor to interact with brands then the lineup of DJs and musicians who made sure that you were entertained the entire night, then you missed out. The main stage was lit up by acts like Shekhina, NKLY, Phonahalo, Adam and other premier acts.
The One of One event was exactly that. It encouraged people to be themselves, dress in a manner which would be shunned in other spaces and most importantly provided one with the opportunity to explore without the fear of being judged.
The collection is inspired by a letter Rich wrote to his younger self and is a ode to his Tsonga heritage through the colours, as well as patterns used in the prints. He also insured that he included the colours of the LGBTQIA+ flag, belonging to a community Rich is passionate about uplifting and exposing to opportunities, which were previously denied to them.
The collection is currently available on the Adidas website as well as select physical stores, but probably the coolest part of the collaboration is that Adidas has taken the pieces into the gaming world through EASPORTS. Several pieces from the collection can be unlocked in various game modes including FIFA Ultimate Team through Milestone Objectives and on VOLTA Football throughout the month of June.
Pride is living your best life. It’s a safe space for everyone, even those that have been annexed by society for being different. It is a celebration of living life live in colour. If you don’t manage to live a life worth remembering at least live a life of love, so that it may be your legacy. Love brings us together! It unites us and makes us whole.
Happy Pride Month Besties!
Images courtesy of Sightless Studios
