By Chinazam Ikechi-Uko.
There is no denying that Nigerian culture has finally become a lucrative and viable commodity in the entertainment industry, from the rise of Afrobeat stars at international fashion weeks to Rema covering Rolling Stone magazine. It was only a matter of time before it infiltrated the world of football. The first team of the year to infuse a Nigerian twist was Chelsea FC, the five-time Premier League winners. Chelsea FC collaborated with British-Nigerian designer Ebélé Ojéchi for its latest capsule collection.
A LOOK INTO THE COLLECTION
For the collection, Ojéchi sought to infuse Nigerian heritage with the iconic football club’s colours– blue, red, and gold. An ode to Nigeria’s large fanbase dedicated to the football club– the second largest in the world and the most significant outside of England.
The capsule collection titled ‘For The Glory’ bridges two worlds, creating a visual dialogue between the familiar colour palette of Chelsea and the intricate beauty of Igbo traditions. Each element tells a story, from the striking knitwear, including balaclavas, native pants, tracksuits, cardigans, and traditional Igbo caps called Okpu agụ̄.
The collection offers a contemporary twist on traditional styles to the reimagined Chelsea scarves and logos. The designs are imbued with the spirit of “home” and “away,” capturing the dual identities of Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Ojéchi draws inspiration from Chelsea’s iconic 1990s kits and traditional Igbo fashion, offering a bold reimagining of identity and culture. The designs feature upcycled kits and striking silhouettes.
The collection was supported by the Blue Creator Fund. The work is now showcased in a new exhibition at the esteemed Saatchi Gallery, where it joins a diverse collection of contemporary art. This gallery is known for highlighting innovative artists and unique perspectives in the art world.
WHAT IS THE BLUE CREATOR FUND?
The Blue Creator Fund is an initiative by Chelsea FC and the Chelsea Foundation, in collaboration with VERSUS, aimed at empowering the next generation of creative talent, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds in the UK.
It seeks to diversify the creative landscape within and around football. It aims to break down barriers that creatives from minority backgrounds face in the creative industry. It is connected to Chelsea FC’s “No To Hate” campaign, which works to combat discrimination.
Winners receive financial funding (£20,000) to support their creative projects. They gain access to mentorship from established creatives. They have the opportunity to showcase their work on Chelsea and VERSUS platforms. The fund welcomes creatives from various disciplines, including music, content creation, poetry, fashion, and more. Projects are encouraged to explore the connection between Chelsea FC and its community.
