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This month, the Brooklyn Nets celebrated their annual Women’s Impact game on March 16th at The Barclays Center. As part of its celebration and as a way to commemorate women’s contributions to society, the Nets released a special merchandise collaboration designed in partnership with UNDRCRWN’s creative director, Kari Cruz.
The collection draws inspiration from basketball and New York City, reflecting Cruz’s passion, upbringing, and personal style. Cruz explained that basketball has always been a significant part of her life, and she wanted to showcase its impact on her life and the world.
“Basketball has always been at the center of my universe, and I wanted to illustrate how that looks and feels in my life.” [Kari Cruz]
During a video presented by American Express, the Dominican-American designer and entreprenuer shared her journey and highlighted how the world of streetwear and basketball has traditionally been a boys club, which “she had to claw her way in” to succeed - challenging for her and all her female counterparts.
Watch the video - hear her story:
However, she acknowledged that things are changing, and there is more inclusivity nowadays. Cruz emphasized the importance of having women in every room and expressed her commitment to opening doors for other women.
© CourtesyKari Cruz x The Brooklyn Nets
The two-piece collection is exclusive to the Brooklyn Fanatics Nets’ team store at Barclays Center and it was created with the intention to highlight and celebrate women’s contributions to society (during Women’s History Month).
© CourtesyKari Cruz x The Brooklyn Nets
Regarding the hoodie’s design, Cruz explained, “Here, the ball is at my fingertips in the same way that I feel like I have the world in my hands and hoops at the center of it. The other half is a visual representation of NY style (where I’m both born and raised) and basketball’s relationship with the ‘pursuit of gold’ as a mark of achievement, wins and honor.”
“I wanted the design to be both personal and showcase the juxtaposition of grit and glamour that I feel is a signature of mine and so many New Yorkers. There is also a duality that is emblematic of my role within the basketball world and fashion landscape.”
© CourtesyKari Cruz x The Brooklyn Nets
In an Instagram post where Cruz shared the news of the Nets collab, she said “I’ve been real heavy on ‘moving with purpose’ these past few years. And I’ve made it a genuine effort to not just advocate for other women, but to tell their stories in my own way. I’m so happy to have now had the opportunity to share a piece of my own journey. To my friends, family, colleagues & peers reading this… thank you for also seeing me and pouring into me! Love & gratitude from the deepest parts of my heart.”
She also told all her followers: “when you wear my piece, just know I got your back…literally! So many full circle moments represented in just this alone.”
