Grenfell Athletic FC has launched a new football kit dubbed the Fabric of the Community in partnership with Nike and Kitlocker. It is made from fabrics donated fabrics collection from those who are closely connected to the Grenfell Tower tragedy years in 2017. The Fabric of Community represents the ongoing strength and collective community of those are impacted by the fire that summer.
At the root of the kit's design is the bespoke fabric patch that surrounds the club crest. All of the pieces carry a deep and personal story as there are 30 fabric patches that are integrated. four of these come from apparel that was worn by survivors as they fled. One is a contribution from Nick Burton, whose wife was the final victim of the fire. Nick shared, "This is one of the only connections I have to my home. I feel that it’s time to let go and now it will live on as part of the fabric of the community— the community that is everything to us."
Survivor Donated Fabric Kits
Grenfell Athletic FC, Nike, & Kitlocker Drop Fabric of the Community
Trend Themes
1. Community-centric Sports Apparel - Combining personal and historical narratives in sports apparel creates a unique, emotionally resonant product that strengthens brand loyalty.
2. Upcycled Fabric Initiatives - Using donated fabrics to craft new clothing pieces reduces waste while commemorating significant societal events, adding a layer of depth to sustainability.
3. Emotionally-driven Design - Integrating personal stories and emotional elements into product design can forge deep connections with consumers, enhancing the product's meaning and value.
Industry Implications
1. Sportswear - Incorporating community stories and memories into sportswear can create a differentiated product offering with unique market appeal.
2. Sustainable Fashion - The use of upcycled materials for new fashion items addresses both sustainability goals and consumer demand for ethically crafted products.
3. Memorial Merchandise - Developing merchandise that serves as a tribute to significant events or communities opens new avenues for commemorative product lines that resonate deeply with buyers.