What is the adidas x MLS Archive Collection?
The adidas x MLS Archive Collection is a nostalgic initiative launched by Major League Soccer (MLS) and adidas. This collection features third jerseys for five clubs: LA Galaxy, LAFC, Inter Miami CF, Portland Timbers, and Sporting Kansas City.
The collection draws inspiration from the rich histories and unique cultural elements of each club’s city, creating a retro-themed narrative that resonates with fans.
How Does the Collection Pay Tribute to the Kansas City Wizards?
The highlight of the collection for Sporting Kansas City is the third jersey, which pays homage to the Kansas City Wizards era. The design is based on the rainbow kits worn by the Wizards in the 1990s.
This reimagined jersey captures the essence of the original design while infusing it with modern elements, creating a bridge between the past and the present.
What Other Items Are Included in the Collection?
In addition to the third jerseys, the adidas x MLS Archive Collection includes a range of other retro-inspired items. These include:
- adidas Originals Jackets: These jackets feature vintage designs that reflect the unique stories of each club.
- adidas Gazelle Shoes: The classic Gazelle shoes have been redesigned to match the retro themes of the collection.
When Will Sporting Kansas City Wear the New Jersey?
Sporting Kansas City will don the new third jersey during select matches throughout the remainder of the 2024 season. The first appearance of the jersey will be on Wednesday night when Sporting Kansas City faces Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Fans can catch the action live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV at 9:30 p.m. CT.
Where Can Fans Purchase the New Collection?
Fans eager to get their hands on the new Sporting Kansas City jerseys and other items from the collection have several options:
- Online Stores: Items are available for order online at SportingStyle.com and MLSstore.com while supplies last.
- Watch Party Event: Limited quantities of the new jerseys and jackets will be available for purchase at the VANvSKC watch party on Wednesday in The Atrium at J. Rieger & Co. in Kansas City, Mo. The event will also feature a live DJ and happy hour pricing on drinks from 8:30 p.m. CT until the final whistle.
- Children’s Mercy Park: Fans can shop the collection at Children’s Mercy Park later in the week in advance of the club’s home match against St. Louis CITY SC on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. CT.
What Other Clubs Are Part of the Archive Collection?
The adidas x MLS Archive Collection also includes third jerseys for four other clubs:
- LA Galaxy: Their kit pays homage to the original jersey worn during the inaugural 1996 MLS season.
- LAFC: Inspired by 1970s-era SoCal iconography, the kit features golden hues and celebrates the diversity of the club’s community.
- Inter Miami CF: This kit leans heavily on the vibrancy of vintage Miami style, tapping into 1980s nostalgia.
- Portland Timbers: The kit honors Clive Charles, a trailblazer in soccer and one of the first Black players in England’s Premier League. Charles joined the Timbers in 1978 and remains a significant figure in Portland sports.
How Does the Collection Celebrate Soccer Nostalgia?
The adidas x MLS Archive Collection combines different visual languages from sports broadcasting, advertising, magazines, and catalogs to create a unique narrative for each club.
By celebrating the past while staying relevant to the next generation of fans, the collection embodies the greatness that never fades across MLS. The vintage aesthetic and authentic details are designed to connect fans with the rich history of their favorite clubs.
What Are the Future Plans for the Archive Collection?
MLS and adidas plan to expand the adidas x MLS Archive Collection in the coming years. They aim to include more clubs and introduce new third jerseys in 2025 and beyond. This ongoing initiative seeks to deepen the connection between MLS fans and the throwback culture in an authentic and meaningful way.
How Does the Collection Integrate Fashion and Sport?
MLS has partnered with renowned fashion stylist Courtney Mays to showcase how fans can wear their favorite jerseys beyond match day.
Mays’ styled looks demonstrate the versatility of jerseys, highlighting how they can be incorporated into everyday wardrobes. This partnership emphasizes that jerseys are not just for sport but are also a fashionable and versatile item.
Conclusion
The adidas x MLS Archive Collection is a celebration of soccer nostalgia, bringing together retro designs and modern elements to honor the unique heritages of MLS clubs. The Kansas City third jersey, paying tribute to the Wizards era, is a standout piece that connects fans with the club’s storied past.
As the collection evolves, it promises to continue celebrating the rich history and culture of MLS, making it a must-have for soccer enthusiasts and fashion-forward fans alike.
