The vintage sports aesthetic is trending and who better to lead the charge than Starter, a brand that has been kitting out sports players and fans since the 70s.
Although not new to the South African shores the brand has seen a rise in popularity as social media influencers and fashion lovers turn to Starter with the return of the nostalgia and Americana trends.
“Consumers in South Africa are tired of the usual top-tier brands and want something unique and fresh. Starter is the perfect option to meet this demand, as it offers a balance between private-label brands, generic brands, and top-tier brands at a more affordable price,” says Zaakir Randeree from Starter.
Starter is considered to be one of the world’s most significant heritage sports brands. The brand, formerly owned by NIKE was established in 1971 and became the first apparel brand to forge partnerships with major pro basketball, football, baseball, hockey and college leagues.
South African fashion lovers have been flocking to the brand and with its strong national presence, diverse customer base, and innovative marketing campaigns, the brand is poised to become even bigger and more popular.
Starter has started collaborating with various South African influencers to showcase their versatility. This includes multi-talented South African hip-hop artist Lucasraps. The 22-year-old rapper, who was born in Cape Town and raised in Durban’s Greenwood Park, is a perfect fit for the brand as he is known for his urban street style reminiscent of American hip-hop artists of the 90s.
The collaboration makes a lot of sense when you take into consideration that Starter gained immense popularity with their snapback caps and satin jackets famously worn by cultural icons like Will Smith, Jazzy Jeff, and Kriss Kross.
“We’ve joined forces with the electrifying South African hip-hop sensation, Lucasraps, for an explosive summer campaign in 2023. His magnetic street style, reminiscent of the iconic ’90s American hip-hop culture, syncs flawlessly with our vibe. Lucasraps’ music and influence resonate deeply with our target audience, making him the ultimate choice to set this season on fire,” says Randeree.
Brace yourselves for an unprecedented expansion! Starter has amplified their offerings across footwear, apparel, and accessories for the South African audience. This move isn’t just about setting trends; it’s about catering to diverse market segments, spanning national and international borders, with an array of choices across various retailers and online stores.
“It honestly means a lot to be working with a brand that not only makes amazing clothes, but also understands and respects the hip hop culture. I feel honoured to have been chosen to be a part of this movement,” says Lucasraps.
The talented Mzansi rapper, describes his fashion style as “street luxury” – “a bit of the streets here and there, with a small taste of luxury” – is a huge fan of the new Starter fashion range.
“I love how elegant the designs are and how perfectly they fit my body,” he shares.
Once the 4th largest sports brand in the US, Starter made history as the first to venture into lifestyle products through co-branding efforts with collegiate and Olympic sports, as well as major sports leagues like the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB. The iconic “S and Star” logo became synonymous with fashion status, adorning jacket sleeves and baseball caps, signifying authenticity and top-notch quality.
The fresh summer capsule range is a fusion of heritage designs intertwined with the pulsating energy of sports-inspired styles.
“Get ready to witness the vibrant hues straight out of the NBA courts—this range is an absolute visual feast. For those nostalgic souls who cherish our brand, anticipate nothing short of premium fashion marvels at prices that scream affordability.”
For the first time ever, the Starter brand is gracing the shelves of various retailers— from South Africa’s leading online fashion hub, Superbalist, to national chains like Retailability and Cross Trainer.
The brand continues to thrive and adapt, honouring its legacy while embracing future opportunities in the sports apparel market. Starter’s journey exemplifies the story of a premium brand with enduring value. Its’ history, commitment to quality and association with prestigious sports teams make it a brand with exceptional worth. Despite facing challenges, Starter’s resilience and potential shine brightly in the dynamic world of sport inspired apparel.
For more info, check out: www.starterza.com.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starter_sa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starterofficialza
Twitter: https://twitter.com/starter_za
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starterofficialza
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@starterofficialza
ABOUT STARTER
Starter is an esteemed brand established in 1971 and formerly owned by NIKE. Once the 4th largest sports brand in the US, Starter made history as the first to venture into lifestyle products through co-branding efforts with collegiate and Olympic sports, as well as major sports leagues like the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB. The iconic “S and Star” logo became synonymous with fashion status, adorning jacket sleeves and baseball caps, signifying authenticity and top-notch quality. In the 90s, Starter gained immense popularity with its snapback caps and satin jackets famously worn by cultural icons like Will Smith, Jazzy Jeff, and Kriss Kross. Starting off as an athletic apparel company, Starter evolved into a renowned brand by expanding its product line. They forged strategic partnerships, leveraging the fervour and competitiveness of professional sports and hip-hop culture, teaming up with high-profile athletes and celebrities. Today, Starter continues to thrive by embracing digital channels and collaborating with fashion designers, ensuring they stay relevant in a competitive market while remaining true to their roots in athletic apparel.
ABOUT LUCASRAPS:
Lucasraps is a 22-year-old musician who was born in Cape Town and raised in Durban’s Greenwood Park; and brought his music moniker to life even before the nation’s gaze was upon him. In 2019, he collaborated with Dr Peppa and became the breakout star of a song called “What It Is” featuring Riky Rick and Chang Cello. The hit was nominated for a South African Hip-Hop award and gave Lucasraps a taste of mainstream success. The same year, the rising star entered the Sportscene x Puma “Put Me On” competition, contesting against youngsters who have now defined the new school of rap, taking the winner title home with him. In 2020, his friendship with fellow Durbanite, Blxckie, led to the diversion of music lovers’ attention from Johannesburg to Durban through their collaboration on songs such as “Ah Ah Ah” and “Big Time Shlappa”. In 2022, Lucasraps released his much-anticipated debut album “031 to the World 2.0” which features well-known artists such as Aka, Nasty C, Nadia Nakai, Blxckie and YoungstaCPT. The rapper has since released his single “Umuthi (voodoo)” as a taste of what is to come in his upcoming project.
