SEATTLE – Seattle University Athletics and Guillermo Bravo have partnered to present Upcycle University, a clothing collection designed around the love of basketball, fashion, and the desire to create something new and unique from retired jerseys, apparel and sports equipment.
Guillermo Bravo Creative Director Luis Vèlez spearheaded the design process, turning old Redhawk apparel pieces into vibrant and bold new items.
"I've always been obsessed with sneakers and the idea of creating fashionable yet functional sportswear," said Vèlez. "The opportunity to collaborate with Seattle University Athletics gives me a platform to work on a long time passion project – to re-connect my respect and passion for sports and style."
Following the transition to adidas as the Redhawks' official apparel, footwear and accessory provider in 2019, what to do with items that are no longer in use was top of mind. Seattle U alumni Desi Caswell, '18, now Director of Operations for Guillermo Bravo, pitched the upcycle concept and the collaboration was made.
"This is such a unique opportunity to upcycle some of the uniforms and other garments that are no longer usable by our athletics department," said Eric Guttorp, Assistant AD for Marketing and Fan Experience. "This really struck a chord because of the tie into sustainability, which has been a large part of the conversation around the transition to adidas, as well as the partnership with a small local business."
"One of the ethos of Guillermo Bravo as a brand is sustainability and zero waste," said Caswell. "We are constantly fighting for a future in the fashion industry focused on more ethical practices. One of those practices is the upcycling of apparel and utility items that may be considered unusable. To breathe new life and style into something weathered and worn.
"For me, a partnership with Seattle University Athletics fit hand-in-hand with this dream," Caswell added. "What better partner than my own alma mater who also strives for a more sustainable world every day. It's been great to reconnect to the Redhawk community and work together on a unique project that takes on our core mission in a creative way."
"You want to fill a need that's not there," said Vèlez. "When we take old apparel pieces that have been retired and create something vibrant with them, we are honoring both the clothes and the players who once wore them in a new and bold way."
A behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of the Upcycle University line can be found at guillermo-bravo.com/collections/upcycle-university.
About Guillermo Bravo
Guillermo Bravo is an apparel and sneaker brand with a design studio located on Capitol Hill and a collaborative sneaker store, CORRE, in Madrona. We inform a commitment to modern shapes that aren't constricted by gender binaries and can be reimagined by the wearer. A dedication to impeccable, sustainable construction and ultramodern design drives us. Our apparel flirts between luxury and functionality. Removable pockets, magnetized buttons, and built-in backpacks are just a few examples of the unconventional details in our most recent collections.