“You must understand as a kid of color in those days, the Harlem Globetrotters were like being movie stars.”
These are words from the legendary Wilt Chamberlain as he described what the iconic the Harlem Globetrotters truly meant to not only him, but people of color around the world as one of the first all-Black professional teams in America since the 1920s.
Now, almost a century later, the Harlem Globetrotters’ legacy is being immortalized through an exclusive capsule collection by modern streetwear company UNDRCRWN. The line captures the Globetrotters’ heritage and importance throughout basketball history and is inspired by the classic Globetrotter designs from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.
Creative director Kari Cruz is the visionary behind UNDRCRWN’s latest unisex/neutral collection. For Cruz, it’s critical to not only celebrate the accomplishments of women and trailblazers in sports, but to build upon that legacy.
Intertwining Cruz’s background in streetwear with her love for the game, the collection features the “Lynette” fleece sweatsuit dedicated to Lynette Woodard, who joined the squad in 1985 and became the first female to play on a men’s professional team. Woodard was a four time all-American at the University of Kansas and went on to win a gold medal at the 1984 Olympic games with Team USA.
“I am truly honored to represent women in sports and design with this collection,” Cruz says. “The Globetrotters have always innovated. It’s an iconic team who set out to break racial and gender barriers. And I’m grateful to build upon the legacy of the brand and tell women’s stories, like Lynette’s, in the process.”
The collection also features “World Famous” and “Globetrotter” tees that pay homage to some of the team’s original vintage posters and game programs.
The collection is available exclusively on UNDRCRWN.com. Shop here.
