“By purchasing these tees you are directly supporting the place and people you see in these pictures.”  – Patrick Liberty

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THE STORY

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Mike Akomplice tells the story of how this project came about.

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“Without rules, without time, without comforts, and solo. This was my trip to Brazil, starting from the far Northern city of Belem, wedged on the mouth of the Amazonian river. I traveled by foot, car and plane, eventually finding myself on an island in South Brazil named Florianopolis. Instantly greeted by new cool people and even a mother and father of which I now consider my own. I found myself effortlessly meeting amazing individuals and instantly joining and creating projects and ideas as a collective. Today Akomplice announces it’s first major project as a result, which I’ve dubbed Unite & Aid.”

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THE FACTS

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Our latest endeavor is one of transcontinental collaborative philanthropy in the form of a T-Shirt collection produced in conjunction with Brazilian company Aesthetic. Despite being from two different continents, our two companies are coming together and donating 100% of profits to a common cause, the MOI Platform. This global initiative’s objective is to raise scholarship money for the children of Empada, Guinea-Bissau, Africa to attend university.

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Brazilian photographer Philippe Pessoa captured poignant photos of the children of Empada on a trip he took to the rural town, which inspired the series. We are proud to add this project to our collection of philanthropic efforts. Other projects include our Blue Gold, Good Wood Aid Africa, Support Japan, 11th Hour Warner Brothers, and Fred Segal Paint Project. This time the endeavor is based on the belief that education is the most efficient way of initiating change within communities. The hope of the collaboration is to create long-term growth and development through investment in the youth. These shirts are available worldwide, and at our Webstore.

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“Without change, there is no progress.”

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True to the Aries character as the first sign in the zodiac, this shoe breaks new ground by holding distinction as the first FILA to ever incorporate hemp. The shoe’s hemp construction was more than an aesthetic choice, it was selected to draw attention to the material as a sustainable and durable alternative to other fabrics. The apparel industry is one of the world’s largest polluters, and this is the underlying message behind the material choice. The red detailing through the sole, heel and tongue as well as the Greek letters and numbers on the back are all nods to the astrological sign. The official Aries symbol, the ram, is illustrated in detail on the insole and as a subtle symbol at the midsole. Even the photo shoot incorporates fire, another Aries trait.

The shoe originally saw a limited release of 45 pairs for FILA in 2018, and is back for another 45 pair run to coincide with the Aries season (March 21st – April 19th). Unlike a typical sneaker drop, the only way to secure a pair is to present a photo I.D. proving you were born during the Aries period. Alternatively, you can try your luck making the case for why you deserve one of the coveted pairs. This alternative release method is being employed to ensure that the shoes make it to the feet of the passionate.

The shoe is now open for submissions on our Webstore.

Photos Shot By: Michael DiFranco-McCarney
Photos Edited By: Beth Saravo

Note: Fire & Smoke captured in photos is real and not photoshopped.

WHY HEMP MATTERS

@HerFavColor

Check out Akomplice homie Blu on tour when he comes through town. He is also doing a Solution Showcase in Denver on 4/22, with DJ Low Key. Get familiar.

-Danny G

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For our recent Spring one drop we team with UK based photographer, Farmer Dodd, who photographs only the magic plants of our world. Peep the hot new Farmer Dodd exclusives and the new Poppy Crew  colors on the webstore.

-DG