A Closer Look at the Albino & Preto X Bodega Release

If you weren’t aware of the A&P x Bodega release happening this Friday at Bodega’s Series store in Boston read this. However, earlier this week we received further details from Albino & Preto in an email to supporters. Along with two kimonos, the collaboration includes a No-Gi set, including rash guard and boardshorts, and a few graphic tees, available in long and short sleeves. This collaboration marks a significant time in the development of Albino & Preto, as it’s already caught the eye of streetwear and culture sources like Hypebeast, who have labeled it a “one-of-a-kind streetwear collection.”

If you’re unfamiliar with Bodega, they are a leading destination for curated street footwear, apparel, and accessories. Originally, the retailer began as a small shop in the early 2000’s, hidden behind an actual bodega. The creators wanted to created the physical experience of actually searching for great products. They relied on the strength of their hand-selected products to bring in a very specific type of customer. Someone who valued rare street goods and was willing to do the legwork to get them. Since then, the brand has collaborated with some of the most sought-after names in street fashion.

 

 

The Albino & Preto collaboration with Bodega, although on the surface appears as a tribute to one of the pioneers of Jiu Jitsu, Royce Gracie (which you can read about here), however, it’s much more significant than that. Shoyoroll, parent to A&P, has made a distinct move into the streetwear market with this release. They have united the sport and culture of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with that of the highly selective and respected street, aligning A&P indefinitely in the process.

Shoyoroll gis, which were once distinctly rare and unfathomably expense on the secondary market, have diluted their presence in resent years to meet consumer demands. The parent label is still one of the most revered kimonos in the game, and new batches sell out within minutes. But was once a small-scale garage brand from the island of Guam, developed into a leader in the Jiu Jitsu uniform industry.

Albino & Preto is the label’s chance to regain their fleeting rarity. With the tagline of “creative transitions,” A&P looks to highlight the artistic elements of the ever-changing and dynamic martial art of Jiu Jitsu. Fewer releases, more selective underground collaborations, and the lack of a defined framework in which it must be confined sets A&P up for the chance to be even bigger than its predecessor. Bigger in the sense of its potential to proliferate multiple cultures, all while remaining small.

Royce Gracie was the perfect icon to pay tribute to in the label’s first big collaboration. Gracie is a household name that is recognized by fight enthusiasts and kids of the 90s alike. Collectors will see this release as an opportunity to pay homage to a childhood hero while picking up an extremely rare piece of streetwear history.

If you’re in the Boston area this Friday, don’t miss this opportunity.

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More about the collection from A&P:

A classic white Gi features unbleached fabric, references the martial arts garments used before the common availability of textile treatments, while an indigo version showcases the indigo garment dying technique that Japanese construction is renowned for. Both colors feature skirting taken from traditional Judo attire and an inside yolk pattern taken from a Yosegi puzzle box, as a nod to the puzzle A&P logo, as well as the puzzle of knowledge and technique to be solved when one undertakes the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 

Casual pieces, shorts and graphic tees emphasize the notion of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu not just as a sport or a martial art, but as a comprehensive way of life. 

Releasing on July 28, 2017 at noon EST – first come, first served at:

SERIES by Bodega [184 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115]