Last year, when St. Louis rap star Smino sat down at St. Louis City SC headquarters to discuss the Homegrown program he spearheaded to give a platform to emerging area-based talent, all eyes were on his clothes.
“Nothing I’m wearing is from this planet,” Smino said when asked about his otherworldly outfit. A pair of oversized neon boots were the statement piece that pulled the look together.
The trendsetting rapper’s style has inspired the likes of music superstar Drake and many others. In yet another collaboration with the soccer club, Smino has used his keen sense of fashion as a way to give back to those impacted by the devastating tornado that touched down in St. Louis on May 16.
On Tuesday, October 7 St. Louis CITY SC and Smino have launched an exclusive streetwear-inspired merch collection as part of the club’s continued support of the St. Louis region’s tornado relief efforts. The limited-edition collection includes two shirt designs and two hoodie designs, available in various sizes and ranging in price from $45 – $80. Each piece reflects Smino’s style and is infused with the shared St. Louis pride that defines both him and CITY SC.
“Fashion has always been a big part of my life, so I’m grateful to be able to collab with CITY SC for a great cause,” said Smino. “It’s more than just clothes; it’s about representing St. Louis and giving back to the city that raised me.”
The Grammy Award-nominated Hazelwood Central alum’s music gained traction while he attended Columbia College in Chicago. His 2012 mixtape “Smeezy Dot Com” caught the industry’s attention. After a series of mixtapes, his critically acclaimed debut studio album “blkswn” was released in March of 2017. He has gone on to release four studio albums. His most recent was “Maybe in Nirvana,” which was released in December of last year.
“Smino is an incredible artist,” said Matt Sebek, St. Louis CITY SC’s Chief Experience Officer.
The merch line features products from Zero Fatigue, the American indie hip-hop/neo-soul collective and record label Smino co-founded in 2014, co-designed in partnership with CITY SC.
“Music is my life, and it is important to me to support my crib, give back and inspire,” Smino said. “Working with CITY SC is really special.”
100% of the net proceeds from the collection will go directly to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to support tornado relief efforts.
“This partnership with Smino represents everything CITY SC stands for: authenticity, creativity, and community,” Sebek said. “Together, we’re proving that sports can intersect with culture in meaningful ways while also showing up for our city.”The collection is now available at www.stlcitysmino.com and CITY Pavilion, CITY SC’s team store (2118 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103), while supplies last. The first 50 people to purchase an item from the collection at CITY Pavilion will receive a free Smino-designed bandana.
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
