Arsenal Football Club unveiled their new away kit for the 2024/25 season, marking a collaboration with adidas and Labrum London, a British-African heritage clothing brand founded by Sierra Leonean-born Foday Dumbuya.

The kit celebrates Arsenal’s strong connection to its African supporters. Inspired by African design traditions, the black base features a bold white zig-zag graphic designed by Dumbuya himself. Traditional pan-African colors of black, red, and green further emphasize this connection.

“This shirt is a mural of our past and present connection to the African diaspora,” said an Arsenal in a statement. “It champions the rich cultural heritage within the team and across our supporter base.”

Dumbuya, a second-generation immigrant who grew up in London, expressed his pride in collaborating with the club. “Arsenal players with African heritage were incredible role models for me,” he said. “Partnering with them on this design is a dream come true.”

Dumbuya’s background is rich in cultural influences. Born in Sierra Leone, he spent his youth in Cyprus before moving to London. This blend of experiences informs his work as a menswear designer and Creative Director, where fashion, culture, and art converge.

Dumbuya’s design journey is impressive. After graduating from Nottingham Trent University, he honed his craft at DKNY and Nike before launching Labrum London in 2015. His designs incorporate traditional techniques passed down for generations, fusing classic silhouettes with British tailoring to create Labrum’s unique style.

Dumbuya’s achievements are well-recognized. In May 2023, he received the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, following in the footsteps of renowned designers like Saul Nash and Richard Quinn. The award was presented by King Charles himself, with football legend David Beckham in attendance.