Milwaukee-based fashion brand Unfinished Legacy has announced a new collaboration with the estate of legendary boxer and humanitarian Muhammad Ali. This partnership represents a significant milestone for the brand, founded by Brema Brema, a Sudanese refugee who immigrated to Milwaukee in 2010.
A Brand with a Powerful Message
Unfinished Legacy’s unique designs incorporate elements from Brema’s life experiences, including images of butterflies, Black Lives Matter slogans and anti-war messages. The brand’s powerful messaging and commitment to social justice have helped it gain recognition and success, leading to collaborations with the Milwaukee Bucks and the opening of its flagship store in Milwaukee’s Third Ward in 2023.
Honoring a Cultural Icon
The collaboration with Muhammad Ali’s estate is particularly significant given Ali’s enduring legacy as a cultural icon and his impact beyond the world of sports. During his exile from boxing in the late 1960s, Ali became a symbol of the civil rights movement and a powerful voice against the Vietnam War. His campus speeches during this period helped solidify his status as an influential figure, connecting with students who often agreed with his anti-war stance.
By partnering with Ali’s estate, Unfinished Legacy can tap into the boxer’s enduring legacy and create designs that resonate with a broad audience. The collaboration also underscores the brand’s commitment to social justice and its desire to inspire future generations.
A Local Brand with a Global Impact
As Unfinished Legacy continues to grow and contribute to the Milwaukee community through initiatives like gallery nights for new artists and community screen printing events, the collaboration with Muhammad Ali’s estate represents an exciting new chapter in the brand’s story. It showcases how a local brand can make a global impact by staying true to its roots and values while partnering with iconic figures who have left an indelible mark on history.
The collaboration, set to release online on March 22nd, 2024, will feature a half-tone screen-printed portrait series, highlighting Unfinished Legacy’s signature design language while paying homage to “The Greatest Of All Time”. Destiny has played a pivotal role in this collaboration, as Ali’s great-grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, has been a fan of the brand for years leading up to this partnership. This partnership is a testament to the brand’s commitment to honoring and celebrating influential figures who have impacted society.