February 3, 2021 — New York City-based, multi-tasking, multi-faceted lifestyle driven company Alife, today announces a special-edition apparel collaboration with Champion and Urban Outfitters. The trio is proud to present the HBCU Capsule collection, which pays homage to and champions the historic Black institutions of this country. Launching February 8, 2021, the collection, which was coordinated through a partnership with collegiate licensing company CLC, will be exclusively available at www.urbanoutfitters.com and www.alifenewyork.com.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Their principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans.

This collection is especially meaningful for Alife Partner and Hampton University alum – Treis Hill: “I am thrilled that this collection, which celebrates all of the culture, community and connectivity which an HBCU experience brings, is being showcased by Urban Outfitters and Champion.”

The campaign, inspired by HBCU Homecomings, acknowledges the pioneer moments in streetwear and their cultural importance. In addition to the imagery, the clothing will be featured as part of a powerful video shot in black and white, including a drumline and a multi-generational cast to echo the pain and struggle HBCU’s have felt throughout history. Elements such as band and line dancers draw in the Homecoming vibe and capture the history, success, familial atmosphere, fun, strength and power that define HBCU communities.  The photo shoot and video were shot by an all-HBCU alumni and cast.

A number of prominent HBCU universities are featured, including:

• Albany State University
• Cheyney University
• Clark Atlanta University
• Delaware State University
• Florida A&M University (FAMU)
• Fisk University
• Grambling State University
• Howard University
• Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU)
• Lincoln University
• Morehouse College
• Morgan State University
• North Carolina A&T State University
• North Carolina Central University
• Norfolk State University
• Spelman College
• Tennessee State University
• Tuskegee University
• Virginia State University
• Xavier University

In tandem with this capsule collection partnership, Urban Outfitters will be launching a new initiative called “UO Summer Class ’21” in the Spring of 2021. Program participants will consist of one excellent student from each of the 5 participating HBCUs, who have been nominated by their school in acknowledgment of their academic excellence. These students will be invited to participate in an extension of UO’s 10-week paid internship program where they will receive one-on-one mentoring with leaders within the Urban workforce throughout the summer. Should COVID-19 prevent in-person participation, the students will be able to complete this program virtually. They will also work with the UO Buying team on a piece of school-branded merchandise produced by Champion, which will be sold exclusively by Urban Outfitters. While UO Summer Class ‘21 will culminate at the end of August as the students head back to school, program mentors have pledged to provide continual advice and support as their mentees prepare to embark upon their professional careers.

About Alife

Founded in 1999, Alife is a New York City-based, multi-tasking, multi-faceted, lifestyle driven company. Well known for its curatorial work, branded product,  experiential retail concepts, art exhibitions, top-tier co-branded collaborations as well as live music events. Focused on art and creativity with a strong penchant for originality, Alife’s mission is to showcase, elevate and perpetuate the downtown culture from which is it born. Alife cannot be defined by one cultural movement alone. Alife is art.  Alife is a curator of all that downtown represents and speaks to an international downtown audience that is as close as down the block and as far as across the globe.

For more information about the Alife brand, it’s products and stores please visit www.alifenewyork.com or visit @alifenewyork on Instagram.

About Champion

Since 1919, Champion Athleticwear has offered a full line of innovative athletic apparel for men and women including activewear, sweats, tees, sports bras, team uniforms, footwear and accessories. Champion uses innovative design and state-of-the-art product testing to ensure uncompromised quality and innovative apparel for its consumers. Champion Athleticwear can be purchased at department stores, sporting goods, specialty retailers, and at Champion.com. For more information, please contact us at 1-800-315-0563 or at Facebook.com/Champion, follow us on Twitter @Championusa or on Instagram @Champion. Champion is a brand of Hanesbrands Inc. (NYSE:HBI).

About Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters is a lifestyle retailer dedicated to inspiring customers through a unique combination of product, creativity and cultural understanding. Founded in 1970 in a small space across the street from the University of Pennsylvania, Urban Outfitters now operates over 200 stores in the United States, Canada and Europe, offering experiential retail environments and a well-curated mix of women’s, men’s, accessories and home product assortments. For more information, visit Urban Outfitters at www.urbanoutfitters.com

For more information on this release, please contact:

Sandrine Charles, sandrine@sandrinecharles.com, 646-484-5240

Tammy Purves, CLC, tammy.purves@clc.com