Bones FC x Participation Trophy Studio
Story Behind the Collab
David Alton, co-founder of Bones FC, and Zach Moore, founder of Participation Trophy Studio, were first introduced in April of 2020 during Calcetto Eleganza’s “Recycling A Football Jersey” workshop. From a group of 11 creatives from around the world, the two U.S. based creatives instantly formed a connection and appreciation for each other’s work growing soccer culture in the U.S.
In December of 2020 both sides had the opportunity to meet in-person and the seed for a potential collaboration was planted. In early 2021 both sides began sitting down at the drawing board and exploring concepts and designs for a collaboration. As the scope of the collaboration was narrowed down, both sides set out to apply their unique design style to a special edition jersey on behalf of the other.
Bones FC “Deadlock Edition” Jersey
The “Deadlock Edition” jersey, designed and produced by Participation Trophy Studio, is an even split between pieces of Bones FC’s black home jersey with pieces of their white away jersey.
Always home, even when we’re away. This slogan speaks on the eventual dust settling between which of the home or away top should reign supreme—in the end it’s a stalemate, checkered evenly between sides.
The jersey features Bones’ woven crest patch + 3M reflective chest logo.
Each edition comes packaged in a paper bag with a receipt for a chopped cheese “deadlock style”, a New York mainstay, + a checkered flag reading “Always Home” to commemorate the release and the checker-styled pattern of the top itself.
The “Deadlock” lookbook was shot on the streets of NYC and embodies the spirit of Bones FC’s brand. Bodega’s and newspaper print have always inspired the club and if you follow any of their social accounts you will have seen the recurring “Footnotes”—which is the biweekly scoop on all things Bones. They’ve been fortunate to travel and experience diverse cultures via football, and want the brand to embody the same ability to connect people regardless of their location or background.
Within their Aftermarket space, they’ve even built out their own market stand, that serves as the Bones checkout desk. With more of an East coast bodega vibe to our shop than what is traditionally seen in Arizona, it was key the release was shot in an environment outside Phoenix that they’ve replicated in shop. Hence, shooting in Brooklyn was a no-brainer to capture the project, a place where one can’t turn a corner without seeing a local corner store flourishing with life.
About Bones FC
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Bones FC is a football collective centered around the harmonious collision of contemporary art, football, food, and streetwear. The collective honors the Southwest through a unique interpretation of what football looks like in the Desert. Last year Bones partnered with local art gallery, Belhaus, and coffee shop, Caffio Espresso—to open their store front location. Bones Aftermarket, located in downtown Phoenix, is open to the public every Sunday with plans to be open full-time by early 2022.