From left: Josiah Ng, Allen Ong, Rizal Tisin, Mohd Nazifuddin, Hugh Koh, Bryan Nickson,
Ng Shu Wai and Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi (All photos: PMC)
Not able to travel to France to support the national team? Well, you can wear patriotism on your sleeve, across your back or above the visor of a cap with Malaysian Pride, a mini lifestyle collection by Pestle & Mortar Clothing (PMC).
This collaboration between PMC and the Olympic Council Malaysia (OCM) pumps a fist for our Paris-bound athletes. It salutes their dedication and achievements, and exhorts them to go “Faster, Higher, Stronger — Together”.
The capsule range features eight items — four T-shirts, a jersey, one polo tee, a coach’s jacket and one cap — with designs inspired by the Summer Games. Keeping the number small allows each piece to be impactful on its own, says PMC head of brand and creative lead Jack Gan.
Since its founding in 2010, the company has targeted a young demographic, aged between 18 and 35, with edgy pieces cut out for casual wear. It initiated collaborations from the start, working with American, Australian and Italian labels.
This is the first time it has worked with OCM, which was very welcoming when PMC suggested producing lifestyle merchandise that pays homage to athletes and the country, which will be represented in athletics, archery, badminton, cycling, diving, golf, sailing, shooting and weightlifting.
“Our brand has always been about telling stories that resonate with people who grew up experiencing certain values within the region. Our products incorporate that element.”
Additionally, its pieces often serve as conversation starters, Gan adds.
The unisex Malaysian Pride collection presented his team with an opportunity to experiment with new materials and weaves. What is significant is how each item loops around the Games, leading up to the quest for that elusive gold.
Champion track cyclist Mohd Azizulhasni Awang was PMC’s inspiration for the Pocket Rocketman Tee, a nod to his legacy. This will be his fifth Olympic campaign. He won bronze and silver at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, respectively, and is aiming for a golden finish in Paris. If that comes to pass, PMC will be ready with a hero’s welcome and its Champ Jacquard Polo Tee, which has “Pride” in its weave.
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The Torch Pocket Tee is the brand’s take on the Olympic flame, which features Malaysia on the global map and stage. The Gemilang Gradient Jersey, with a matching panel cap, wraps up the fighting spirit and luck we wish our athletes by flying the colours of our flag.
A handful of former Olympians were at PMC for the preview of the collection on July 16. They were cyclists Josiah Ng Onn Lam and Mohammad Rizal Tisin; swimmer Allen Ong Hou Ming; diver Bryan Nickson Lomas; gymnast Ng Shu Wai; and national hockey player Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi.
PMC co-founder Hugh Koh sums up the mood of the occasion by saying: “Sport has an incredible ability to unite people, and this collection is a celebration of those who represent us globally. We believe it will bring people together to support our athletes and the values they represent.”
OCM secretary-general Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin Najib hopes the collection resonates with sports fans looking to identify with — and proudly support — the national contingent.
Malaysian Pride is available at PMC’s flagship store in APW Bangsar, 29 Jalan Riong, Kuala Lumpur. See more here.
This article first appeared on Jul 22, 2024 in The Edge Malaysia.
