PRIMARK has wowed fashion fans by reviving an “ugly” 90s brand and making it “cute”.
The budget retailer presented its new sportswear collection last weekend.
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Speaking about the new Kappa collection, Primark bosses said: “Dive into the latest trends in Kappa x Primark sportswear with our exciting collaboration collection.
“From iconic styles of Kappa x Primark joggers, perfect for any casual outing, to tanks, socks and comfy Kappa x Primark hoodies, ideal for layering.”
The sports brand became popular in the 1980s and 1990s after signing sponsorship deals with top football teams such as Juventus, AC Milan and FC Barcelona.
If people in the UK grew up during that time, chances are they owned something from the sports brand.
Now Primark is bringing the brand back to the attention of the general public with this collaboration.
From sweatpants to tracksuits and sports bags, the clothing retailer believes the clothes are perfect for ‘going to the gym or hanging out with friends’.
The range, is intended for both women and men and costs between £3.50 and £24.
Staff at the retailer’s Edinburgh store gave shoppers a sneak peek of the new range in a TikTok video this week.
They said: “We’re taking it back to the ’90s with our collaboration with Kappa. Casual and performance pieces in moody hues to see you through any workout!”
And shoppers are impressed with the retro sports brand’s new look.
“Ooh, how Kappa has changed. These are actually quite nice,” said one.
A second wrote: “[Kappa] “Clothes are ugly, but this series is fun.”
A third added: “90s fashion is back.”
Meanwhile, a fourth echoed: “Seems like every 90s trend is coming back… not bad. Some decent stuff in there. The hoodies look good.”
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But not everyone is enthusiastic about the Kappa collection, which brings back bad childhood memories.
One of them noted: “When I used to go to school and wear kappa, I would get beaten up.”
Someone else joined in the conversation: “In the past, if you wore Kappa, you were worried and poor.”
And a third was furious: “Who’s wearing kappa in 2024?”
The story behind Kappa
Kappa grew into a leading sportswear brand after it was founded in Italy in 1967.
Since then, some of the world’s biggest names have worn their clothes, and the streetwear collection reflects the brand’s Northern Italian roots.
The “Omini” logo stands for quality, humanity and authenticity and the brand produces distinctive clothing for sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, car racing, skiing, sailing, golf, fencing and martial arts.
Their website states: “Kappa was founded in 1916 in the Italian city of Turin by a sock and underwear company called Maglificio Calzificio Torinese (MCT).
“Kappa was created as a sub-brand of the Aquila brand as a result of a production issue that led to a loss of sales.
“The production problem was solved and all new products were given a K, which stands for the German word for control, Kontrollen. Sales increased and in 1967 the K was officially called Kappa, the Greek letter for K.”
