Coco Cultr: The Intersection of Fashion and Basketball
Growing up in the vibrant city of Seattle, Jesa Chiro, the founder of Coco Cultr, idolized her older brother, Munya. As a self-proclaimed “basketball fanatic,” Munya surrounded himself with everything related to basketball, from jerseys to NBA 2K games. For Jesa, her early life was colored by memories of attending Munya’s basketball camps, sharing game days, and exploring thrift stores in search of unique sports memorabilia.
The Chiro family’s allegiance lay with the Seattle SuperSonics until their relocation in 2006, a shift that left a void in the city’s sports culture. The emotional connection to the team and memorabilia significantly influenced Jesa’s later endeavors in the fashion industry, leading to the creation of Coco Cultr.
A Love for Basketball and Fashion
While Jesa Chiro may not have been a natural athlete, her passion for the sport blossomed during her childhood. She had a brief admiration for WNBA stars Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird, even holding onto a wristband from Bird for years. This passion for basketball would later fuel her vision of integrating sports with fashion, addressing a significant gap in women’s sportswear.
The Gap in Sportswear for Women
“Why is there not any cute sportswear for women?” Jesa often pondered, recognizing the lack of stylish options available. While collaborations and fashionable collections have emerged in recent years, she identified this gap well before the market caught up. The departure of the Sonics not only impacted Jesa’s childhood but also inspired her to collect, repurpose, and reimagine basketball jerseys.
Influence of Xuly.Bët
One of the pivotal influences on Jesa’s approach to Coco Cultr was Xuly.Bët’s innovative designs, particularly the 1995 collaboration with Puma. By transforming deadstock soccer jerseys into fashionable dresses, Xuly.Bët’s work inspired Jesa to use what could be considered waste and turn it into something beautiful and wearable, shaping the ethos of her brand.
Transforming Passion into Business
The cultural and emotional ties to sports memorabilia drove Jesa to launch Coco Cultr, where she aims to provide stylish and functional sportswear for women. By combining her childhood experiences and love for basketball with a keen sense of design, Chiro has carved out a niche for herself in the fashion industry, inspiring women to embrace their love for sports through stylish apparel.
A New Era for Women’s Sportswear
Coco Cultr stands at the forefront of a new era in women’s sportswear, melding the worlds of fashion and athletics. As the brand continues to grow, Jesa envisions an inclusive future where women can proudly showcase their love for sports without compromising on style. Her dedication to creating beautiful and meaningful designs underscores the potential of sports to inspire creativity and personal expression.
Conclusion
Jesa Chiro’s journey from a Seattle kid enamored by her brother’s basketball passion to the founder of a groundbreaking brand exemplifies how personal experiences can shape professional dreams. Through Coco Cultr, Jesa not only answers the call for fashionable sportswear but also pays homage to the rich tapestry of basketball culture that shaped her identity.
