The leading Italian sportswear Brand unveils the US edition of its global social campaign, shot by acclaimed Photographer Mel D. Cole

Following the launch of its Summer 2021 collection, Kappa^® returns with the US debut of their global social campaign, #KeepPerforming, which celebrates the perseverance of the human spirit facing an ever changing world.

Following a truly unprecedented year, the campaign highlights emerging culture makers who continue to challenge the status quo and redefine life on their own terms.

Behind the lens, Kappa^® has tapped NYC-based photojournalist, Mel D. Cole, for a series of portraits and lifestyle images that capture campaign talent as their most authentic selves in the Summer 2021 collection.

The #KeepPerforming campaign, styled by Toreno Winn, includes the following ensemble cast of culture makers:

• Lauren Wasser - Model/ Activist/ Athlete
• Bloody Osiris - Creative Director
• Yaris Sanchez - Model / Advocate
• Kailand Morris - Artist
• DJ Millie - DJ
• ESTA - DJ, Soulection

"It’s an honor to work with a brand like Kappa^® that has such a well-known and respected heritage in sport and global culture. As the founder of the first black owned soccer photo agency, it's an absolute privilege using the medium to help the brand and this incredible group of creatives tell their passionate and authentic stories.� - Mel D. Cole, Photographer.

ABOUT KAPPA^® 

Born in Turin, Italy in 1967, Kappa^® is a leading Italian sportswear brand owned and operated by BasicNet SpA, a global manufacturer of apparel, footwear and accessories for sport and leisure. Present in more than 130 countries and worn by professional athletes and style enthusiasts around the world, Kappa^® is recognized for its heritage of technical sportswear, and non-conformist blend of Italian technology and style. Operating through a global network of licensed partners, BasicNet provides R&D, product industrialization, and global marketing services for a diverse portfolio of brands including Kappa^® (Kappa Authentic^®, Kappa Sport^®, KOMBAT™, and Kontroll^®), Robe di Kappa^®, K-Way^®, Superga^®, Briko^®, Jesus^®Jeans, Sabelt^® and Sebago^®. Based in Turin, BasicNet has been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 1999.

ABOUT MEL D. COLE

NYC based, and Syracuse NY raised, Mel D. Cole is one of Hip Hop's most accomplished and celebrated photographers with a career spanning almost 20 years. As a self taught photographer, he released his first book called GREAT: Photographs of Hip Hop in February 2020. Around this time last year, Mel focused his lens on documenting the pandemic. But when George Floyd was killed he dedicated himself to documenting the Black Lives Matter uprising which has led him to documenting supporters of Donald Trump, Trump himself and other political stories. Mel’s love for soccer led him to launch Charcoal Pitch FC in 2019, the first Black owned soccer specific photo agency where he currently has a partnership with the Premier League and Chelsea FC. Mel is also known for his work in nightlife, travel, and street documentary work. Married to the most wonderful wife Averie Cole. They have a son named Auggie.