Charlotte artist Marcus Kiser and the Hornets’ Kelly Oubre Jr. team up for exclusive apparel drop

By Cameron Lee

December 16, 2022

Photo: Addie Vermillion 

Charlotte artist Marcus Kiser, who is best known for his traveling Afro-futuristic sci-fi art exhibit, Intergalactic Soul, has teamed up with Hornets forward Kelly Oubre Jr. for a unique fashion collaboration. Available exclusively at the Hornets Fan Shop, Kiser designed three pieces for Oubre including a hoodie, shirt, and joggers, that match his eclectic self-proclaimed, “Tsunami Papi” style. 

Charlotte artist Marcus Kiser and Hornets forward Kelly Oubre Jr. during the design process. Photo: Addie Vermillion 

Kiser, who has also worked with Jordan Brand and Adidas in the past, submitted his portfolio to the Hornets after being tapped over the summer for the collaboration. Out of several local artists, Kiser landed the design opportunity with the New Orleans native, Oubre. 

Kelly Oubre Jr. walks the hallways of the Spectrum Center pre-game wearing new hoodie designed by Marcus Kiser. Photo: Kent Smith 

“This is an abstract concept that represents several entities of KO’s personality, representing him, the team, and the city,” Kiser said of the first-ever Hornets player/local artist apparel collaboration. “It is a tie between his New Orleans and Charlotte connections. The design combines elements of anime, ninjas, waves, and insects…bound together with an alternate Hornets neon colorway.” 

Oubre admires the design of the new collaborative hoodie designed by Marcus Kiser. Photo: Mike Jones 

Kiser originally submitted six different looks and admitted the most challenging aspect was representing Oubre’s hometown roots, his likes, and Charlotte, all into one cohesive design. The limited edition items are now available at the Hornets Fan Shop located at Spectrum Center. 

Marcus Kiser and Kelly Oubre Jr. during the design process. Photo: Addie Vermillion 

Kiser, who is also the creative director for Mign Design, a med tech company based in Charlotte, is expected to bring his Intergalactic Soul art exhibit to Wilmington with his collaborative partners, Jason Woodberry and Quentin Talley, in 2023.

The three-piece collection includes a box-cut graphic T-shirt ($30), hoodie ($50), and wide-leg trouser joggers ($55).

Follow Marcus Kiser and the Hornets Fan Shop on Instagram for more updates.

Kelly Oubre Jr. wearing the new collaborative hoodie designed by Marcus Kiser. Photo: Mike Jones 




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