Honouring Legacy and Empowering the Future: The Patta x Stussy ‘Respect Tee’

In a heartfelt tribute to legacy and community, Patta and Stussy proudly introduce the ‘Respect Tee’, a special release that holds deep personal and cultural significance. This collaboration honours the memory of Guillaume Schmidt's late father, Humprey Rietfeld Schmidt, a beloved figure whose impact on those around him was profound and lasting. The Respect Tee, featuring an evocative image of Humprey surrounded by his guiding ethos, serves as a wearable homage to his spirit and values.

The Respect Tee is more than just a piece of clothing; it is a symbol of resilience and progress, designed to inspire current and future generations to carry forward a legacy of strength and positive change. Every purchase of the Respect Tee supports "Project Bigi Pondo," a charity dedicated to uplifting communities and fostering sustainable development in Surinam. This project is a testament to the power of collective effort and the importance of giving back.

Nestled in the village of Pikin Slee on the Upper Suriname River, the Saamaka Marron Museum stands as a beacon of cultural preservation. This museum is dedicated to the rich heritage of the Marrons, descendants of escaped slaves who built thriving communities deep within the Surinamese rainforest. The Saramaka culture, with its roots in resistance and survival, continues to flourish, offering a vivid connection to the past and a source of inspiration for the future. The museum is not just a place of remembrance but a living testament to the enduring spirit of the Marron people.

It is this that the ‘Respect Tee’ project means to preserve. Project Bigi Pondo embodies the spirit of restoration and transformation. In Afobaka, Surinam, an abandoned boat, left to decay since the 1960s, is being revitalized into a powerful piece of art. This boat once played a crucial role in the lives of over 2,000 Marron families, aiding their journey to self-sufficiency and independence as they migrated to transmigration villages in the Saramaka area. Today, school children from the Brokopondo District are turning this "broken" boat into a symbol of hope and resilience, learning valuable lessons about their heritage and the power of community in the process.

By purchasing the Respect Tee, you are not only celebrating the legacy of Humprey Rietfeld Schmidt but also contributing to the ongoing efforts to uplift and empower communities in Surinam. As stated, all proceeds from this special release will go directly to supporting Project Bigi Pondo, ensuring that the spirit of resilience and progress thrives for generations to come.

Together, through this meaningful collaboration, we have the power to honour the giants of our past and build a brighter, more sustainable future. The ‘Respect Tee’ is a reminder that every small act of support can lead to significant change, embodying the ethos of respect, community, and positive impact.