Two streetwear changemakers have united to launch a new campaign and capsule collection, shining a light on the power of authentic collaboration and how persistence against all odds combined with meaningful conversation can spark real-world change.
Marking the third collaboration between global lifestyle brand, Champion, and Australian social enterprise, HoMie, Championing Change was crafted with the intention to encourage wearers to pursue purpose-led passions and make conscious contributions to their communities, against all adversity. The cosy collection features a new co- designed logo across six bespoke pieces and accessories including genderless hoodies and crews made with Champion’s historic reverse weave technology, lifestyle caps and socks, plus a reversible parka puffer in an all-new camouflage print. Profits from all sales will contribute to achieving HoMie’s mission of helping young people affected by homelessness or hardship.
To celebrate the launch of Championing Change, the two brands have released a short film reflecting on almost five years of partnership. Produced by HoMie Creative, the film highlights that despite setbacks and limited experience, everyday people can create lasting change. According to HoMie Co-Founders Marcus Crook and Nick Pearce, and Head of Impact Ellen Jacobsen, the key to success lies in passion, determination, and having the right people in your corner. The film tracks HoMie’s journey to date, showcasing the tangible and positive impact the enterprise has had on helping young people affected by homelessness and hardship. It also explores how the label’s partnership with Champion has helped expand its reach and strengthen its mission since their initial collaboration in 2019.
Speaking of HoMie’s humble beginnings, Crook, who is also HoMie’s Creative Director, said: “We were three friends in Melbourne and we saw the impact that homelessness was having on our community and we wanted to come together to create positive change. When we first started, we were told we were too young, too inexperienced, and didn’t have any of the qualifications to start a business in retail and fashion. Now, we have grown from a small but mighty idea to working with global brands such as Champion, creating real change.”
“To be able to build an authentic partnership with HoMie for almost five years has been incredible. As a long-term brand partner and official supporter of the Pathway Alliance Program, we have been able to see the first-hand impact of HoMie’s work on breaking the cycle of homelessness. When everyone succeeds, the world is a better place. That’s something all companies should take on board when working with smaller brands that you’re trying to enact positive change and make things better for the next generation,” said John Dang, Senior Product Designer at Champion Australia and New Zealand.
Thanks to the ongoing support of long-term partners like Champion, HoMie has helped over 2,000 young people affected by homelessness or hardship through its Pathway Alliance Program and VIP Days since it was founded in 2015. Through its impact programs, HoMie has delivered over 10,000 new items of clothing and more than 8,000 hours of paid training and employment for young people at the HoMie street store and retail partners like Champion. This year, a record number of Pathway Alliance participants were offered placement in Champion retail stores to gain experience, as part of their training. Further cementing the global streetwear brand’s ongoing commitment to the social enterprise, Champion also contributes clothing and excess materials to HoMie to upcycle and create bespoke tees, hoodies and sweats via its sister label, REBORN.
“For us, the best way to create impact is to create long-term, meaningful change in someone’s life. Young people deserve to be the champion of their own future,” said Jacobsen.
This limited edition collaboration is now available via champion.com.au, homie.com.au, and in Champion, HoMie and select Glue stores.
HoMie utilises 100% of its profits to help achieve its mission. By purchasing items from the range, wearers are directly supporting the enterprise’s vital work and helping create better futures for young Australians.
Key Facts:
Watch campaign video here
About us:
ABOUT HOMIE
HoMie is a Melbourne-based streetwear label and social enterprise, located on Brunswick Street, founded in 2015. The organisation supports young people affected by homelessness and hardship, equipping them with skills, confidence, and experiences to be more work-ready and better prepared for their future.
HoMie runs two social impact programs – The HoMie Pathway Alliance, HoMie’s own accredited retail training and education paid internship for young people (16-25) affected by homelessness or hardship; and HoMie’s VIP Program, where young people are welcomed into the store to shop complementary brand-new HoMie garments, access beauty services, and enjoy lunch with the HoMie team.