History & Heritage
The Kappa Story
The Kappa Story
Kappa is the leading Italian sportswear brand, crafting apparel, footwear, and accessories tailored for both sports and leisure. Originating in Turin, Italy, in 1967, and present in over 130 countries, Kappa is worn by professional athletes and style enthusiasts all over the world. Distinguished by the iconic logo that depicts a man and woman sitting back-to-back, Kappa epitomizes an avant-garde fusion of Italian technology, retro hip-hop style, and technical sportswear heritage.
EUROPEAN FOOTBALL
The Champion's Jersey
In a groundbreaking moment for Italian sports in 1979, the technical apparel of a football team, Juventus FC, proudly featured a brand logo for the first time in history. Kappa and Juventus played together until the 1999-2000 season, marking the lengthiest and most successful technical sponsorship in the history of Juventus.
In the 80s and 90s, Kappa asserted its dominance in European football by securing sponsorships with elite teams such as Juventus, AC Milan, and FC Barcelona. The brand's influence extended globally with international sponsorships, as Italy, Jamaica, and South Africa proudly sported Kappa kits on the world stage.
In 1999, Kappa introduced the iconic Kombat™ 2000 jersey for the Italian National Football Team. Thanks to its design, technical material, and unprecedented tight-fit, this jersey revolutionized the concept of sports and race kits.
SPACE RACE
OLYMPIC SPONSORSHIP
In 1984, Kappa made its debut in the United States by Sponsoring the U.S. Track and Field Team at the Los Angeles Olympics. For the design of the race suit, they commissioned an unlikely source: a NASA scientist. The race uniform was created in a luminous silver shade to echo the design of the space suit. This choice served a dual purpose: not only did it effectively reflect light, but it also played a role in regulating the athlete's body temperature. Down the side of the US uniforms appeared the 222 Banda: the iconic future of Kappa and its “Authentic” label today.
BACK-TO-BACK
WHAT DOES THE KAPPA LOGO REPRESENT?
The Kappa logo appears on tracksuits, soccer jerseys, and clothing around the world. While commonly perceived as depicting two women sitting back-to-back, a closer inspection reveals a woman and a man.
This logo, referred to as the "Omini," came into existence serendipitously. During a photoshoot for a swimsuit catalogue, Founder Maurizio Vitale spotted two silhouettes leaning against each other, bathed in backlight, forming a symmetrical shape.
The Omini logo serves as a symbol of equality and collaboration between men and women in both sports and life. Over the course of the 20th century, it has evolved into a timeless icon, embodying these principles with enduring significance.
KAPPA Worldwide
Kappa continues to exert a strong influence on the contemporary fashion landscape, captivating both celebrities and streetwear enthusiasts from Seoul to London. A favorite among musicians and artists, Kappa's signature logo can be spotted on stage during concerts and music videos. Athletes and stars proudly wear Kappa's performance-driven apparel, cementing its position as a go-to choice for activewear.
In the United States, Kappa stays true to its Italian heritage, crafting apparel, footwear, and accessories that inspire individuality and the pursuit of one's authentic self. From unique brand collaborations and innovative campaigns to major event sponsorships, Kappa remains an indelible element of global fashion, sport, and culture.
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