MATHLETE
The New Originals revisits Ghanaian boarding school nostalgia in a cerebral quest for knowledge in SS22
The Amsterdam-based brand The New Originals was founded in 2015 by Eben Badu, Rizky Lasahido, and Maru Asmellash with a clear mission: to create performance clothing for creatives. Prior to its official launch, however, the label existed as a tight-knit collective of friends who, as early as 2011, ran a blog dedicated to sharing and curating their interests across fashion, design, and music; a collaborative foundation that still shapes the brand’s ethos today. Rooted in functionality and self-expression, the label distinguishes itself through durable, thoughtfully constructed garments that emphasize individuality while maintaining everyday practicality. The term mathlete (blending math and athlete), traditionally refers to participants in competitive mathematics, here reinterpreted as a playful conceptual lens for the brand’s latest release. The campaign’s warm, cinematic imagery was shot by Dutch-Ghanaian photographer Kwabena Sekyi Appiah-Nti, whose visuals accompany an upcoming film by Ebeneza Blanche. Together, they offer fleeting glimpses into the imaginative world of “mathletes” within a boarding school setting in Ghana, subtly introducing the collection’s narrative.
The Mathlete collection itself is lively, graphic, and expressive, featuring pieces such as the Sudoku Spencer, Flag Cardigan, Mathletes T-shirt, Calculator long-sleeve, Workman Hoodie, and a range of accessories including tote bags, caps, and socks. A standout highlight is a deceptively simple yet vibrant woven jersey splashed with artwork, anchoring the knitwear lineup and encapsulating the collection’s bold, spirited character.
“Our new collection is all about numbers and presents thematic pieces with vibrant colours and thematic styles broadening the TNO world.”
