Rotterdam’s Excelsior Rotterdam has unveiled a limited-edition kit, a collaboration with local streetwear brand WOEI and sportswear manufacturer Robey. More than just merchandise, this jersey represents a fusion of football, street culture and civic pride, culminating in a fourth kit for the club that embodies the spirit of the city.
For Excelsior supporters, particularly ahead of the highly anticipated Rotterdam derby against Feyenoord on March 15th, this shirt isn’t simply an option—it’s a statement. It’s a tangible representation of a shared identity and a commitment to the club and the city.
The genesis of this project wasn’t born in a boardroom, but on the streets of Rotterdam. Roberto Garcia del Rio, manager of WOEI, frequently passed Excelsior’s Woudestein stadium and felt compelled to collaborate. He envisioned a partnership not with just any sportswear provider, but specifically with Robey, recognizing their commitment to quality, and design.
“I uncover the shirts from Robey simply more stunning. What they do with techniques and details is just super cool,” Garcia del Rio said.
Robey, too, had long considered a collaboration with WOEI, a respected Rotterdam-based brand. The opportunity presented itself with the derby against Feyenoord, providing a fitting backdrop for a project celebrating local identity.
A Shirt Built on Quality
The kit features a custom jacquard fabric, a detail typically reserved for top-tier clubs like Real Madrid, differentiating it from standard retail offerings. Robey prioritized quality, even if it meant increased production complexity. The logos of WOEI and Excelsior are woven directly into the fabric, rather than printed, adding a premium touch.
“The logos of Woei and Excelsior are literally in the fabric itself, not printed on it. That is really something special,” explained Toine van den Berg of Robey Sportswear.
Even the goalkeeper shirt received the same meticulous treatment, utilizing the custom jacquard fabric in a limited-edition run – a feat Van den Berg described as “not really possible,” yet achieved nonetheless.
The design prominently features the “Kralingse Ster,” a star emblem deeply connected to the club and the Kralingen neighborhood where Excelsior calls home. Garcia del Rio, having observed the star displayed throughout Kralingen, insisted on its return to the front of the shirt, stating, “We respect the badge. That belongs there.”
Limited Release, Lasting Value
The limited nature of the collection isn’t a marketing tactic, but a principle rooted in WOEI’s philosophy. They believe in creating a sense of scarcity, preferring to err on the side of producing too little rather than too much. Robey anticipates that the limited quantities will only increase the shirt’s desirability in the long run, citing previous collaborations that remain highly sought after years later.
“I think we purchased less than we could have sold. And that only makes it stronger,” Van den Berg said.
Garcia del Rio confidently predicted, “If this shirt is on Marktplaats for double the price in four years, then you know you’ve made something good.”
A Rotterdam Collaboration
The collaboration brings together three distinct entities, each with its own customer base and place within the city. Sander Fischer of Excelsior Rotterdam emphasized the importance of uniting these forces to create a product that truly represents Rotterdam and its people.
“This is Rotterdam. And Excelsior is a place where you are welcome as a true Rotterdammer. We desire to radiate that, and this shirt is perhaps the best example of that,” Fischer stated.
The WOEI × Excelsior × Robey collection became available on Saturday, March 7th, at 11:00 AM via the Excelsior Rotterdam fanshop, in-store and online at WOEI, and through the Robey webshop. Fans can wear the kit during the upcoming derby against Feyenoord on March 15th at De Kuip.
The release of this kit marks more than just a new jersey; it’s a celebration of Rotterdam’s identity, a testament to the power of local collaboration, and a symbol of pride for Excelsior Rotterdam supporters. The derby against Feyenoord on March 15th promises to be a showcase for this unique piece of footballing and streetwear history.
The collection includes match jerseys (short and long sleeve), matching shorts, a distinctive pink goalkeeper kit, a warm-up shirt featuring the WOEI logo, and youth-sized shirts in both pink and green, along with matching socks and footballs.
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on the Rotterdam derby and Excelsior Rotterdam’s season.
