5ivepillars, founded by Farrukh Ershad, was born out of a necessity to express Islamic identity in a way that people of all backgrounds can relate to by mixing Arabic art and literature with contemporary streetwear. In the past, the brand has churned out graphic hoodies bearing a famous image of the late boxer Muhammad Ali, tie-dye shirts emblazoned with the text Alhamdullilah, and tasbeeh bracelets. They are also continuing to incorporate social justice into their work with a new collaboration with the Malcolm X Legacy Foundation, that includes a capsule collection designed and produced alongside Qubilah Shabazz, the daughter of the American Muslim minister and human rights activist who was a prominent figure during the civil rights movement. Years in the works, the Spring 2023 collection is a celebration of the activist, with the tagline “Honoring the Legacy of a Shaheed.”
According to Ershad, “the collection aims to reclaim Malcolm as who he was: a man devoted to the truth, who believed in Allah wholeheartedly and who ultimately sacrificed everything for a religion that totally transformed him. Malcolm X embodies the true essence of a Shaheed and remains an inspirations for Muslims all around the world.”
The 20-piece collection that coincided with Black History Month includes several original designs that are available starting today on 5ivepillars.com, such as crewnecks and hoodies made out of ultra-cozy 360 GSM cotton, as well as sweatpants, and polyester bucket hats all printed with 5ivepillars and Malcolm X Legacy logos throughout. Some of the pieces are plastered with iconic photographs of the late activist, including a knit design of Malcolm’s most famous image of him holding a M1 Carbine in his right hand, and pulling back the blinds on his window with his left hand, looking outside his New York home to keep watch and protect his family. Meanwhile, a button-up depicts the activist praying at a mosque in Cairo weeks before he was assassinated aged 39.
“The luxury feel of this collection befits not only 5ivepillars’ commitment to premium quality, but also Malcolm’s legacy as a man of leadership, nobility, and ihsan,” said Ershad.
To celebrate the launch of the collection, and Black History Month, the 5ivepillars team and Shabazz gathered in Oakland on Feb. 28 to remember Malcolm’s enduring legacy, which won’t soon be forgotten.
