AFTER THE WHISTLE
A conceptual project that goes beyond the game, exploring athletes not just as competitors, but as storytellers, cultural voices, and innovators. It’s where high-performance athleticism and fashion collide, revealing how ambition, resilience, and individuality are expressed both on and off the field.
Built around seven powerful archetypes —
The Captain, The Rookie, The Style Icon, The Comeback, The Underdog, The Quarterback, and The Visionary — the project draws inspiration from the real roles athletes play in culture while pushing visual boundaries.
Each of them holds stories of sacrifice, pressure, purpose, discipline, individuality, and ambition, both on and off the field. They leave room for interpretation, inviting everyone to see themselves reflected in the narratives created, which is part of the magic that drives the story forward.
JERSEYS
Two limited-edition jerseys and a sports towel were created as part of AFTER THE WHISTLE, pieces that carry deep meaning and creative intent.
I initiated the concept to push this project further and to ground it in something personal, from my love of soccer jerseys (a personal collection that’s grown over the years), to a deepening connection with my country of origin Senegal and my father’s village Dioudediabe.
Much like the archetypes, our heritage holds stories of sacrifice, pressure, purpose, discipline, individuality and ambition.
AFTER THE WHISTLE TEAM
Photographer @julien.grimard
Assistant Photographers @themeriemabbes @ulrickbolduc_
Art Direction & Styling @_rackysow
Production @teamm.agency
MUAs @ashleydiablo @jesscohen___
The Quarterbacks @jules.forward @forward.mgmt & @twosevengod @mavenmodels
The Style Icon @jonezmaestro @mavenmodels
The Captain @christophe_pare_ @humankindmgmt
The Comeback @kimhyacinthe @humankindmgmt
The Rookie @oamilio @humankindmgmt
The Visionary @ynessakho @societybyfolio
The Underdog @bailey_muller1 @systemagency
AFTER THE WHISTLE JERSEYS
Conception Racky Sow @_rackysow
Graphic Designer Jennifer Lynch @withjennyy
Produced in Montreal @sportira.apparel
https://www.instagram.com/_rackysow/