Aaliyah was one of the most talked about and listened to musicians of the 1990s-early 2000s. Her R&B sound took over pop culture with hits like “One in A Million” and “Rock The Boat.” Just as she was at the height of her career, the world received the tragic news that Aaliyah had died in a horrific plane crash. Now, the Aaliyah Estate works to honor her memory and give back to those who supported the star. The estate’s newest venture takes place on International Women’s Day, as they release an exclusive collaboration with Kith Women. 

Created from the desire to use images of Aaliyah shot by Robert Whitman, Kith Women partners with the singer’s brother and estate manager, Rashad Haughton, to bring this collaboration to life. “I’m a huge fan of Kith and all that Ronnie has achieved, in taking that first store in Brooklyn and expanding it into a brand that touches the four corners of the globe. Aaliyah was born in Brooklyn, grew up in Detroit, and went on to touch the whole world with her light and creativity. That’s why I felt that Kith would be the perfect partner to release unseen photos of my sister on their incredible fashion designs,” said Haughton. 

The collection features Whitman’s photographs on a range of tees and hoodies. Class Kith Women silhouettes are accessorized with custom Kith font details. Select pieces, such as the “Rock the Boat” Jane Hoodie, are available in different color ways. Other pieces, such as the “Lynn Cropped Crew” are available in different custom graphic combinations. The collection features five unisex vintage t-shirts alongside the women’s  tees and hoodies. These t-shirts come in a range of colors and graphics, and aim to pay homage to the late singer’s spirit. 

In addition to the photographs, Kith Women found inspiration in Aaliyah’s high school years as well. While working with Haughton, the streetwear brand discovered that Aaliyah graduated from her high school, the Detroit School of the Arts, with a 4.0 GPA. The focus of the collaboration then shifted to focus not only on Aaliyah herself, but on the commitment and drive that the DSA faculty and students have. To honor these achievements, Kith created a short film about the school’s current dance team and their principal, Dr. Mayowa Lisa Reynolds, and discussed the impact Aaliyah has had on their school.

The collection drops on International Women’s Day, Tuesday March 8, at every Kith location and on Kith’s website. 50 percent of the Kith Women X Aaliyah collection will go to the Detroit School of the Arts, with the other half going to  I Support the Girls. I Support the Girls is a foundation that collects and distributes essential items, such as hygienic products, to women and girls experiencing homelessness, impoverishment, and distress.