On July 4th, Tremaine Emory’s Denim Tears is set to launch its newest release: the 5th Quarter collection. Drawing from the deeply rooted relationship between basketball and Black America, this latest capsule goes far beyond game-day aesthetics. It’s a tribute to legacy, identity, and the unspoken narratives that exist off the court — told through wearable symbols of cultural resilience.
The Concept: Beyond the Buzzer
The term 5th Quarter isn’t just poetic — it’s precise. It refers to the rarely acknowledged chapter in an athlete’s journey after the final whistle blows. It’s the quiet space where legends like Rafer “Skip 2 My Lou” Alston and Coach John Thompson Jr. found meaning outside of fame, fame they helped shape but never became defined by. Emory’s vision uses clothing as a canvas to explore these hidden chapters — from street ball dreams to coaching icons — all while connecting it to the larger African American experience.
This is not a collection about flashy wins or televised highlights. It’s about endurance, reflection, and transition. The pieces are designed for those who understand the weight of legacy — and the silence that often follows applause.
The Pieces: Legacy Woven Into Every Stitch
Standouts in the 5th Quarter line include athletic silhouettes and cultural callbacks. A Denim Tears jersey stitched with the name “THOMPSON” commands attention not just for its aesthetic, but its weight — paying homage to the late John Thompson Jr., the first Black head coach to win an NCAA championship. The matching white basketball shorts are bordered with patterns inspired by traditional African mudcloth, a subtle but powerful reminder of ancestral strength.
Another look styles that jersey and shorts under a sharply tailored khaki dress suit. The ensemble is cinched with a mudcloth-inspired belt, fusing athletic roots with formalwear discipline. It’s a striking image: the game’s influence never really leaves the body — even when it’s dressed for a different stage.
From hoodies adorned with African textures to accessories like a Basketball Net Necklace, every piece echoes purpose. There’s reverence in the details — the choice of fabric, the stitching, the restraint in design. Even the reimagined game towels carry narrative weight, functioning as both utility and memory.
The Icons: Skip 2 My Lou & Coach Thompson
By spotlighting figures like Rafer Alston and John Thompson Jr., Denim Tears gives overdue credit to voices that often shaped basketball’s culture off-camera. Alston, a streetball legend turned NBA pro, became a symbol of possibility. Thompson, a trailblazer for Black coaches, made the sideline a place of authority and advocacy.
These are not just name-drops. Their stories live inside the clothing. For Emory, it’s not enough to reference Black icons — he weaves their impact directly into the material narrative, making their legacies wearable, touchable, and preserved.
Where to Buy: July 4th Release
Following an exclusive early preview pop-up at Dover Street Market Paris on June 28 and 29, the 5th Quarter collectionofficially releases online on July 4th via the Denim Tears website denimtears.com, and in-store at Africa Diaspora Goods in New York City. Given the emotional resonance and limited availability, this drop is expected to move fast.
Whether you’re a student of the game, a fan of Emory’s cultural storytelling, or someone who understands that clothes can carry memory — the 5th Quarter is not just fashion. It’s a mirror.
