Meet the Designer Behind OL Reign's AANHPI Heritage Month Armband

In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, OL Reign’s captains have been wearing an armband specifically designed to celebrate AANHPI Heritage. This armband is one part of OL Reign’s collaboration with #OSAYS – Our Stories Are Your Stories.

The band, a bright, strong and bold piece, was designed by Arlene Mitsui, a first generation Filipino-American designer/illustrator and also the creative designer behind the Our Stories Are Your Stories (#OSAYS), campaign.

“I’ve always loved art,” said Mitsui.  “My parents had me believing that the only way to have a career in art was to study architecture. I later discovered that I could be a graphic designer when I was in 8th grade when I helped my best friend run for student council. I’ve always loved designing posters, reimagining type and letterforms, and creating all the visual pieces that go into a campaign system. After many years working in-house, in-agency and freelancing; in 2020, I decided to start my own design business (Mitsui Creative) with my most talented BFF and husband, Glenn Mitsui. I am also a mother of two boys and two dogs. When I’m not working, I’m likely binge watching a crime show, at the studio dancing hip hop, or eating around a hot pot with friends and family.”

Mitsui’s design skills are on full display when looking at OL Reign’s captain armband, but beyond the visual appeal, every element of the armband has a deeper meaning.

“When I was first envisioning the armband, words like bright, strong, bold, fierce, joyful and passionate came to mind. I began some quick searches of some patterns ranging from Native Hawaiian and Polynesian tattoo patterns to Ancient Filipino calligraphy. I fell in love with the idea that the armband could emulate a bold and striking tattoo pattern of some sort. The more I studied the graphic elements of the OL Reign lion I liked how the curves of the mane were very wavy and beautiful, similar to some of the floral designs I was coming across.  After struggling to find “the right” pattern, in the end I created a unique pattern using the OL Reign lion. It provided the bold and bright pattern I was going for and I also loved that it involved the image of a lion because of how it carries the symbolism of courage.”

Mitsui continued. “I was really excited to design the OL Reign x #OSAYS captain’s armband to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month. I had about a day to come up with a design and the challenge was that the armband needed to say several things both visually and literally all at once in a very small amount of space. I not only wanted it to stand out, but I wanted it to look like something the players would be proud to wear.  Luckily, there were several common brand elements from both organizations that made it come together beautifully.”

When asked how it felt to see the captain armband worn in each game through the month of May, Mitsui said she was very honored and proud of the design.

“I hope the armband design inspires boldness, courage and passion during the game.”

It is no secret to anyone who follows the NWSL that OL Reign is a team that prioritizes the community and excels at providing support to their players.

“I think it’s awesome that OL Reign is lifting up and highlighting their AANHPI players like Sam Hiatt, Ally Watt and Olivia Van der Jagt. For me, it brings a great sense of pride and excitement to watch them play and follow their stories. If it wasn’t for Asian-American representation in the design industry, I wouldn’t be where I am today. So, continuing on with partnerships like this and beyond is a great way to reach the younger generations to come who may have dreams of becoming a professional women’s soccer player someday.”

We encourage fans to check out Mitsui’s work on her website and social media, as well as #OSAYS – Our Stories Are Your Stories.