Fashion line for Pepsi's new creative project to launch this week

"Project Cobalt", the beverage brand's new initiative which sees young creatives paired with established designers in the fields of fashion, art, technology and film, is set to launch its debut clothing collection this week, reports Women's Wear Daily (WWD).

The move is part of Project Cobalt's New York-based "Craft Class", a six-month-long fashion boot camp launched in partnership with NYC consultancy
All Beuys Club and the online fashion community Fashion Accelerator 360. The program gives budding designers the chance to be mentored by industry "veterans" and offers access to professional networks and resources.

The up-and-coming talent comprises NYC-based designer Olu Alege, Dominican Republican Edgar Garrido, New Jersey native Samantha Giordano, Ohio-born Alex Kennedy and Australian Drew Villaini. The group lists their inspirations as being as diverse as Yohji Yamamoto, Raf Simons and Martin Luther King.

According to WWD, the collection includes everything from bomber jackets and tees to knits and dress shorts. Priced between $40 and $150, the pieces will be unveiled on April 15 and will be available both in a pop-up store at NYC retailer Reed Space and online through Project Cobalt.

Although supported by Pepsi, none of the project's designs will display any kind of affiliation with the brand.