Over the past decade there have been huge shifts happening within the sneaker industry. Some shifts have been good for the culture, while others not so much. Our favorite shift to date is the acknowledgement of women’s influence on the sneaker and streetwear culture. In an industry that has been geared towards men since its inception it can be hard for women to get opportunities and recognition. And while we still have a long way to go it is inspiring to see some recognition being given.
.
Check out these 5 women sneaker designers you need to know..
.
.
.
Aleali May is a native of Los Angeles who got her first big break into the fashion world by working with Don C and Virgil Abloh’s “RSVP” Gallery in Chicago. In 2017, she teamed up with Nike’s Jordan Brand and designed her first of many Jordan collaborations with the release of the Air Jordan 1 Aleali May “Satin Shadow.” Aleali has an immense talent for seamlessly blending streetwear and luxury which can be seen in each of her Jordan collab releases. In addition to the dope design of each sneaker she puts her hands on, there is an equally dope story behind each release.
.
.
.
LA based fashion designer Melody Ehsani came out of the gate swinging with her first Jordan Brand collab with the infamous Jordan 1 Mid SE “Fearless” in 2019. Almost 3 years later and this shoe still sells for almost ten times the retail price in most sizes. She has also collaborated with Reebok and continues to design player exclusives for elite athletes. Melody also made history by becoming Foot Locker’s first female creative director.
.
.
Oliva Kim who is the VP of Creative Projects and Home at Nordstrom has quite a few Nike collabs under her belt. Olivia collaborated once with Nike to curate a collection of sneakers named the “No Cover” collection. Included in the collection were 5 retro silhouettes: Jordan 4, Nike Air Footscape, Air Max 98, Air Force 1, and the Air Mowabb.
.
.
.
Hailing from Chicago, is artist Nina Chanel Abney who is a new sneaker designer that you definitely need to know. Nina’s art which has been included in collections around the world from Brooklyn to Hong Kong can now be seen in her first collab with the Jordan Brand. Nina teamed up with the brand and released the Jordan 2 in a high and a low silhouette. Her amazing artwork is also featured on the sneaker box.
.
.
..
Beth Gibbs aka “Bephie” who is the founder of Bephie’s Beauty Supply and co-owner of retailer Union LA can now add sneaker designer to her resume. Bephie recently teamed up with the Jordan Brand and released the Air Jordan 7 SB in 2 different colorways. The release also brought with it some very dope apparel as well.
..
Let us know if you were lucky enough to snag a pair from these amazingly talented female designers and who you would like to see design a sneaker next.
..
~Erica Britt