True to Melissa’s style, the women on both shirts are also faceless. When asked to expand on why this is a common theme in her artwork Melissa said, “We spend so much time picking apart features in everyday life. I didn't want that for my illustrations. I want anyone, regardless of how they identify, to simply connect with the body language of the people I illustrate.”
Melissa went on to tell me why inclusion and diversity are so important when it comes to her art, “I want everyone to feel represented. I’ve existed in spaces throughout my life where I have been the “other”. Most of us, as people of color, have. It's no fun. I understand how important it is to create a space where everyone feels like they belong. If the smallest part I can play is normalizing seeing diversity represented, then I will always try to do that.”
Black and brown women in the sneaker space also know all too well how important it is to have a space where we feel we belong and in which we are celebrated. And since its inception Kicks & Fros has worked relentlessly to address the lack of representation in the sneaker space for women of color. Melissa, who is also known for her celebration of people of color through her art, shared how she creates such powerful pieces, “My personal illustrations are a reaction to my thoughts and emotions about something present in my life. Client work is different. I illustrate based on what image they (the client) wants to present to their audience.”
And when it came to the Kicks and Fros audience Melissa knew that women and sneakers would have to be at the forefront of the Sisterhood collection. “The style of this illustration was different only because the women are wearing sneakers and the color palette is more vibrant than my go to warm tones. Other than those things, the message of sisterhood and community resonates still.”
I had the privilege of being a part of the photo shoot for the Sisterhood collection alongside K&F CKO, Melissa Chanel and Charlotte based Content Creators, Kiara Arnold and Passion Burnell and I can tell you firsthand that the vibe of the photoshoot was absolutely one of both sisterhood and community. The amazingly talented Brandon Grate was our photographer and it’s shocking that we were able to get any work done. We laughed the entire shoot. But alongside the laughter was nothing but support and genuine love.
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Photo Credit: Brandon Grate
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Photo Credit: Brandon Grate
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Photo Credit: Brandon Grate
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Photo Credit: Brandon Grate
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Photo Credit: Brandon Grate
My last question for Melissa was a very important one. I had to know if she was a sneaker lover and if so, what her favorite sneaker was. “I’m super basic. I’ve lived in Chucks and flip flops for most of my life. It wasn't until this past spring that I was gifted a pair of Air Force Ones and they changed my style for the better.” We love it and there is absolutely nothing basic about you sis!
The K&F x MKoby Sisterhood Collection is available now and if you haven’t gotten your hands on any of the pieces run, don’t walk to Kicks and Fros because the collection is a limited edition and the pieces are going fast!
~Erica Britt