Stylist Dex Robinson is constant his partnership with Nike’s Yardrunners program this yr with a collaborative sneaker.
Robinson, who kinds NBA and NFL gamers like Tyrod Taylor and Jalen Hurts and runs a vogue label known as Diallo, is working with Nike on the shoe that will probably be a part of the sports activities large’s fourth yr of its Yardrunners program, which celebrates the affect of traditionally Black faculties and universities.
The stylist, who attended Virginia Union College, has been concerned with the Yardrunners program since its inception, taking part in its inaugural class and serving to with styling for subsequent years.
“When you concentrate on shoe offers, historically they’re given to individuals who truly are taking part in a sport or on the sphere,” Robinson stated. “Moreover, we’re not a Nike college when it comes to sports activities and issues like that, we’re with one other model. So, it was actually cool for me to convey such an iconic model like Nike to my college as a result of beforehand they haven’t had any dealings with Nike.”
Robinson’s collaboration gives a brand new model of the Nike Air Power 1 sneaker, which he designed in all-black pony hair. The shoe’s design was impressed by the Black Panther, which is Virginia Union College’s college mascot.
“My method with vogue as a complete is, I like actually clear strains and clear silhouettes,” Robinson stated. “Lots of the stuff that I do, I don’t wish to be so loud quite a lot of occasions — even in shade. It’s actually you that makes it extra impactful — simply your confidence.”
The stylist stated he selected the design as a result of he needed the sneaker to exude a “sense of elevation and luxurious.” He stated the shoe is supposed to replicate the affect his HBCU had on him, stating, “all traditionally Black faculties have a wealthy legacy in historical past and quite a lot of issues are shared issues amongst us.”
Robinson is unveiling the Nike sneaker, which will probably be out there for buy throughout the upcoming vacation season, on Saturday throughout Virginia Union College’s homecoming.
Moreover on the homecoming ceremony, Robinson is previewing a number of kinds from Diallo’s upcoming assortment.
Robinson said he thinks his sneaker collaboration will resonate with many individuals as a result of the Nike Air Power 1 is such a broadly recognized and well-liked model.
“The Air Power 1 is so iconic and I really feel like they’re very intergenerational since they’ve been round for thus lengthy,” Robinson stated. “Lots of people can communicate to it or have an period the place this was their favourite. Whether or not you’re youthful or older, it type of stands the take a look at of time. That’s why it was actually cool for me to be chosen once they used the silhouette.”
