Stylist Dex Robinson is constant his partnership with Nike’s Yardrunners program this yr with a collaborative sneaker.
Robinson, who types 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 big’s fourth yr of its Yardrunners program, which celebrates the impression of traditionally Black schools and universities.
The stylist, who attended Virginia Union College, has been concerned with the Yardrunners program since its inception, collaborating in its inaugural class and serving to with styling for subsequent years.
“When you consider shoe offers, historically they’re given to individuals who really are taking part in a sport or on the sphere,” Robinson mentioned. “Moreover, we’re not a Nike faculty by way of 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 affords 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 faculty mascot.
“My method with vogue as an entire is, I like actually clear strains and clear silhouettes,” Robinson mentioned. “A number of the stuff that I do, I don’t wish to be so loud a number of occasions — even in shade. It’s actually you that makes it extra impactful — simply your confidence.”
The stylist mentioned he selected the design as a result of he needed the sneaker to exude a “sense of elevation and luxurious.” He mentioned the shoe is supposed to replicate the impression his HBCU had on him, stating, “all traditionally Black schools have a wealthy legacy in historical past and a number of issues are shared issues amongst us.”
Robinson is unveiling the Nike sneaker, which will probably be accessible 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 types 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 extensively identified and common 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 mentioned. “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 sort 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.”