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Nike, with undeniable persistence, has latched onto the fashion industry to its betterment. Working with the likes of Virgil Abloh, Riccardo Tisci, Kim Jones, John Elliott, Jun Takahashi, and many others, the consistent theme among the collaborators is that they’re predominately male. As is true with much of the fashion (and sneaker) industry for decades.
There are exceptions. Rei Kawakubo of COMME des GARÇONS and Chitose Abe of Sacai have worked with Nike for years. But they’re in the minority of female collaborators who are allowed to design, curate and produce products for the world’s leading sportswear companies. Thankfully, in recent years, there’s been a shift in both industry equality and greater recognition of sales generated by women. Nike, with a larger understanding of global trends and the importance of the female voice and its dollar, is partnering with more women for ready-to-wear and sneakers both this year and next.
Announcing Ambush’s Yoon, Sarah Andelman, and Martine Rose, each will join Nike Sportswear with releases due out before the end of the year. Yoon and Martine Rose will design capsule collections, with the latter already making waves with the potential release of a $250 Air Monarch. Andelman, in turn, will design a section of the Nike Unlaced website, bringing a brilliance that helped her rise to prominence with her former store, Colette.
Given Nike’s partnership with Serena Williams and its new collaboration with Harlem Fashion Row through LeBron James’ LeBron 16, they’ve shown a desire to engage in conversations surrounding equality, race, and creating spaces for women to have the same opportunities of their male counterparts. Stay tuned for more on these upcoming collections.
Source: Vogue
