Designed and developed by a group of African-American associates at New Balance, this footwear & apparel collection amplifies a unified voice to inspire today’s generation of independents. By recognizing and celebrating the achievements of black heritage in sport & culture, “Inspire the Dream” embodies a fearlessly independent mindset – changing the game not only for yourself, but for those around you.
With love and gratitude,
574
850
997S
OMN1S
20
20
"
"
ROLE : STORY/COLOR/GRAPHIC DESIGN
YEAR : S120
OTHER DESIGNERS: CORDELL JORDAN
PRODUCT MANAGER : DAVID GIBSON & PORTIA BLUNT
APPAREL : CHAVON CHAM
DEVELOPER : DAVID FONTES
PHOTOGRAPHY : YENNY HSIEH
Inspire
The Dream
The Inaugural (first in New Balance brand history) Black History Month Capsule is inspired by NBA Superstar Kawhi Leonard and recognizes the achievements and contributions of African Americans in sport and culture. The collection features an Omn1s, 997S, 850 and 574 with Kawhi debuting the Omn1s model on Martin Luther King Day 2020.
Designed and developed by a group of African-American associates at New Balance.
STORY
During my initial research for the collection, I discovered Kawhi attended Martin Luther King High school in Riverside, CA. This lead to making Dr. King a focal point for inspiration for the collection.
MLK
Dr. King's iconic speech has echoed throughout the hearts and minds of American's everywhere. This cultural staple became the foundation for the overlying message of the collection.
"Inspire the Dream"
PALETTE
TEAM RED
TEAM NAVY
GREY
GOLD
Whether it be a Larry O'Brien trophy, Champions cup or gold medal, everyone can relate to having a dream.
* All of our African-American athlete and artist assets were seeded the collection. *
GOLD
Gold is the "hero shade" of the collection. It represents aspiration toward one's personal goal.
OMN1S
The Lateral, essentially, is a Kwahi MLK High School Player Exclusive Omn1s. The shoe Kawhi would wear if he were in high school today.
This represents the beginnings of Kwahi's journey being a star high school athlete in Riverside, CA.
With a lot of focus, practice and discipline, Kawhi was able to achieve his ultimate goal of playing in the NBA.
Kawhi used these same ingredients to win a Rookie of the Year award, Defensive Player of the Year award, two NBA Championships, and two Finals MVPs.
The Medial represents the treasure that lies ahead. This is highlighted by the gold eyerow and gold outline on the collar's N-Logo.
Kawhi had no inkling of these accolades that lie ahead for him in his professional career. This feeling of pursuing your dreams for the ultimate payoff.
OMN1S
850
574
997S
The collection features an Omn1s, 997S, 850 and 574 with Kawhi debuting the Omn1s model on Martin Luther King Day 2020.
GIVEBACK
A goal of our's when creating the capsule was to include a giveback component. The original internal creation team organized a trip to the Mar Vista Gardens Boys and Girls Club in Los Angeles for a "Dream Day" hosted by New Balance.
167 Kids
Shoes and T-shirts gifted.
Carnival-style games, music by DJ Hed and Ice Cream bar.
Q&A
with Kawhi
The day was capped off by a Q&A session with the Kawhi and the kids!
