#D’Wayne Edwards.

[theprophet359]

He’s hoping to create more diversity and inclusion in the shoe business! Dr. D’Wayne Edwards is a veteran shoe designer, getting his start in an entry-level position with LA Gear when he was just 19-years-old, BlackBusiness.com reports. Accumulating more than 50 patents over the course of his 30 years in the business, Edwards has designed more than 500 shoe styles for a host of celebrities including Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Biggie, Michael Jordan and Carmelo Anthony. His designs have been worn in six Olympic games and he is a 3x Mercedes Benz Fashion award winner. He has also received the President’s Volunteer of Service Award from President Barack Obama.  In 2010, Edwards began his career as an educator, eventually converting the only HBCU in Michigan, Lewis College of Business, into the first academy dedicated to footwear design in the nation. He is now the President of Pensole Lewis College (PLC) of Business & Design in Detroit where he works to create diversity and inclusion in the shoe business. In his latest effort, Edwards has now made history, founding the Jan Ernst Matzeliger Studio (JEMS), the first ever Black-owned footwear and shoe factory.  JEMS is named for a Black inventor who revolutionized shoe manufacturing with his 1883 patent for the lasting machine. The factory is located in Somersworth, New Hampshire and will be used as a hub for other budding designers of color to produce their own shoes. The factory w...

[ausetkmt]

Chances are, you have Jan Ernst Matzeliger to thank, at least partially, for the shoes on your feet.

Matzeliger, an immigrant from what is now the country of Suriname, in South America, revolutionized the business of shoe manufacturing with a patent he earned in 1883 at the age of 30 – an innovation that underlies the methods shoe companies use today.

At one time, the upper part of a shoe was typically stitched to the sole by hand. A cobbler could churn out perhaps 50 shoes a day through the stretching and stitching process known as “lasting.” The lasting machine that Matzeliger invented allowed a shoemaker to complete more than 10 times as many shoes a day, according to the Smithsonian Institution and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Shoes became more affordable. 

“He was truly an entrepreneur, doing what he did in the late 1800s, facing such discrimination and racism at the time,” says D’Wayne Edwards, a former Nike executive who has designed footwear for such athletes as Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter and Carmelo Anthony and who is founder and president of Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design in Detroit. Pensole is a successor school to Lewis College of Business, a historically Black institution that closed in 2015. 

“For him to have the vision and foresight to want to improve an industry and do something bigger than himself was truly amazing,” Edwards says. “He has been a pioneer for this industry that has been overlooked.” 

Matzeliger was born in 1852 in Dutch Guiana, now Suriname, to an enslaved mother and the slaveholder in whose house she worked. He moved to Massachusetts in the 1870s. 

After learning that a Black man was behind a key industry invention, Edwards wanted to honor Matzeliger in a way that would keep his legacy front and center. The solution: incorporate Matzeliger’s name into a shoe brand.

“JEMS by Pensole” — the acronym standing for Jan Ernst Matzeliger Studios — will open its factory in March, marking 140 years since Matzeliger received his patent. Edwards says the company expects to launch its first shoe in September. Shoe designs will be the result of collaboration between Edwards and Pensole students. 

The name “JEMS” has additional layers of meaning, Edwards says.  It represents gyms — where athletic footwear is often worn — and gems, which is what Edwards calls the primarily Black and brown students at Pensole who are being mentored. 

“We really do feel that the people we’re going to serve and honor in this factory are truly the hidden gems of our industry who have been overlooked, and/or have not ever had an opportunity,'' Edwards says.

The new venture is backed by an initial $2 million investment from Designer Brands Inc., parent of shoe retailer DSW . JEMS by Pensole shoes will be sold exclusively in DSW retail stores nationwide.

“The reason we’re partnering with Pensole is to get the next generation of designers, and very specifically, African American designers, in the footwear industry, and using DSW as a tool,” says William Jordan, Designer Brands Chief Growth Officer. “Less than 3%of designers in the footwear industry today are African American. We need to change that.”

[lboogie1906]

Dr. D’Wayne Edwards (1970) with no formal education, was a 19-year-old entry-level footwear designer for LA Gear. He has received numerous honors and awards from the Red Dot award, three-time Mercedes Benz Fashion Award winner, Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, Business Insider’s 100 People Transforming Business to President Barack Obama awarding him the President Volunteer of Service Award.

He accumulated over 50 patents and designed more than 500 footwear styles for premier entertainers such as Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., Dre, Snoop Dog, and Nas. His designs have been worn in six different Olympics and graced all MLB, NFL, and NBA stadiums by athletes including Derek Jeter, Carmelo Anthony, and Michael Jordan.

He began his journey as an educator by establishing PENSOLE. PENSOLE has placed more than 800 former alums in positions working professionally for some of today’s top brands: Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Brooks, Vans, Puma, Timberland, The North Face, JORDAN, Zenga, and others globally.

He has taught and lectured at premiere schools, including ArtCenter, Parsons in New York; MIT in Boston, MA; Kolding Design School in Kolding Denmark; Harvard in Boston, MA; and he has spoken at the Clinton Global Conference. ArtCenter College of Design recognized his career as a designer and educator by awarding him an Honorary Doctorate, making him the 4th person in ArtCenter’s 90-year history to receive this honor.

He has fostered a network of over 600 Black and Brown designers across all design industries by creating an annual conference called the Black Footwear Forum. His work around diversity has led to the Footwear News Icon Award, Footwear News Person of the Year, IDSA Special Achievement Award, Footwear Plus Lifetime Achievement Award, and Business of Fashion Global 500 Innovators Award.

He achieved a personal career goal of opening the first Black-owned athletic footwear factory in the US, JEMS. Named after a black shoemaking pioneer Jan Ernst Matzeliger. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[techstylemedia]

You Shoes Will Grow With You Now

Hello y’all!

Today we are talking about sneakers engineered to expand in size and shape as the wearer’s feet grow. Oh boy! We have come a long way, haven’t we?

DesignBoom published an article on the ÜNOS sneakers by SZ Shoes, designed by Dr. D’Wayne Edwards. As aforementioned, the sneakers are engineered to expand in size and shape as the wearer’s feet grow. 

This feature addresses one of the most significant sustainability issues in fashion - overproduction and waste. I believe these sneakers could be a solution to these challenges in the footwear industry, provided they last longer than the 8-12 month regular sneaker lifespan.

The conventional model of producing shoes in multiple sizes, coupled with the rapid growth of children’s feet, leads to frequent replacements and disposal of shoes, adding to landfills. By creating shoes that adapt to growing feet, the ÜNOS sneakers could help extend their lifecycle, reducing the need for consumers to constantly purchase new footwear.

This concept has the potential to minimize the raw materials needed to produce multiple sizes, and also cut down on the frequency of production and distribution, reducing carbon footprints.

Fewer discarded shoes contribute to a reduction in waste, which could make these sneakers a favorite among eco-conscious consumers. These sneakers also align with a larger trend of circular fashion, where products are designed to last longer and reduce their negative environmental impact.

The ÜNOS sneakers are also economically viable, and could change retail and consumer behavior. Priced under $50 and available at Target, with over 15 styles and chic designs to choose from, they are designed to appeal to budget-conscious as well as high-fashion consumers.

For retailers, this could shift market dynamics by driving a preference for durable, adaptable products over disposable fashion items. This move may encourage other brands to focus on longevity and sustainability as a value proposition in this industry-wide shift in design practices. 

Consumers, in turn, may adopt a more conscious approach to their purchasing habits, choosing fewer but higher-quality items that can evolve with their needs.

I believe ÜNOS sneakers’ affordable and eco-friendly options are already the future of fashion where practicality, sustainability, and accessibility are integrated into everyday consumer choices.

What do you guys think about this? And more importantly, has anybody tried these sneakers, or any similar ones? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time,

Cheers!

http://newhouse.syr.edu

[prcg]

Las nuevas zapatillas expandibles de Target eliminan los dedos de los pies pellizcados para siempre

Piensa en ello como una cinturilla elástica para tus pies. El presupuesto de calzado para los compradores de Target que son padres de niños pequeños acaba de reducirse un poco. El nuevo zapato patentado del diseñador de calzado D’Wayne Edwards para el minorista puede ampliarse a una talla completa para adultos y a media talla para niños, dándoles a los niños algo de espacio para crecer antes de…

[kicksaddictny]

Detroit HBCU Pensole Lewis College Unveils New Foot Locker Footwear Creation Studio

Pensole Lewis College Detroit (PLC Detroit) has just announced the grand opening of the Foot Locker Footwear Creation Studio, located in a Bedrock-owned building at 200 Walker Street in Detroit. This innovative design studio will provide an unparalleled level of access and opportunity in the design field, offering shoemaking workshops, sample making services, small footwear production capabilities, and more.

The unveiling of the studio will be celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, PLC Detroit President; Elliott Rodgers, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer at Foot Locker; Garlin Gilchrist, Lieutenant Governor of Michigan; Mike Duggan, Mayor of Detroit; and Dan Gilbert, Chairman and Founder of Rocket Companies and the Gilbert Family Foundation, along with other community members, students, and civic and business leaders.

"We are thrilled to introduce the Foot Locker Footwear Creation Studio at our new Detroit campus," said Edwards. "This space will serve as a source of inspiration for the next generation of footwear creators and design visionaries, equipping them with the resources and education needed to excel in the industry."

PLC Detroit is the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) with a mission to empower progressive creatives to shape a better individual and collective future.

The new Detroit studio boasts over 5,000 square feet of design space with breathtaking views of the Detroit River. This educational environment embodies PLC Detroit's belief that education should foster the idea that anything is possible.

"We are excited to partner with PLC Detroit once again to promote diversity and innovation in design through the opening of the Foot Locker Footwear Creation Studio," said Rodgers. "This space underscores our commitment to investing in and providing opportunities for creatives to thrive in the fashion industry."

Through its career-focused education and industry partnerships, PLC Detroit offers students unparalleled opportunities to hone their skills and pursue successful careers in design.

PLC Detroit was established with the support of the Gilbert Family Foundation, which pledged $10 million over five years to the school as part of its ongoing efforts to provide Detroit residents with pathways to job opportunities in high-demand industries. Leading retailer Target was also a founding partner through its Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) strategy. Since its revival in 2022, PLC Detroit has graduated hundreds of future designers.

"Detroit is a hub of innovation and creativity, and this spirit is alive and well at Pensole as they continue to inspire the next generation of creative thinkers and achievers," said Gilbert. "Dr. Edwards' passion, experience, and dedication to design are unparalleled. His collaborations with innovators like Michael Jordan, Nike, and others help PLC students become the designers of tomorrow. Today's announcement with Foot Locker is another example of the pathways to success that Detroit's HBCU is opening for students in our city."

For more information on PLC Detroit, please visit here.

[wafact]

How Fashion Can Close Its Skills Gap

Last month, 16 students completed a five-week footwear and accessories design “masterclass,” at Pensole Lewis College in Detroit, Mich. The benefits included free tuition, room and board, face-time with executives from several major luxury fashion brands and, quite possibly, a job. “It’s really like a five-week job interview,” said D’Wayne Edwards, founder of Pensole Lewis College and a veteran…

[dippedanddripped]

Greenhouse Launch PENSOLE x Cote & Ciel

Foot Locker’s Project Greenhouse announces its next collaboration between PENSOLE Academy and Cote & Ciel.

Coming as a joint product collaboration with Italian outsole maker Vibram and French accessories maker Cote & Ciel, according to PENSOLE founder D’Wayne Edwards.

The product launch comprises the ENVSN sneaker with Vibram outsole and GANILE pack and takes cues from each brand’s iconic design language, balancing purpose with passion. The ENVSN sneaker mirrors the sleek, contemporary, and bold identity of the French-designed multifunctional backpack.

“Mentorship is at the core of what PENSOLE is all about,” Edwards said. “And this program is the first of its kind in that we’re partnering with an innovative accessories brand to expand our reach.”

In partnership with Greenhouse, Foot Locker’s innovation hub will distribute the EVNSN + GANILE carefully curated collaboration to the world’s leading youth culture tastemakers.

ENVSN is not just a product launch; it is a mentorship initiative that connects industry legends to the future game changers. The engagement strategy will include a mentorship post on LinkedIn, for a chance to win a conversation with an industry vet, and exclusive product. 

Phase 1: Post the Envision Mentorship on LinkedIn

Phase 2: Evaluate candidates based on qualifications

Phase 3: Industry vets select winners

Phase 4: Announce winners and schedule mentorship conversation

Phase 5: Ship winner prizes (shoe/bag/tools)

Qualified candidates for the Envision Mentorship program will receive career guidance and exclusive products to prepare them to pursue their passion. This opportunity is geared to provide direction to talented individuals who have a clear vision in establishing a more diverse industry and seek to make a difference with their gift. The mission of the Envision project is to reward those who think and look different from the status quo by revealing unconventional pathways to success through mentorship.

The PENSOLE Academy x Cote & Ciel collection – retailing for $250 [ENVSN Sneaker] and $250 [GANILE Pack] – will be available exclusively through Project Greenhouse January 29th and Footlocker February 2nd.

[deewellsosd]

☘️Boston......please help Sean Williams and me welcome D'Wayne Edwards, Founder of Pensole Footwear Design Academy and the Producer of YouTube Red “Lace Up”, back for a sneaker industry panel that will give you insight on the jobs that exist in the field. This is geared towards youth who are interested in being more than a consumer. Dream. Create. Be Greater! 👣🙌🏾

[hypebeastdotworld]

AIR JORDAN 21

Designer D’wayne Edwards was called upon to design the luxurious Air Jordan XXI. It featured a full grain leather upper, a diamond quilted inner bootie, grille-like lower foot vents and a molded heel counter. The shoe also came with a cipher message that could only be seen under a blacklight.

From first glance, the Air Jordan XXI is recognized as an item of luxury. Even at the core, comfort was a defining AJ XXI characteristic — but in no way was performance sacrificed. An Independent Podular System let players choose between Zoom and Encapsulated Air. Other features included a seamless inner-sleeve for comfort and a carbon fiber shank plate for lightweight support.

ORIGINAL RELEASE: January, 2006

DESIGNERD: ’Wayne Edwards

ORIGINAL COLOR: White / Black — Red

ORIGINAL PRICE: $175

STYLE CODE: 313038-161

[alexalbert-blog-blog]

Designing opportunity: Nike design alum D’Wayne Edwards is creating equity for the next generation of Black footwear designers

Designing opportunity: Nike design alum D’Wayne Edwards is creating equity for the next generation of Black footwear designers

Designing opportunity: Nike design alum D’Wayne Edwards is creating equity for the next generation of Black footwear designers | Fortune You need to enable JavaScript to view this site. Source link

[lboogie1906]

Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design is a private HBCU in Detroit. It was the first and only HBCU in Michigan. Founded in 1928 as the Lewis College of Business by Violet T. Lewis, it specialized in business-related topics.

The school originally closed in 2015 after losing its accreditation. The school became the first HBCU to reopen, rebranding as Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design in 2021 through the efforts of D’Wayne Edwards, founder of the Pensole Footwear Design Academy, with an emphasis on design in addition to business. The school is operating in a partnership with the College for Creative Studies while it works to obtain a new accreditation, campus, and legal & legislative approval to reopen.

The school was the founding location of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Eta Phi Beta Sorority, and Tau Gamma Delta Sorority. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #hbcu

[kicksaddictny]

Ruth E. Carter x Pensole Lewis College announce winners of "Icons of Afrofuture" design challenge

Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design (PLC) has announced the winners of the “Icons of Afrofuture” Design Challenge in partnership with Ruth E. Carter, the Academy Award-winning costume designer for the films Black Panther and the recently nominated Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

“Afrofuturism is innovative and creative; it’s being artistic, visionary, and inspired,” Carter said. “It’s realizing the power of your voice. It’s knowing you can influence change in someone’s life by helping them see their potential.”

NAACP is further amplifying the power of their voice by including this historical moment of adding a Costume Design category into their 54th Award Season. Ruth Carter, an HBCU graduate herself, selected the winning “Icons of Afrofuture” designs - by the following young designers:

Cresseide Jacques

D'on Lauren Edwards

Keanu Williams aka King Nu

Irueosa Osadayi Ohanmu

Carter will wear their designs at the upcoming:

-          NAACP Fashion Show held at Event Deck at L.A. Live on February 23; red carpet 12:30pm (PST); reception 1:00pm (PST); Fashion Show 2:00pm (PST)

-          NAACP Awards Dinner held at Event Deck at L.A. Live on February 24; red carpet 4:00pm (PST) Awards program 6:00pm (PST)

-          54th NAACP Image Awards, televised live 5:00pm (PST) on BET on February 25, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium; and

-          25th Costume Designers Guild Awards (CDGA), held on February 27 at Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles; red carpet 5:30pm (PST); ceremony 8:30pm (PST).

“Our vision is to identify, develop and support talented, aspiring Black designers to build a community and legacy,” PLC Founder and President Dr. D’Wayne Edwards said. “Working with a creative legend like Ruth Carter, we are able to provide opportunities that elevate these aspiring creatives to realize their dreams of becoming the future of fashion and costume design.”

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is an NAACP Image Awards nominee across 12 motion picture categories. Ruth Carter is known for turning the Black Panther superhero into an African king, making history as the first Black person to win in the Costume Design category and earning Marvel Studios its first Oscar.

“With support from PLC Founding partners, Gilbert Family Foundation and Target, Hyatt, and MW Cares, we are able to launch the first Icons of Afrofuture. And we will be seeking additional partners to help us continue to impact lives and make dreams come true for future challenges with Ruth Carter,” Edwards said.

The Icons of Afrofuture design challenge was also produced in partnership with Archtoculture, an impact-focused creative agency and venture studio committed to helping underserved founders and brands gain equal access to capital and opportunities.

[dippedanddripped]

Kick the Competition and Apply for the No 1 Way Design Program!

Footaction has launched a new creative platform which champions youth culture’s constantly evolving self-expressive style, celebrates individuality, and proves there is no one way to pursue one’s passion.

The “No 1 Way Design Program” is an open call for recent graduates of, or current students at, the 85+ Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country. The competition-based initiative will be launched in partnership with Foot Locker, Inc.’s Portland-based strategic partner, Pensole Academy.

Footaction’s long-term commitment to HBCU students is a manifestation of the brand’s promise to amplify and celebrate the next wave of creative visionaries who continue to push the culture forward. The experience and visibility provided by the No 1 Way competition will foster diversity of talent and champion the idea of creative individuality.

Pensole founder D’Wayne Edwards and his accomplished roster of academy instructors will lead the competition, providing mentorship and guidance to the students throughout the process. Five finalists will be selected for a three-week Pensole Master Class that will support these rising stars and help bring their creative ideas to life as market-ready, apparel-focused capsule collections.

“Footaction’s No 1 Way Design Program will create opportunity and bring talents from untapped communities to the forefront,” said Richard McLeod, vice president of marketing for Footaction. “We are thrilled to be working with Pensole Academy as we work to create opportunities for students at HBCUs, share their stories and cultivate their entrepreneurship. This program represents our long-term commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent, while offering them opportunities in design.”

“The No 1 Way Design Program underscores the need to grow and foster diversity and creativity in our industry,” added Edwards. “We have chosen to work with HBCU students in order to celebrate the creative energy of this community and develop a platform to foster and express their individuality.”

Through the No 1 Way platform, Footaction will create an open stage for all creators to share their stories and style through their unique lens. Beyond the design competition – and launching in the coming months – Footaction will also introduce retail and pop-up activations, creative workshops, digital and social content programs, and branded collaborations, which will all speak to the creative and style-conscious community Footaction serves.

The Master Class will have the chance to showcase its designs during New York Fashion Week in February, with cash prizes going to the top three finalists. A final winner will be selected by a panel of judges and the winning No 1 Way collection will be produced and sold in Footaction stores nationwide. For more information or to apply to the Master Class, please visit pensole.com/competition/no1way/.

[deewellsosd]

Did you know that it’s someone’s job to select the colors, materials and finishes for every pair of sneakers that we buy?

Let me introduce you to Suzette Henry who’s the best to do it not only at Nike and now at the MLab, which is part of PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy.

So, maybe drawing isn’t your thing, but you’ve always had eyes for colors and materials.

Well, the MLab is where you should begin to look at more closely to learn from the best!

To learn more about MLab, please visit PENSOLE.com.

[hypebeastdotworld]

AIR JORDAN 22

D’wayne Edwards returned and took design cues from an iconic fighter jet to design the performance-loaded Air Jordan XX2. Radar-inspired stitching and reflective camouflage gave the AJ XX2 a look that was built for battle, while its technology equipped players with weapons to take care of their enemies in the air.

Innovation in the Air Jordan XX2 led the way for future basketball shoes. It was built with the game’s first-ever titanium shank plate, a chevron traction pattern, and customizable IPS cushioning technology that let players choose between double-stacked Zoom Air-sole unit or shock absorbing Encapsulated Air.

ORIGINAL RELEASE: January, 2007

DESIGNERD: ’Wayne Edwards

ORIGINAL COLOR: White / Black — Red

ORIGINAL PRICE: $175

STYLE CODE: 315299-181