#pensole footwear design academy

[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...

[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

[dippedanddripped]

Recap from Sneaker Week PDX 2018

Portland, Oregon is known to locals as: Sneaker City. The area plays host to the Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and Keen headquarters. With all of the staple brands residing in the Northwest the creative activity naturally is higher than anywhere else. From shoe design to the technology that surrounds the design process, Sneaker Week takes aim at it all. In collaboration with Pensole Footwear Design Academy, Better, Never Home Music, and many others Sneaker Week curates a week long event focused on the community that surrounds the footwear industry.

[deewellsosd]

Do you know a student that attends a HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and interested in sneaker design or fashion?

Have them look into the Footaction “No1Way” Design Program in conjunction with PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy.

[itchy-nissan-blog]

Nike's new 'League of Legends' range includes particular Jordans

Nike is back with a new line of garments celebrating skilled League of Legends. The latitude includes 4 brand-new jackets that might be put on with the help of the groups representing China on the Globe Championship later on this month: preferable Esports, JD Pc Gaming, Suning and LGD. Nike took a comparable strategy last 12 months, providing eventual Globe Champion FunPlus Phoenix Metro, Royal not ever before give up and also Invictus Gaming brand-new attires to complete know the 2019 match. All 16 teams in China's residential LPL (League of Legends pro Organization) have been then offered similar t-shirts to play in all through the 2020 springtime and summer season time divides. It's likely, thus, that Nike will do the equal and break down brand-new jerseys to the different LPL teams earlier than the 2021 period begins.

The redesigned shirts look drastically varied to those introduced remaining year, with centrally-aligned team symbols and also a gold edition of the LPL logo design within the behind right-hand corner. in action to an announcement, they all make use of Nike's Dri-healthy experience as well as have a relaxed waist layout so gamers do not think confined throughout crucial video clip games. The 4 groups will furthermore participate in the realm Champion putting on particular 'Conquest' jackets impressed through the color pattern of the LPL as well as every team's certain individual jackets and branding. The inner also has the motto "All We fight For," which has actually featured prominently in LPL marketing videos this one year.

Nike is matching its team attires with a League of Legends edition of the Jordan 1 excessive Zoom Air CMFT tennis shoe. It's supposedly inspired using the location Championship prize, with a reflective material that shows up diverse at midnight and also beneath vibrant lights. fans of the established MOBA video online video game will additionally observe a reference to the Summoner's Break map on the proper shoe's tongue. If Jordans aren't your design, the enterprise has created a wider 'great online video game' latitude that covers multiple Nike sneakers (Air Max ninety, Sports jacket Mid 77, Air drive 1 Low, Air drive 1 hey there, Air Max 270 React, Air Max 2X and Joyride twin Run 2), hoodies, coats as well as tees.

Nike The business's task goes beyond LPL teams and enthusiasts. Nike partnered with SKT T1, the Korean Organization of Legends group with superstar midland Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, previously this yr. It likewise teamed up with Fnatic, which possesses absolutely among Europe's largest Organization of Legends teams, on a little selection understood as Fnatic manage utmost month. Puma, meanwhile, has actually teamed up with North American team Cloud 9, as well as Umbro has historically made jerseys for Schalke's Organization of Legends team. On the other hand, esports companies comparable to 100 Thieves, which competes in distinctive games consisting of Organization of Legends, are making their very own jackets in a proposal to establish themselves as the gaming matching of Nike or Supreme.

All things encouraged using Engadget are picked with the aid of our editorial team, independent of our guardian firm. a few of our reviews include affiliate hyperlinks. in situation you buy whatever by means of one of these web links, we can also earn an affiliate commission.

Why a former Air Jordan design director left his job to guide the charge for Black representation throughout the sneaker trade

D'Wayne Edwards is one among a handful of Black designers that created a hit occupation in the tennis shoe industry.

He functioned as Nike's footwear layout director in between 2001 and also 2011, the place he made sneakers for the Air Jordan maker.

Now, Edwards is main the price for extra Black image in the tennis shoe sector, using his job since the founding daddy of style academy Pensole and as a frontrunner for The African American tennis shoes online forum (AAFF), which addresses as well as solves variety problems in the container.

" it's our work to tear the rattling door down," Edwards observed of the organisation's boundaries to entrance for Black americans. "and ensure it never shuts again."

inquire from organisation Insider's homepage for better records.

D'Wayne Edwards is called one of one of the most a lot more significant tennis shoe developers round. he is in addition definitely one of just a handful of Black individuals that managed to find primary success as an artistic in the trade.

In an occupation extending 3 years, Edwards launched his individual business, SITY, as well as accomplished a 10-12 months stint as Nike's footwear style supervisor, the area he created for the Air Jordan producer. hence much, Edwards has developed over 500 patterns for athletes like Derek Jeter, Carmelo Anthony, as well as Michael Jordan.

but despite every one of his success, Edwards described he really felt love it wasn't enough.

" i recognized there came to be just an extra beneficial purpose for my existence during this market than merely to style shoes for professional athletes," he kept in mind, explaining his resolution to stop working as a full-time developer in 2010 as well as begin Pensole, a style academy that encourages the next wave of young tennis shoes designers on their direction into the profession.

because its starting, Pensole has actually placed above 475 previous graduates at brands equivalent to Nike, below Armour, and Adidas.

Shoe developer D'Wayne Edwards shows up to the celebration for Jordan producer's launch of the Air Jordan XX2 footwear at the MGM Grand Pavillion Outdoor Tents inside the MGM Grand inn/on line casino site on February sixteen, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ethan Miller/Getty pictures

nevertheless past nurturing budding designers, Edwards has additionally introduced right into yet another objective to fix what he sees as an overarching concern within the market.

As nationwide attention changes to discussions round variety as well as addition, Edwards is teaming up with sportswear and also tennis shoe profession employees and also graduates in actively dealing with for profession during the African American tennis shoes discussion board (AAFF). This business functions to deal with as well as resolve variety factors to consider within the footwear sector. The discussion board held its second assembly on June 19, or Juneteenth, where Black masters and also service employee's almost stated and took inventory of the state of variety and possibility for Black people within the box.

In explaining his motivation to circulate right into a greater protestor trajectory, Edwards defined feeling satisfied as a clothier, notwithstanding "insufficient as a Black guy and also as somebody."

As such, Edwards has actually discovered the means to utilize his journey to produce additional chances for various unique prospects. he is doing so in his function at Pensole as wisely, with campaigns like the Leaders Emerge After course (LEAD) by means of Design software program, which helps nurture students of colour on their training course in resistance t a profession within the profession by way of a collaboration with generally black faculties and also universities (HBCUs).

"today, most of us be mindful of there is no more that a number of us within the sector," Edwards observed, keeping in mind that possibly the many discussion board's dreams is to get an appropriate census of Black individuals within each major organisation to entirely remember the inconsistency within the trade. The Nike alumnus estimated that there are feasible below 200 black designers amongst loads in the shoes sector right now.

The tennis shoe area is basically regarded intrinsically certain to Black subculture. but also for some industry americans, this social affect is never ever watched past outside messaging or campaigns. as a circumstances, ad campaign and star collaborations from Adidas and Nike are normal to plainly particular artists as well as athletes of shade, equal to Beyonce, Kanye West, and LeBron James.

"We go to all times capacity, we're by no means the brains in the back of companies, we're never a component of the business structure and also the preparation, the production," Edwards noted. "currently we have been completely shut out of these areas."

After recruitment and also retention, occupation growth is just one of the best issues for Black staff members within the shoes as well as athletic-put on business, described Darla Pires DeGrace, a diversity, fairness, and inclusion planner. Pires DeGrace is furthermore a previous employer for Reebok and also a participant of AAFF. past the office, lobbyists claim there is still function to be completed in various other sectors of the shoes profession, like at retail stores, to assist different Black individuals within the field.

Some changes are currently in position. producers like Adidas, Nike, as well as listed below Armour have actually all recounted enterprise-huge difficulties with inclusion and variety. When it comes to Edwards, his position as an online forum leader enables him to fire up crucial conversations with significant tennis shoes producers concerning variety and incorporation. In Foot Storage locker's most fresh wage name, Chief Executive Officer and chairman Richard Johnson introduced the organisation's proceeded partnership with Edwards, which includes funding training as well as mentorship classes for Black creatives.

"When it becomes component of the manner they do company, then it genuinely is if you take place to'll have sustainable lengthy-term have an effect on," Edwards said. "If or not it's just slicing a take a look at, that simply offers the instant objective."

Air Jordan 5 "Raging Bull" Returns subsequent year: particulars

if you've been round tennis shoes for a really lengthy time, you then most likely remember the Air Jordan 5 "Raging Bull" that was introduced over one decade earlier currently. It changed right into a type of colorways that instantaneously thrilled americans upon its unlock many thanks to the vibrant purple suede that graced the top. just viewing on the colorway, you may notify that it absolutely accepted the aesthetics of the Chicago Bulls and also the spirit of the staff.

For 10 years now, fans were asking for a second possibility at copping the shoe and also according to @zsneakerheadz, it really feels like that day is coming sooner in preference to later on. of course, it really is appropriate, the "Flaming Bull" colorway mosts likely to be making a big comeback in 2021 as well as it looks like a Springtime or summer season time liberate is likely. this is significant info for followers of the colorway that overlooked out the primary time around. Jordan brand has been commemorating the thirtieth wedding anniversary of the footwear in 2020 and heading right into following yr, it be clear Jumpman has no strategies to reduce.

Of direction, none of this has been verified by utilizing Jordan brand so stay tuned for updates as we can see to it to deliver you all the most recent advise.

https://tee-bee.net/free-shipping-off-white-air-jordan-yeezy-350-air-mag-sneaker-key-chain-p8408.html

[kicksaddictny]

PENSOLE Academy launches new educational/recruitment program through HBCUs

PENSOLE Academy today announced the launch of L.E.A.D. (Leaders Emerge After Direction) by Design, a new program partnering with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to introduce students of color to footwear and functional apparel product-creation careers and provide the industry with a more diverse talent base, according to PENSOLE founder D’Wayne Edwards.

“This new program provides the footwear and functional apparel industry with a new, non-traditional source for diverse talent,” Edwards said. “It also provides HBCU students visibility to careers they might not have known about before because those options were not made available through their schools. Our goal is to break down those barriers of disconnection and connect the students to the industry, and the industry to a more diverse talent pipeline.”

L.E.A.D. by Design is a different, longer format than most PENSOLE master classes. Anna Smith, Director of Education for PENSOLE, created this format with the goal of offering interested students the ability to gain knowledge and skills specific to the product creation industry, without interfering with enrollment at their primary educational institution. The program comprises three seminars that will take place from March – November 2020.

SEMINAR A | DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Up to 60 applicants will be selected to participate. With guidance from PENSOLE staff, these students will fine-tune their designs and design thinking. Through online critiques and demos that emphasize the foundations of design, creative thinking, and storytelling, the student designer will build professional and personal growth. This program is designed to prep students for the PENSOLE master class without interfering with curriculum at their primary colleges. Thirty of these students will advance to Seminar B, an in-person master class, hosted by the Industrial Design Department, College of Design at NC State University.

SEMINAR B | MASTER CLASS

This intensive will teach what it is like to work on a professional product-creation team. Students will focus on one of the following three tracks: color and material design, footwear design, and functional apparel and/or accessory design. Students will work on individual and team projects over the course of the three weeks, culminating in a final presentation in front of recruiters and leaders from top brands in the athletic and outdoor industries.

SEMINAR C | SURVEY OF DESIGN PRACTICES

Looking to product designers of color throughout history as precedents for its coursework, students will further their exploration in design foundations. Through creative inquiry and application, they will design and develop business cards, resumés, and portfolios for themselves, bolstering personal and professional growth that will prepare them for internship opportunities or entry-level jobs in the industry.

Made possible in part from a grant from The William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust, L.E.A.D. by Design’s goal is to create a “sister program” between HBCUs and PENSOLE, with hands on instruction, mentorship, and networking, introducing careers in the $75 billion footwear industry.

[goertzmedia]

Foot Locker kürt das beste Sneakerdesign des Jahres 2016

Foot Locker kürt das beste Sneakerdesign des Jahres 2016

Foot Locker und die Pensole Footwear Design Academy krönen das Design von Maxwell Lund zum besten des Jahres!

Foot Locker kürte am Mittwoch zusammen mit der PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy das beste Sneaker Design der PENSOLE Sneaker Design Weltmeisterschaft 2016. Der Sieger Style wurde vom Amerikaner Maxwell Lund aus Minnesota designt und setzte sich im Voting gegen 64 Finalisten aus der ganzen…

[hypesrus]

Foot Locker kürt das beste Sneakerdesign des Jahres 2016

Foot Locker kürt das beste Sneakerdesign des Jahres 2016

Foot Locker und die Pensole Footwear Design Academy krönen das Design von Maxwell Lund zum besten des Jahres! Foot Locker kürte am Mittwoch zusammen mit der PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy das beste Sneaker Design der PENSOLE Sneaker Design Weltmeisterschaft 2016. Der Sieger Style wurde vom Amerikaner Maxwell Lund aus Minnesota designt und setzte sich im Voting gegen 64 Finalisten aus der ganzen…

[mcad-ae]

Alumni Profile: Skylar Storkamp- Life After Graduation

Skylar Storkamp Minneapolis College of Art and Design Bachelors of Science in Entrepreneurial Studies, 2018

1. What has life after graduation been like? What kind of work have you been doing?

Life after graduation has been busy and rewarding. I started working at StoneArch Creative as an Associate Account Executive three months prior to my graduation from MCAD. I remained at StoneArch until September when I was 1 of 28 students world wide accepted to the Pensole Academy. As a strategist I wanted to focus on my design aspect to better understand what I am asking of my teams on a daily basis.

Pensole is a 12-week design intensive program. I moved to Portland for 3 months to study product design and development. Specifically, FAAS (Functional Apparel and Accessories.) During my time in Portland I partnered with HuaFeng, a materials innovator that provides leading innovations to Nike, Adidas, etc. With their mentorship and my classes at the Pensole Academy I created a wearable shelter. A jacket to provide the homeless population of Portland a temporary space to get out of the rain/cold.  I partnered with two amazingly talented footwear designers Jeremy Hsu, and Holden Plack to create a full kit that serves the needs of the homeless including shelter, storage, security and transportation. We were able to also build out a business plan and develop a brand, Homeward, that allows homeless individuals wishing to leave the streets the opportunity to do so.

After finishing my time in Portland I moved back to Minnesota and was offered my position back at StoneArch with additional responsibilities and the opportunity to work not only as an Account Executive, but to cross train into meetings and production.  

2. How did the Entrepreneurial Studies program help prepare you for your career path?

MCAD and the ES program has enabled me to be a strong strategist, designer, account person allowing me to think as a project manager while juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities. I am also very comfortable presenting in front of my clients which makes a huge difference in the Agency world.

3. Where do you want to see yourself in the next few years?

I see myself growing with StoneArch. Past that I haven't really done a lot of planning for long term future, simply because I enjoy being fluid and seeing where life will take me. Too much structure stifles the creativity and joy out of life for me.

4. If you could give advice to anybody in the Arts Entrepreneurship program or at MCAD what would it be?  

My advice would be to let go of labeling yourself.  In my classes I remember we would go around and introduce ourselves, followed by a title. I struggled to decide what my title should be. Our society is obsessed with labels. They are designed to make OTHER people more comfortable with who and/or what you are. It is 100% okay not to label yourself. In college I was fluid, it felt impossible to call myself a strategist OR a designer OR a project manager, because I equally liked all three. And now, I'm a hybrid of all three. This also fell into my personal life- everyone from every angle was trying to label me to make themselves more comfortable. Just be you. Call yourself what you feel best about. If you don't know what that is yet, that’s okay. Take the pressure off.

5. Where is your favorite spot to get work done?

I know medically it's "bad" to do, but I love sitting in my bed to power through a chunk of work. I get a mug of hot tea, snuggle into my mess of blankets and pillows and pound through work.

If I'm not at home, I enjoy finding a coffee shop corner, where I can observe the world happening around me and listen to some good music.

[ownerzero]

Pensole Founder D'Wayne Edwards on Creativity, Working in Footwear Design, and Design Education

Michael interviews D’Wayne Edwards, his former boss at Jordan brand and the founder of Pensole Design Academy, covering a lot of ground, from D’Wayne’s start in the design industry, to his use of notes in the design process, to plans to retire as a hermit in Montana. PENSOLE was founded to give talented young design […]

The post Pensole Founder D'Wayne Edwards on Creativity, Working in Footwear Design, and Design Education appeared first on AWorkstation.com.

source https://aworkstation.com/pensole-founder-dwayne-edwards-on-creativity-working-in-footwear-design-and-design-education/

[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]

Thank you very much for rocking with us!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👣❤️🙏🏾🤲🏾

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It’s amazing to think that a God-given idea could grow to become what it is today and while we recently released the 2-part OSD Episode 366, we have more up our sleeves or “creases in the toebox”, as Sean @OSDLive likes to say!

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To the 𝙎𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝘿𝙤𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨 & 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙨 thank you for seeing the vision and jumping on the train with us. There’s a lot more to come! 😎

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In other news, I wanted to let you know about the @Footaction #No1Way Design Program, in partnership with @PENSOLEOfficial and @FAASTUDIO , that’s looking for the Black designers who’re ready to shake things up in the fashion world!

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The program is open to students that attend HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).

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Here are the details:

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Five (5) designers will be selected to participate in a @FAAStudio Master Class at PENSOLE academy where they’ll design an apparel collection to be showcased during NY Fashion Week.

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There will be cash 💵 prizes and the winner will have their designs sold nationwide.

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https://pensole.com/competition/no1way/

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#No1Way #Footaction #FAAStudio #PENSOLE #NYFashionWeek #HBCU #HBCUDesigners #BlackHistory365 #Fashion #NYC #NYFashionWeek2019 #DesignYourFuture #Jobs #Careers #OSDLive #Kickstory #ObsessiveSneakerDisorder

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[theremotelyreview]

Footaction Introduces New Design Program For HBCU Students

Lifestyle apparel, footwear, and accessories retailer Footaction is teaming up with Foot Locker, Inc.’s Portland-based strategic partner, PENSOLE Academy, to launch the No 1 Way Design Program. The initiative allows recent graduates or current students at the 85-plus Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States to participate in a competition-based design program.

With the No 1 Way Design Program, Footaction looks to champion the next generation of creative visionaries who will drive the culture forward. This particular project will further establish the company’s long-term commitment to HBCU students, as they continue to support diversity of talent.

“Footaction’s No 1 Way Design Program will create opportunity and bring talents from untapped communities to the forefront,” says 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 competition will be led by PENSOLE founder D’Wayne Edwards and his academy instructors as they mentor and guide students through the design process. Five participants will be chosen for a three-week PENSOLE Master Class to bring their ideas to life as apparel-focused collections. The Master Class will then show its designs in February during New York Fashion Week. The top three finalists will be given cash prizes, while one final winner will be selected from a panel of judges. The winning No 1 Way collection will in turn be produced and sold in Footaction stores nationwide.

For more information on the program, as well as to apply for the Master Class, follow here.

[kicksaddictny]

Foot Locker Announces Strategic Investment in PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy to Further Fuel the Future of Footwear

Foot Locker announced today that it has made a $2 million strategic investment in PENSOLE Inc., which operates - the PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy (“PENSOLE”). PENSOLE was founded by former Jordan Design Director and inspirational educator D'Wayne Edwards. A celebrated member of the global sneaker community for three decades, Edwards’ mission at PENSOLE is to create a pipeline of new designers for the entire footwear industry. He does this by offering free tuition and a learn-by-doing curriculum that teaches students the entire footwear and apparel design process, from product inspiration and concept development, to manufacturing and branding.

PENSOLE’s success speaks for itself, with 400 graduates currently working in the sneaker industry since its first class in 2010. This investment by Foot Locker, Inc. deepens Foot Locker’s longstanding partnership with PENSOLE and extends the companies’ relationship across all aspects of the design process. "My relationship with Foot Locker goes back over 30 years from consumer, to designer, to educator and now partner. I am excited to deepen our relationship with Foot Locker so we can empower consumers to create their future through innovative educational programs,” said Edwards. “It has always been our joint mission to foster the next generation of emerging footwear and apparel design talent, and I am confident that our collaboration will contribute to the continued growth of the academy, success of our students, and accelerated innovation in the footwear industry.”

[cleocarmichael]

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A post shared by be a thug n harmony 🇹🇹🇯🇲 (@cleeeopatra)

The bossman himself. To come out of this competition with a mentor like him is invaluable 🙏🏾 yall don't even know . . . . . . #pensole #LaceUpSeries #LaceUpTV #sneakers #sneakerdesign #mentor #melanin #whyyoulatetho (at Pensole Footwear Design Academy)

[un-enfant-immature]

Foot Locker invests $100 million in GOAT Group

Foot Locker, the mostly mall-bound retailer of mass market sneakers, has invested $100 million in the sneaker marketplace and retailer of primarily rare and exclusive high-end athletic and lifestyle shoes, GOAT Group.

The companies said that the investment would eventually lead to Foot Locker and Goat Group combining their efforts across their digital and physical retail platforms.

GOAT said in a statement that the company would use the investment to accelerate its global operations, expand its omnichannel experience and its technologies.

IT Manager Clint Arndt, CEO Eddy Lu

In an interview, GOAT co-founder and chief product officer declined to disclose the company’s valuation, its revenues, how sales break down across geographic regions, or how it will work with Foot Locker going forward.

In 2018 several top sellers on GOAT sold over $10 million worth of sneakers up from $2 million in 2017, according to the company. GOAT Group now counts over 600 employees, up from 200 a year ago, with 12 million users currently active on the platform. That figure is up massively from last year when 2.5 million folks were on the platform.

Over the same period GOAT boosted its sneaker listings to 750,000 from 200,000 and now has 150,000 vendors selling to over 12 million customers. With growth like that no wonder Foot Locker wants a sip of that GOAT stew.

“At Foot Locker we are constantly looking at new ways to elevate our customer experience and bring sneaker and youth culture to people around the world,” said Richard Johnson, Foot Locker, Inc.’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, in a statement. “We are excited to leverage GOAT Group’s technology to further innovate the sneaker buying experience and utilize their best-in-class online marketplace to help meet the ever-growing global demand for the latest product. Together, Foot Locker and GOAT Group’s shared commitment to trust and authenticity in the sneaker industry will provide consumers with unparalleled experiences and diversified offerings.”

One savvy online observer commented that the deal was the equivalent of Blockbuster investing in Netflix back when that now-defunct video rental service was still in its waning days, before it became obsolete.

#1. Foot Locker is still around? #2. Smart move.

— SpikeballChris (@spikeballchris) February 7, 2019

“In 2015, we pioneered the ship-to-verify model with a mission to bring a seamless and safe customer experience to the secondary sneaker market,” said Eddy Lu, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of GOAT Group. “With over 3,000 retail locations, Foot Locker will support our primarily digital presence with physical access points worldwide, bringing more value to our community of buyers and sellers. Having Foot Locker as a strategic partner will also expand our business as we continue to scale our operations both domestically and internationally.”

Last year, GOAT raised $60 million as it announced its largest strategic move to date — acquiring the physical retailer Flight Club to begin pushing into real-world in-store experiences.

GOAT is merging with legendary sneaker retailer Flight Club and raising $60 million 

Scott Martin is joining the GOAT Group’s board of directors and extends Foot Locker’s investments in startup companies and brands, which already included the women’s luxury activewear brand Carbon38; tactical play and children’s lifestyle brand Super Heroic; and footwear design academy PENSOLE.

GOAT has raised $197.6 million since it was launched it 2015. The company competes with other vendors like Stock X.

In an interview with Highsnobiety, NPD Group senior sports industry advisor Matt Powell said, “The sneaker resale market has been disruptive to the primary market. Foot Locker is investing in that disruption and believes that the resale market will continue to grow and its wants a piece of that growth.”