LeBron James X HFR: A Masterclass in Listening to Black Women

My love for LeBron James has officially met the tipping point. I thought I couldn’t be more of a fan of this intelligent and intuitive Black man, and now comes the stunning news of a partnership collection with Harlem Fashion Row and Nike.

If you were a fashion blogger around 2007, then most likely you are familiar with the New York Fashion Week scene exclusively for black designers. The design hub has supported the careers of Ty Hunter, Stephen Burrows, and Dapper Dan, to name a few.

Now, it’s apparent that the organization, founded by Brandice Daniel, is taking things up a notch.

Last night, we announced a project we’ve been working on for almost a year! @fenoel @love_ucny @kimberlygoldson have codesigned the HFR X LBJ 16 shoe!!!!!!!! – This moment meant everything because we finally got a chance to tell @kingjames what this project has meant to us. No one has to look back after they’ve made it, but he has given us the opportunity of a lifetime with @nike! – There are so many people to thank, but first and foremost we have to thank @marissa.nance from Native Tongue Communications for introducing us to this incredible opportunity! – Wow! When you don’t give up and have faith you’ll be blown away by what God does! – HFR has not been easy. Actually, it’s been really challenging, but I know this is my purpose. So the trials have been worth it! When I thought no one was watching, they were checking us out from the sidelines and waiting to present us with this opportunity! – Thank you @kingjames from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you @mrs_savannahrj for inspiring him because that’s how this all came to life! – Onward and upward! This is just the beginning! Let’s go! – #strongest 📷: @noemiemarguerite

A post shared by HFR (@harlemsfashionrow) on Sep 5, 2018 at 4:03am PDT

The HFR X LeBron 16 sneaker, set for limited release on September 7, was exclusively crafted by designers Kimberly Goldson, Felisha Noel, and Undra Celeste Duncan. These ladies brought the flair to Nike headquarters and worked alongside Nike’s global basketball footwear designer, Meline Khachatourian, to design a crisp footwear offering that will no doubt sell out.

“I believe that African American women are some of the strongest people on earth,” the 33-year-old Laker told Vogue magazine. “I grew up around some amazingly strong women and am inspired by the strength I see around me, including my mom, wife, and daughter.”

The shoe is literally everything a girl on the go needs: There’s tan leather strapping; a crisp, white breathable fabric; and blinged-out gold trim.

Of course, the sleek sneak comes with an extra topping. “On the inside sole, there are four words that you will see visualized: strength, courage, loyalty, and dignity,” said Khachatourian. “Every time you reach down to put the shoe on, these words will serve as a reminder of encouragement and empowerment.”

Basically, take all my money.

On a serious note, this collaboration is nothing short of groundbreaking. It is truly something to witness the culmination of a decade of dedication and hard work come to fruition.

Kudos to Ms. Daniel and keep being apologetic, Mr. James!

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