Julio Colon's "Move with Purpose"

April 21, 2022

Many designers on their train to success can declare they're a "jack of all trades," yet how many are masters of their craft? Julio Colon III, a concept director, an art director, designer, and a bit of a philosopher, might be able to say that he is a master, indeed. Colon's pockets are filled with successful collaborations such as Nike and the adventures of building accessories that speak to Gen-Z conversion, fluidity, and accessibility. As well as with Calvin Klein, he'll have to keep more on the hush-hush, but don't sleep on his ability to foster youth insight projects and monitor zine and sound designs.

There's a brand coasting through the streets, spoken in conversation, and maybe you've heard it. Julio Colon's one and only "Intellectual-Athleticism." A brand reworking, re-wearing, and reimagining many things we have seen but never knew could be more. His first two capsules are an escalator to the unthinkable with reworked uniforms, an exploration from personal experience, and work-wear with zippers that meet in the middle and pinky rings letting you know who made it: iA. Now, he's bringing you cinema.

Text by JoliAmour DuBose-Morris
Photos Courtesy of Angel Peña
Art Direction, Creative Direction: Julio Colon III

In fashion and any media conglomerate, artisans and thinkers are prepared to fight as the "next" one up. In preparation to be the "next" Kanye, the "next" Virgil, an agreement of one's originality being in the representation of an icon to already do 'it' of some form. Julio's not buying into it; if you're going to know his name, it'll be without the comparison, without the protege talk. Colon's talent has the microphone all by itself. When the higher-ups get stingy with their employing of brown and black talent— "Intellectual-Athleticism" is an ode to no longer needing a corporate voice.

In a new visualizer, Colon gives us an all Queen's cast, bridging the culture of the streets and fashion together. With a cast specifically centered on one borough, it's honest. This isn't celebrities coming into a foreign place and acting. It's almost a documentative experience. It's about two different archetypes with extreme perceptions finding their way to the middle— It's up for the viewer to decide. This visualizer is a taste for drops to come. Intellectual Athleticism is the nucleus, and Julio Colon is a powerhouse. Down below is a clip of iA in the office, but be sure to check out Colon's instagram to see the full visual.

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For years, she stood still, watching life rush past her, a quiet observer behind the glass. Now, the glass is broken, and she steps out into the unknown. She walks through the city, caught between two worlds—part of it, yet apart from it.

Her journey is quiet but bold, searching for something she’s never understood, something just out of reach. On church steps and under glowing city lights, she questions everything: the rules, the past, and where she truly belongs. Each step feels both freeing and uncertain.

A curious soul in a borrowed life, she keeps moving forward, leaving behind only whispers of her escape, like a fleeting shadow in the night.