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Among other inspiring women, the documentary highlights the achievements of Ashley Comeaux, Cheresse Thornhill-Goldson, Eliya Jackson, Kimberly Shane, and Precious Hannah-King, a group of Miami-based creatives recognized for pioneering design representation for Black women in the footwear industry. Working in collaboration with the Black Talent in Design & Fashion Fund, these women are among the first Black women to design athletic sneakers for industry-leading brands, simultaneously breaking barriers and enhancing opportunities for future generations of Black designers in the footwear industry. Thornhill-Goldson also serves as the director of adidas's School for Experiential Education in Design (SEED) in Brooklyn.
A few of the designers filled us in on what it means to "create with purpose" to them.
What does it mean to you to be celebrated with the documentary, Create with Purpose?
Cheresse Thornhill-Goldson— After 17 years of being in the industry and just doing the work without all the applause. Now being celebrated for the work that was so challenging feels validating. There’s finally acknowledgment for what we've done and how we've pushed this industry forward.
Ashley Comeaux— This is work we’ve all been doing behind the scenes so now I feel seen, we feel seen. We take on personal responsibility to lift up our sister, and I think in all of this, I feel humbled and honored to be here with my sisters in design in an industry where our voices aren’t always heard. I hope it plants a seed for another woman of color in the industry.
And Eliya, in the panel, you mentioned not going to college. What has it been like for you as a youth to be in this amazing team of women, and perhaps seeing your friends and people in your circle going down a different path?
Eliya Jackson— I’m actually proud that I didn’t go to college. I see my peers and some of them may not have gotten to where they want to get to. I’ve done it in a path that is unique. It shows that everyone’s journey is different, and I’m very grateful to have walked my journey.
Tell me about an “Aha-moment” in your life.
Precious Hannah-King— I believe my aha-moment was when I was told no. Being told no and then trying to figure out how to get a yes, and then being told no again. Then figuring out how do I take the hinges off the door because you’re not gonna let me in. There has to be a way to get in. Being told no made me think differently and figure out a way whether it's getting a design approved or whatever.
Kimberly Shane— I do a lot of things afraid and in the face of fear. My aha-moment was being able to press through in the face of fear. I had to learn not to be afraid of going through that door first. I realized that I'm able to do that because I'm able to jump, still be afraid but still jump. Fear doesn’t go away but I feel fear is fuel. If I'm not afraid to do it, the dream isn’t big enough.
What is one piece of advice that resonates with your journey that you'd give to someone else?
Precious Hannah-King— Take the hinges off the door.
Cheresse Thornhill-Goldson— Practice an abundance mindset.
Ashley Comeaux— Imposter syndrome shows up as moments and you have to push through those.
Eliya Jackson— Humility, gratitude, and perseverance can get you a long way.
Kimberly Shane— Don’t discount the power of relationships. The most important things are not things but relationships.
Earlier this week, Ruby’s S.R. STUDIO. LA. CA. and OTW by Vans launched their first ever collaboration, an all-new style, titled ‘Clash the Wall’. A mash-up of the Old Skool 36, the Authentic, the Mid-Skool 77, and the Sk8-Hi silhouettes, the sneaker comes in monochromatic neon green or orange, paying homage to two of Ruby’s landmark artworks.
Photography by Jack Bool
To celebrate the release, OTW and Ruby took to Downtown Los Angeles with a 160 ft long and 30 ft tall skate-able installation designed by PLAYLAB, INC. A recreation of the steep incline hills made famous by San Francisco skateboarding, the temporary monument set the stage for a night of musical performances by SALEM and Paris Texas, a DJ set by Ty, and live skating by Vans athletes like Issue 20 cover star Efron Danzig, Curren Caples, Elijah Berle, Nick Michel, Roman Pabich, Rowan Zorilla, and Zion Wright. Guests included Atiba Jefferson, Sky Ferreira, Landon Barker, Alex “2Tone”, and Charles Melton, to mention a few, making for a zany night in LA.
The collaboration is available in limited quantities at select stockists worldwide and at otw.vans.com. Fans can anticipate a second drop arriving before the end of 2024, and more releases to follow in the coming years.