Aleali May
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Aleali May | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 10,1992 Los Angeles, California |
| Occupation(s) | Fashion Stylist, Model, Sneaker designer |
| Years active | 2010- Present |
| Known for | Collaborations with Jordan Brand, Nike, Contributions to streetwear fashion |
Early Life and Education
Aleali May (uh-lay-lee) was born July 10,1992, in Los Angeles California, USA . She grew up in a multicultural household, with African-American and Filipino heritage, which has significantly influenced her personal style and design work. She is a fashion stylist, model, and sneaker designer, known for her distinctive streetwear aesthetic and collaborations in the sneaker industry. In 2013, she obtained a Bachelors of Art in Marketing at Colombia College Chicago[1].
Career
Fashion and Styling
May started her career in fashion working at luxury retailers such as Louis Vuitton and RSVP Gallery. Her roles in these businesses allowed her to immerse herself in the world of high-end fashion and street culture. She was also able to build connections with key figures in the fashion industry such as Virgil Abloh and Don C. She has also styled big names such as Kendrick Lamar, Jaden Smith, Lil Yachty and Kali Uchis[2]. While working at a company named 424 and styling Kendrick Lamar in a Rhude label shirt, she was also responsible for the popularity of the brand Rhude in street culture[2].
Collaborations
Jordan Brand
Air Jordan 1 Retro High "Satin Shadow"
Aleali May's first Jordan sneaker was released on October 28th 2017[3]. At the release party, Aleali transformed the of Undefeated store situated in La Brea, a neighbourhood in Los Angeles into a replica of the Slauson Super Mall. There were also free food being given out by Randy's Donuts as well as Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles [1]. Her shoe which is comprised of Black Corduroy and a satin grey material was inspired by her fathers cordouroy slippers that he purchased at Slauson Super Mall and the satin which is inspired by the starter jackets that the LA Kings wore as well as the colours of the LA Raiders[1]. This silhouette is responsible for giving May the title of first woman to design a unisex shoe for the Jordan brand.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High "Court Luxe"
Designed in 2018, only a year after May's first shoe, the "Court Luxe" emerges. The shoe was in collaboration with Maya Moore who is a WNBA star and who has also designed a shoe of her own, a Jordan 10[4].
Air Jordan 6 "Millenial Pink"
On March 15, 2019, May's third shoe released in women's sizes [5]. The millenial pink sneaker was inspired by none other than the actual colour itself. May had seen lots of men's fashion brands during that time use this specific colour and liked how it showed how the consumers of today are confident in wearing whichever colour they choose[6]. She developed a love for the Jordan 6 while studying in Chicago and wore them often while working at RSVP Gallery.
Air Jordan 1 Zoom Comfort "Califa"
April 2021
Air Jordan 14 Low "Fortune"
August 17 2021
Air Jordan 4 "Veterans Day"
This shoe was not released to the public but instead as a Friends and Family release to honour her dad who fought.
NFL
May's most recent venture includes partnering with the NFL to create an apparel line for sports fans. The line is available for purchase online through the Pacsun website as well as their retail locations.
Influence in Streetwear and High Fashion
( talk about her influence and impact. Representation in fashion and streetwear. Breaking gender norms. Empowerment of women in sneaker culture.
Sustainable Jewelry Design
In 2022, May became the creative director of a lab grown diamond company titled GRWN[7].
Awards and Recognition
Hypebeast 100 - The Innovators From All Realms of Creativity in the Spotlight
Years Won
See also
- Women in sneaker culture
- Streetwear
- Gender and fashion
References
- ^ a b c "Aleali May made history with her unisex Jordans. Now she's going to Sneaker Con". Los Angeles Times. 2019-12-05. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
- ^ a b Ferere, Cassell. "Mayde Worldwide Is Aleali May's Adult Interpretation Of Los Angeles' Youth Style". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
- ^ Dodson, Aaron (2021-08-20). "How Aleali May became the queen of Air Jordans". Andscape. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
- ^ Dodson, Aaron (2019-03-01). "Stylist and sneaker designer Aleali May on Jordans, Maya Moore, Kawhi — and California love". Andscape. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
- ^ Betschart, Brian (2019-03-02). "Aleali May x Air Jordan 6 'Millennial Pink' Debuts on March 15th". www.sneakerfiles.com. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
- ^ "Closer Look at the Aleali May x Air Jordan 6 WMNS "Millennial Pink"". Hypebeast. 2019-03-13. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
- ^ "Aleali May Conquered Sneakers. Jewelry Is Next (EXCLUSIVE)". Highsnobiety. 2024-05-15. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
- ^ "HB100 2017". Hypebeast. Retrieved 2024-10-25.
- ^ "HB100 2018". Hypebeast. Retrieved 2024-10-25.
- ^ "HB100 2021". Hypebeast. Retrieved 2024-10-25.
External Links
