16
Feb
Aleali May-the Queen of Sneakers
Aleali May-the Queen of Sneakers.
For Aleali May “L.A. isn’t just a place. It’s way of life”.
She is known as a fashion blogger, model, stylist and an exclusive sneaker designer.
Her style is a mix between streetwear and high-end fashion mixed with 90’s hip-hop/R&B and “vampire” avant-garde although she always keeps it L.A.
In the world of sneakers her name is mentioned as a first woman to create an unisex Air Jordan and one of only two women to design for the Nike – owned brand.Â
For May an Air Jordan provides history, heritage, street, lux, comfort and style.
She is a deadly about minimal, subtle detail – it is crucial in her work.
Aleali May wears sunglasses, a silver crystal cut-out pattern tank-top, a pale blue shiny leather with embroidered red / white patter zipper jacket, white leather slit / split flared pants, white matte leather block heels ankle shoes , outside Area, during New York Fashion Week, on September 12, 2022 in New York City / Getty Images /
As a young lady her grandmother tried to dress her girly but it didn’t work:
“My uncle used to buy me Jordans all the time.
I really looked up to my uncle and my dad so I was like, whatever they’re wearing, whatever they’re doing, I’m trying to do.
I would say I have a pretty well-dressed family and they’ve really helped me build my sense of style.
I had an aunt who was goth. Even now, they still inspire me to dress the way that I dress.”
Aleali May had a chance to work at Louis Vuitton
where she met Takashi Murakami in person.
She was fascinated about mixing two fashion worlds together as Kanye wearing polos with Louis Vuitton and Pharrell combining Nigo and A Bathing Ape.
In order to a tribute to her favorite L.A. she designed two original sold out colorways of Jordan 1’s in 2017, mixing corduroy, chenille and satin.
In 2019 on the market appeared the “Millennial Pink” Jordan 6 which were sold out within five minutes.
“We look to partner with brands and individuals such as Aleali – who authentically connect to Jordan Brand and the community.
She inspires young women to stay true to themselves without limitations”-
says Andrea Perez, the Vice President of the Jordan Brand’s women’s business.
In her closet May has about 300 pairs of sneakers and jackets.
Aleali May seen wearing black vinyl pants with golden zipper, black knee high boots, racing long shirt, black bag with red stap outside Louis Vuitton during Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear F/W 2022-2023 on March 07, 2022 in Paris, France. /Getty Images/
All her Jordans were lined up by model number.
“ I never expected to be a sneakerhead but the great part is a lot of people I know personally make super dope shoes.
So it’s just like, these are all great items to keep for the future. Sneakers are investments now”.
It’s funny but her grandmother lined up to buy for her sons new Jordans that were coming out.
It was a long ago when there were no social networks and internet.
It’s not a joke but she believes in the manifestations.
May is sure that they ultimately materialize.
The sneaker designer has a piece of paper on which she manifested her ideas as the concept of sneakers etc.
“ I wrote down that I wanted a jade Air Jordan 14.
It was about “How do I take those manifestations and do that?
When the opportunity came up and the Jordan Brand asked
“ What is something that you want to do?”
I definitely was like “ I want to do a 14’.”
So we can only guess and looking forward what would be her next manifestation!
At D2Line we love inspiring women and share with you their stories.
