For so long, streetwear has predominantly been a male-dominated space, where the apparel was fit for men and the sneakers designed for them. However, in the last few years, the industry has slowly been changing as Nike releases more women’s exclusive sneakers and brands collaborate with women designers. Entering 2021, as the industry evolves for the better, we shed light on some of the unsung heroes of the space — the women of streetwear who are defining the modern era.
While there are plenty of awe-inspiring women making their mark and carving their niche in the industry, we take a look at some of the most influential female designers who are creating sought-after sneakers and streetwear.
Yoon Ahn
Yoon Ahn, a Korean-American female designer is one of the most notable names in the streetwear fashion space. Having started off as a graphic designer and worked in jewelry, she eventually broke out with her brand AMBUSH, as she attempted to ‘take people by surprise’ through her designs. Worn by celebrities like Rihanna and Kanye West, Ahn collaborated with Nike to bring forth the highly popular AMBUSH series. Beyond the brand, Ahn has also worked with brands like Dior and Raf Simons throughout her career.
AMBUSH X Nike Dunk High ‘Lethal Pink’
Shop AMBUSH x Dunk High ‘Lethal Pink‘ on Novelship
This collaboration between AMBUSH and Nike Dunk is a beautiful one, with a raw bright pink colourway that defines the entire sneaker. Marked with a sharp Nike signature swoosh that extends out from the rear, the ‘Lethal Pink’ sneakers have a shiny pink shade that glistens across the toe box and upper of the shoe. On top of the pink tongue, you can see the Ambush logo visibly clear with everything else, giving this sneaker that added raw aesthetic that makes people’s heads turn.
Beyoncé
The Queen B, Beyoncé definitely needs no introduction, as the global artist makes her entry into streetwear and sneakers, with her brand Ivy Park. Known for her powerful vocals, the message of empowerment for women, Beyoncé is a megastar that sings, writes, directs, and produces. Not only is she a humanitarian that works to make the world a better place, but her recent ventures into the fashion world have definitely proven to be another achievement in her books, as her adidas x IVY PARK collection known as Ivy Park was a top-hitter in the athleisure space.
Beyonce Ivy Park x Adidas Ultraboost ‘Maroon’ WMNS
Shop Beyonce Ivy Park x Adidas Ultraboost ‘Maroon’ WMNS on Novelship
The collaboration between Beyonce’s Ivy Park and Adidas brings forth a beautiful collection of Ultraboost sneakers that are defined by maroon colourways. With a textured material on the upper that gives the shoe its lightness and breathability, you can see the signature adidas three stripe logo along the lateral sides, detailed in maroon. The midsole of the shoe has a snakeskin pattern on it and is covered by an orange outsole. On the front of the shoe, you can see the adidas logo embossed on the orange outsole that extends to the front.
Chitose Abe
Chitose Abe, a Japanese designer is the founder and creative director of sacai, which has made leaps and bounds in the streetwear space in recent years. She owns 100 percent of the brand, which gives her complete freedom and control over the designs. Before founding sacai, Abe worked for Comme des Garcons.
Sacai X Nike Vaporwaffle ‘Sail’
Shop Sacai x Nike Vaporwaffle ‘Sail‘ on Novelship
This collaboration between Nike and sacai was a highly popular one, with its unique design and clean-cut white, blue, and red colourway. The midfoot, tongue and the double laces of the shoe come in white and black in colour, while sail shades appear around the toe box. There is a pullout tab on the back of the shoe, there are two overlapping Nike swoosh on the sides of the sneakers, giving that added distinct look. The rear of the sneaker folds up towards the back of the shoe and leaves a gap between the outsole, protruding out from behind.
Melody Ehsani
Melody Ehsani is an LA-based Persian-American designer who has had frequent collaborations with Nike. Notable for her eye-popping, colourful blended designs, she has been featured in major publications like Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan and FLAUNT. Beyond sneakers, she has also designed jewelry and other fashion apparel, with her work being worn by celebrities like Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé. Although she started her career in law, she got into streetwear and jewelry because of her interest in product design.
Melody Ehsani x Air Jordan 1 Mid SE ‘Fearless’ WMNS
Shop Melodi Ehsani x Air Jordan 1 Mid SE ‘Fearless’ WMNS on Novelship
This collaboration between Melody Ehsani and Air Jordan comes in a mismatched pair. The left shoe comes in a green, blue, and white mixed colourway, with dark blue laces and a grey tongue. The shoe has a white midsole covered by a light blue outsole. The right shoe comes in orange, red, and pink colourways, with a white leather upper covered by orange detailing. There are also a few splashes of pink near the eyelets of the shoe. The white midsole is covered by a light blue outsole, with text printed on in marker felt font stating “If you knew what you had was rare, you would never waste it.” Both sneakers have a unique watch face at the edge of the laces.