Nike introduces the new Doernbecher Freestyle XVIII collection for the year that continues its annual project. Every year, a small group of OHSU Doernbecher patients works together with Nike Employee Design volunteers to create new footwear, equipment, and apparel designs. These are then auctioned as a part of a fundraiser to be sold to the public in a limited drop.
Currently, the Doernbecher Freestyle XVIII 2023 collection is being showcased at the Portland Art Music as the auction will be taking place in person after three years of a digital platform. This allows the entire roster of designers to be present to introduce their creations. This year highlights the works of "Dario Villaseñor Valdivia, Kylee Young, Riddhi Mahajan, Emerson Harrell, Coley Miller, and Jaren Heacock."
Image Credit: Nike
What's Driving This Trend
- Creative-collaborative Sneaker Design
- The annual project with OHSU Doernbecher patients and Nike Employee Design volunteers presents an opportunity for other brands to consider teaming up with consumers to create new and unique products.
- Fundraising for Healthcare Through Fashion
- The auction model to sell limited-edition products presents an opportunity for healthcare organizations and other non-profit institutions to turn to fashion and design for additional revenue streams.
- Experiential Retail Through Art Exhibits
- Nike's decision to showcase its Doernbecher Freestyle XVIII collection at the Portland Art Museum for an in-person auction after a three-year digital platform presents an opportunity for fashion brands to collaborate with museums to create unique retail experiences.
Who This Affects Most
- Footwear
- Innovative and creative collaborations with consumers through unique design projects like with the OHSU Doernbecher patients present an opportunity for the footwear industry to create products that are both meaningful and unique to the consumers.
- Healthcare
- The annual project with OHSU Doernbecher patients that teams up with Nike Employee Design volunteers presents an opportunity for other healthcare institutions or organizations to engage with consumers to create a unique experience that can also fundraise for charity.
- Fashion
- Innovation in fundraising and experiential retail through unique collaborations like the Doernbecher Freestyle XVIII collection auction presents an opportunity for fashion brands to become leading players in charity causes and also create exciting experiences for their consumers.
