# Empowering Sneaker Design Initatives LeBron James and Nike Set the Spotlight on Women of Color By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-11-20 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lebron-james-and-nike References: [mashable](https://mashable.com/article/lebron-james-nike-sneaker/#OLAZz5B3iiqR) & [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HFRMovement/) In September, LeBron James and [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-sb-2) had the pleasure to unveil their latest footwear silhouette — the HFR x LeBron 16, at the Harlem Fashion Row Showcase Gala. During the reveal, the basketball player took the opportunity to pay homage to the unprecedented power and determination of African-American women. Defining them as "the strongest people on earth," LeBron takes advantage of his position to recognize their efforts. For the [luxe sporty sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/i-promise-colorway), LeBron James and Nike tapped G.O.A.T and a New York-based collective (Harlem Fashion Row) that attempts to provide multicultural designers with the opportunity to enter and contribute to the fashion scene. Through this partnership the HFR x LeBron 16 was reimagined by female designers of color — Kimberly Goldson, Felisha Noel, and Undra Celeste Duncan. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 72% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Multicultural Designer Collaborations:** Creating partnerships with multicultural designers can produce innovative and inclusive designs that cater to a diverse consumer base. - **Recognition of Underrepresented Women:** Acknowledging the contributions and strength of underrepresented women can lead to the development of products and initiatives that empower and support them. - **Incorporating Diversity in Fashion:** Integrating diversity in fashion can result in unique and groundbreaking designs that resonate with a wider audience. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can benefit from embracing diversity and collaborating with underrepresented designers to create innovative and inclusive products. - **Sportswear:** Incorporating diverse perspectives in sportswear design can lead to the development of groundbreaking and inclusive athletic footwear and apparel. - **Social Impact:** Recognizing and supporting underrepresented women in the fashion industry can contribute to positive social impact and empowerment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bronx-Honoring Skate Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-sb-2.md) - [Empowering Female Apparel Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/empowering-female-apparel-initiatives.md) - [Makeup Artist-Crafted Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-dn-silhouette.md) - [Pink Tonal Basketball Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/i-promise-colorway.md) - [Athlete-Backed Social Good Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lebron-james-and-lifewtr.md) - [Uplifting Team-Backed Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-heat.md) - [Athlete-Backed Game Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lebron-james-game-console.md) - [Athlete-Backed Sports Training Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tr1.md) - [Boldly Tonal Patient-Designed Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2024-doernbecher-freestyle.md)