LACE UP: The Ultimate Sneaker Challenge
I participated in a YouTube series that was hosted by YouTuber sWooZie, and shot on location at the PENSOLE footwear Design Academy, Lace Up: The Ultimate Sneaker Challenge. 12 Footwear Designers from around the globe were split up into four groups where we competed for a job at adidas. Each week we designed for our targeted mused within 5 intensive days.
Watch below for more information and to witness my journey to winning the first-ever unscripted competition series with my team, NU Black.
Completed: 2017
Concept: YouTuber Competition Series
Role: Footwear Contestant
Below are specific skillsets used to make this a successful project.
-
At the end of each challenge, we had to present our concepts to a panel of judges on stage while being recorded for millions to see. During this presentation I covered storytelling, marketing strategies, performance benefits, innovative technologies, and consumer impact to effectively communicate our concepts.
-
During this show we were given only 5 days to complete a challenge. These 5 days included turning in designs by the 2nd day and presenting our designs on the 5th day. With each team consisting of only 3 members, each member had a specific role (Marketing, Color and Materials, and Footwear) and responsibilities. My role on the team was as the footwear designer where I was responsible for designing the concepts based on the teams marketing direction. Not only did I have to ideate quickly but be decisive when pushing the designs forward after feedback from the team, competing teams and Dr. Dwayne.
-
We had to speak with pattern makers (our pattern makers were also the teams shoe maker) to get our concepts made in time for Presentation Day. This was my first time learning how to communicate with pattern makers through technical drawings. I was in constant contact with our team’s shoemaker where we worked through prototypes and adjusted the pattern’s shell to fit closure to our concepts sketch.
LACE UP - THE ULTIMATE SNEAKER CHALLENGE
Zaneta (Neta) Jean was Footwear Designer in Team Nu Black
LACE UP: THE OFFICIAL TRAILER
Special guests and judges included Anthony Anderson, Ashley Graham, Stan Smith, Eddie Huang, Fetty Wap, Jacques Slade, and NBA stars James Harden and Damian Lillard.
Anthony Anderson - American actor, comedian, and game show host (S1 E1)
Ashley Graham - Super Model (S1 E2)
Macklemore - American rapper and songwriter (S1 E2)
Fetty Wap- Hip Hop Rapper (S1 E3)
Stan Smith- Tennis Player (S1 E3)
Damian Lillard - American Rapper and Portland Trail Blazers NBA (S1 E4)
Eddie Huang -American film director, author, chef, restaurateur, food personality, producer, and attorney (S1 E5)
Jamie Chung - American actress and former reality television personality (S1 E6)
Jacques Slade - American rapper, actor and spokesperson (S1 E7)
James Harden - Brooklyn Nets NBA (S1 E8)
Swoozie - YouTube personality, animator, comedian, and actor (HOST)
Season 1 Episode Layout
Feel free to fast forward to the Presentation Day and Judging time stamp provided below. Click on the “Watch” button to view the entire episode and to learn more.
Streetwear Meets High Fashion
(S1 E2)
The teams will rely on their design skills as they merge two different worlds together. They are are asked to design a sneaker heel combo inspired by supermodel Ashley Graham and Grammy Award winning rapper Macklemore. As the tensions rise, one team member makes an unexpected early departure.
27:38 Presentation Day
42:30 The Judging
The Stan Smith
(S1 E3)
With a new member joining the group, the four teams are tasked with redesigning the legendary Adidas Stan Smith for rapper Fetty Wap. They also collaborate with YouTube star Jesse Wellens to create a personalized hip-hop video to represent their kicks.
26:57 Presentation Day
41:28 The Judging
The Sleaker
(S1 E5)
“Fresh Off The Boat” author, restaurateur and sneakerhead, Eddie Huang, pays Pensole a visit. Each team has the grueling task of combining multiple sneakers into one shoe, using Eddie as their muse. The Hype comes up with an “outside-the-box” creation and must convince the judges they have the freshest kicks of the week.
28:06 Presentation Day
39:44 The Judging
Season Finale Part 1: The Focus Group
(S1 E7)
In part one of the two-part season finale, teams learn their final challenge: create a signature shoe for NBA superstar James Harden. With pressure and tensions at an all-time high, the designers have just five days to present their first prototype to a focus group of high school kids, who all have some very strong opinions about their sneakers.
Season Finale Part 2: Welcome to Adidas
(S1 E8)
n the season finale, the teams make final changes on their signature James Harden shoes, and produce a sneaker commercial to represent their designs. At presentation, one of the world’s best slam dunkers shows off the teams’ kicks. The winning team is chosen and then it’s off to Las Vegas to personally deliver their shoe to James Harden.
19:20 Presentation Day
33:20 The Judging
39:06 The Winners
NU BLACK SHOWREEL
Watch a snapshot of all the Nu Black team’s shoes.
The Incredible Hardini : Winning design (Team Nu Black)
REFLECTION CORNER
As I reflect in this corner, I realize how great of experience I had while competing on this show. Shortly after, I also realize how easily my current life could have been nonexistent if I didn’t answer that one text from Dr. Dwayne Edwards asking me to apply for the show. I’m glad my fear of disappointing D (nickname for Dr. Dwyane Edwards) outweighed my fear of my dreams rejecting me yet again.
During this show I experienced a lot of small fears such as presenting in front of a large audience, meeting harsh deadlines, working with pattern makers, and ideating high-level quality designs. However, with each small fear came a huge victory for me because I faced my fears head on! I have always been a highly determined hard-working collaborative designer (creator). I just needed the opportunity to showcase my value. Thank you Pensole and adidas for giving me the platform to shine higher for everyone to see. As a promise to myself, I will never give up on my dreams or doubt my abilities ever again. Thank you for allowing me to share my journey with you all.
LACE UP THE ULTIMATE SNEAKER CHALLENGE PARTICIPANTS
Participants: (left to right bottom roll) Josh King, Analise Cleopatra, Destinee Dickerson (crew member), Nester Phan, Megan “SheeGotGame”, Laurance Bass, Gabriel Gonzalez (right to left top roll) Vince Leboo, Neta (ME) Jean, Andre Mayo, Catalina Delgado