The ethics and business of fashion. Find out what effect the Colin Kaepernick campaign had on Nike’s sales, how your favourite sneakers just got better and how young Australian designers are doing amazing things.

Nike x Colin Kaepernick

In what might go down as the biggest PR and advertising coup of 2018, Nike’s campaign fronted by former NFL quarterback and activist Colin Kaepernick has proved all of the doubters wrong. In the wake of the debut of the campaign on September 3, online sales jumped 31 per cent between September 2 to September 4, according to US site Marketwatch. This was after a minor slump in stock prices that occurred subsequent to the online protests that involved outraged customers burning their Nikes or snipping off the trademark whoosh. Perhaps an indication of the difference between those who buy Nike stock and those who actually buy Nike products, this shows again that a bold statement by an established brand will only pay dividends.

Cruelty Free Stan Smiths

Another sign of the times, this week Stella McCartney announced that she will be collaborating with Adidas to produce vegan versions of the ubiquitous white sneaker. Instead of the mug of the former world No.1 tennis player, the animal free shoe will feature McCartney’s visage as well as a host of other design features. Known for her commitment to avoiding animal products and proud vegetarian, McCartney has been pushing fashion in this direction since she left Chloe and began her own brand in 2001. A favourite of the fashion world for its simple elegance, this collaboration ensures that we will keep hearing about the iconic sneaker for the near future.

Young Australian Graduate Wins Redress Design Award

Ask most young Australians where they see themselves by 24 and you probably won’t get the answer ‘winning an award for sustainable fashion in Hong Kong’, but that’s exactly what Box Hill Institute alum Tess Whitfort has done. Announced on Friday last week, Whitfort’s design used up-cycled industry end-of-rolls for a punk-inspired look. Whitfort will go on to work with The R Collective, a social enterprise fashion brand founded by Christina Dean, who began Redress. In an interview with Vogue, Whitfort highlights, “Being a sustainable designer means being a bit of a rebel and not being afraid to break the mould and try new things.”

SALES

Brie Leon

What: Sample Sale
When: Saturday, September 15
Where: Timbermill, 70 Shepherd St, Marrickville