I designed four player-exclusive cleats for Justin Jefferson, translating his personal style into on-field performance footwear.
Goal
Create concepts that authentically reflect Jefferson’s identity, bridging the gap between his pregame tunnel presence and in-game expression.
Create concepts that authentically reflect Jefferson’s identity, bridging the gap between his pregame tunnel presence and in-game expression.
DESIGNER: CHRISTIAN ENGLISH / PLM: MONTRE GREGORY / DEVELOPER: KATIE DEFILIPPO
Approach
This concept, “The Bag,” was inspired by a luxury bag featured in Jefferson’s tunnel fits, using it as a starting point to connect his fashion influence directly to performance design. Built around the rising trend of flashy footwear on the field—seen in custom chrome cleats worn by athletes like Derrick Henry—and reinforced by parallel trends in fashion, including metallic silhouettes from brands like Wales Bonner and Raf Simons.
This concept, “The Bag,” was inspired by a luxury bag featured in Jefferson’s tunnel fits, using it as a starting point to connect his fashion influence directly to performance design. Built around the rising trend of flashy footwear on the field—seen in custom chrome cleats worn by athletes like Derrick Henry—and reinforced by parallel trends in fashion, including metallic silhouettes from brands like Wales Bonner and Raf Simons.
This intersection of sport and fashion informed material choices and finish, positioning the cleat as both performance gear and a visual statement.
Factory Visit to review first round of sampling.
Second round of sampling. Updated deboss pattern, and accurate laces.
Photography
Graphic T-shirt
SOCIAL MEDIA
THE WHITE OUT GAME - MINN VS DET
Outcome
Delivered a set of concept-driven designs that align on-field product with athlete identity, reinforcing the growing influence of tunnel style on performance apparel and footwear design.
Delivered a set of concept-driven designs that align on-field product with athlete identity, reinforcing the growing influence of tunnel style on performance apparel and footwear design.