Kahlana Barfield Brown, a fashion and beauty expert, has made waves with her new collaboration with Nike. The result? A stunning Nike Air Force 1 sneaker that pays tribute to her time at Howard University and the rich legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This collaboration represents more than just a design; it’s a celebration of culture, identity, and the experiences that shaped Brown’s journey.
A Full-Circle Moment: How Howard University Shaped Kahlana’s Style
For Kahlana Barfield Brown, Howard University was the place where she truly found her fashion voice. “At Howard, showing up and showing out was the standard,” Brown recalls. Growing up in Seattle, she often felt out of place in her fashion choices. But Howard, with its vibrant and bold Black culture, welcomed her unique style.
“The Yard was our runway,” Brown says, reminiscing about her college days. Walking across the campus in stilettos, she found herself surrounded by other Black women who shared her fashion language. This was the moment when her love for fashion was truly nurtured and solidified. Howard University became her “tribe,” setting the stage for everything that followed.
The Legacy Behind the Design: Paying Homage to Black Colleges
When Kahlana began working on the Nike collaboration, she knew it had to reflect her HBCU pride. Her grandmother’s influence played a significant role in shaping this connection to Black colleges. As a child, Kahlana traveled with her grandmother to visit HBCUs across the country. This journey, including stops at Florida A&M University, Hampton University, and Spelman College, deepened Kahlana’s respect for the institutions that celebrated Black culture.
Brown’s grandmother, a Southern University alumna, always said that attending an HBCU shaped her into the woman she became. Kahlana’s deep connection to these institutions became even more personal after her grandmother passed in 2020, the same year she was selected for the Nike Yardrunners program. For Kahlana, this shoe is a tribute to her grandmother’s legacy and the pride she passed down.
The Design Story: Telling a Legacy Through Every Detail
Kahlana’s Air Force 1 “Ice Cream” design is rich in symbolism. The color brown, which graces the sneaker, represents the richness of Black skin and ties directly to the history of HBCUs. “The coordinates on the toe point to The Yard at Howard, but they represent the Yard at all HBCUs,” Kahlana explains. The design honors the heart of these campuses, places that serve as the center of Black student life and culture.
In addition to the brown hue, the brick sock liner symbolizes the iconic HBCU buildings that stand tall as beacons of history and resilience. The crimson red of the shoe is a personal tribute to Kahlana’s involvement with Delta Sigma Theta, where she pledged at Howard’s Alpha chapter. It’s also a nod to her grandmother, who became a Delta in 1942, linking past and present through a shared legacy.
A Sneaker Designed for Culture and Versatility
When Kahlana created this sneaker, her goal was to design something that would resonate across generations. She wanted a shoe that was not only a fashion statement but also a tribute to the culture that shaped her. The result? A versatile, timeless sneaker that celebrates the essence of HBCU life while staying true to her style philosophy.
“These aren’t just sneakers. They’re a love letter to every Black student who’s ever walked The Yard,” Brown says proudly. The Yardrunners Ice Cream Nike Air Force 1 is more than a product; it’s a celebration of Black excellence, community, and resilience.
Where to Buy: The Yardrunners Nike Air Force 1
The Yardrunners “Ice Cream” Nike Air Force 1 is available at select stores and online for $120. The silhouette will also be available through the Nike SNKRS App on December 20. For those who have a connection to HBCUs or simply love the cultural significance behind the design, this sneaker is a must-have.
