Serena Williams and Nike Tap Emerging New York City Designers for 2020 Collection

To further the brand’s efforts in bringing “diverse perspectives to design,” Nike and American tennis champion Serena Williams are tapping into emerging talents in New York City for a collaborative range of apparel and footwear slated for release throughout 2020.

Commencing on October 18, the program will see a whole range of New York City-based designers from various schools and institutions such as Harlem’s Fashion Row be invited to Nike’s headquarters in the city for a day of workshopping. The emerging designers will complete a series of tasks given to them by the Nike design teams, and following “a thorough selection process,” the group will be narrowed down to 10 designers. Those will then be invited to the Nike World Headquarters in January next year, where they’ll undertake a seven-month apprenticeship working closely on the capsule with Williams.

“I’m excited for these designers to hone their craft, expand their creativity and ultimately dream big as they build on Nike’s design legacy in creating for one of the greatest athletes of all time,” says Nike’s Chief Design Officer John Hoke. “We know their impact will be widely felt and look forward to having them as part of our creative community.”

Elsewhere in fashion, Palace is opening a pop-up store in Shanghai.