Fashion In Newark: Cleats For NFL Star, ‘Upcycling’ Lessons

NEWARK, NJ — The art of fashion continues to shine in New Jersey’s largest city.

High school students at the Newark School of Fashion and Design recently got a chance to put their skills to the test in a unique challenge: design a pair of custom football cleats for New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson.

According to the Newark Public School District, the exclusive collaboration unfolded through a strategic partnership between the New York Jets and Microsoft Surface. The partnership aims to foster creativity and spotlight the talents of the budding creators attending class at the Newark School of Fashion and Design.

The initiative kicked off with a generous donation of Microsoft Surface devices to the school, which served as the catalyst for an inspiring design process. Then, students put their lessons to work in the real world, including coursework such as The Art of Shoemaking and Customization, which is conducted in partnership with Dirty Soles Footwear Group.

At the conclusion of the project, the students were tasked with crafting designs that “embodied the essence” of their alma mater. The results were then shared with New York Jets shoe designers, who assisted in manufacturing the final product.

Last month, the students visited the New York Jets Training Center in Florham Park, where Wilson was waiting to greet them – with a gift of a personal Microsoft Surface to take home.

The students and school staff got another thrill when they attended the Jets vs. Falcons game on Dec. 3, where Wilson debuted the custom cleats.

• See Related: NY Jet Garrett Wilson Bags Groceries At Newark ShopRite (VIDEO)

District administrators were thrilled about the successful collaboration.

“The Newark School of Fashion and Design not only provides its students with the necessary skills to succeed in the fashion industry and beyond, but also valuable opportunities to work with renowned organizations such as the New York Jets,” Newark Board of Education President Hasani Council said.

FASHION UPCYCLING

Meanwhile, a nonprofit that aims to revitalize the Clinton Hill neighborhood in Newark’s South Ward recently hosted a “fashion upcycling workshop” to spotlight local residents’ creativity.

Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA) spearheaded the event in partnership with NJPAC at the Clinton Hill Early Learning Center on Demarest Street.

Dozens of residents gathered to take an ad hoc lesson from Aziz “Bump Pro” Little, a local Newark designer who encouraged attendees to “experiment with fashion” and “upcycle and reimagine their clothes.”

Community members also shared their materials and expertise with each other. One attendee brought a sewing machine that had never been used before. When Curtis Lang saw her struggling, he offered his assistance, setting up all the parts, threading the needle and bobbin, and teaching how to operate the machine.

“My grandmother taught me how to sew,” he shared enthusiastically.

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