A Passion for Footwear: Where Function Meets Expression

What can I say? I love footwear. Just like bags, shoes serve as both fashion and utility—offering people a way to express themselves, enhance their athletic performance, or even find relief from discomfort.

These concepts are simply a reflection of my curiosity—a way to explore ideas, push boundaries, and imagine what’s possible. Who knows? You might just see something make its way into a real product in the future!

I had the incredible opportunity to design a custom bag for Cam Newton—an experience that was both thrilling and deeply rewarding. This pack is part of the Arrivals Collection, a series of three bags crafted exclusively for Under Armour’s signature athletes. What made this project so unique was our approach: rather than designing just another bag, we set out to create something truly personal—just like signature footwear is developed in collaboration with athletes.

The Challenge: Blending Bold Style with Brand DNA

Designing a bag for Cam was no small task. At first, it seemed like there was a gap between Under Armour’s performance-driven brand identity and Cam’s unapologetic, fashion-forward style. He’s known for pushing boundaries—whether it's on the field or through his unmistakable sense of fashion. But as I dove deeper into the design process, I realized that this contrast wasn’t a challenge—it was the opportunity.

Cam embodies exactly what Under Armour stands for: a perfect fusion of high-performance excellence and fearless self-expression. Once I recognized this, everything started to click.

The Inspiration: Cam’s Grand Entrances

The Arrivals Collection was born from the way elite athletes make an entrance. Cam is known for showing up to games and interviews in wildly expressive outfits—think his custom suits, signature top hats, and even his unforgettable fox tail. His arrivals aren’t just moments; they’re statements.

We leaned into this idea, imagining athletes like Cam arriving at the game the same way planes arrive on a tarmac—powerful, striking, and impossible to ignore.

The Warhawk: A Symbol of Power

Of all the aircraft ever built, Cam reminded me of the legendary WWII P-40 Warhawk. This plane was iconic, not just for its performance but for the menacing shark-mouth graphic on its nose—designed to strike fear into the opposition. Cam’s style does something similar; it’s bold, intentional, and sends a clear message: I’m different. I’m built for this.

This inspiration took shape in the bag’s details. From the custom liner and propeller-blade zipper pulls to Cam’s signature and the bag’s most daring feature—the cleat-inspired studs on the front panel and shoulder straps—every element was crafted to reflect both his style and the Warhawk’s spirit.

A Moment to Remember

The best part? Presenting the final bag to Cam in person. The excitement in the room was unreal. We were so hyped to see it come to life that Cam took the sample straight home from our meeting. It was one of those surreal moments where hard work, passion, and creativity all come together.

Designing this bag wasn’t just a project—it was a dream come true.

My First Patented Works!

I can’t even begin to describe how thrilled I am to see these concepts come to life—and to have UA recognize the innovation by securing a patent for them. This has been an incredible milestone in my design journey!

The idea started when I was tasked with developing a hydration bottle pack to compete with leading brands like Nathan. But instead of designing just another handheld bottle, I wanted to push things further—to create a wearable, hands-free hydration solution that would keep athletes moving, no matter the task or event.

The result? A compression sleeve system that securely stores and insulates a small water bladder on the forearm or hand, making hydration effortless for focused runners on the go. We built the entire collection using flexible Lycra—a material that not only adds comfort and flexibility where needed but also keeps the design lightweight, breathable, and stylish.

This project was about more than just innovation—it was about rethinking the way athletes interact with their gear. And seeing this concept go from idea to patented reality is truly a dream come true!

A Versatile Concept: One Style, Multiple End Uses

This concept was all about exploring the opportunity to design a single style that could adapt to multiple end uses—while remaining accessible at a range of price points. The idea was simple: start with a solid foundation and build variations that cater to different needs, materials, and aesthetics.

The base model comes in a durable 600D polyester, perfect for everyday use. From there, premium options take things to the next level—offering waterproof finishes, reflective fabrics, and high-quality canvas materials for a more refined look and feel.

But my favorite execution? A next-level version designed exclusively for athletes at a UA NFL Combine event. This special edition featured a smooth leather outer layer, accented with gold studs for an edgy, head-turning aesthetic—built to match the confidence and ambition of every up-and-coming superstar.

This project proved that great design isn’t about limitations—it’s about creating options that let people choose what fits their lifestyle, performance needs, and personal style best.

SC30 Redline Collection: Defying Gravity with Innovative Design

The SC30 Redline collection was an exciting exploration of innovation—pushing the boundaries of how athletes carry their gear. At the heart of this collection was a breakthrough technique I developed, allowing footwear to be carried outside a backpack or duffel, freeing up valuable space inside.

This collection was designed to complement Under Armour’s latest HOVR footwear technology—a shoe with a revolutionary outsole that combined plush, energy-returning foam wrapped in a durable mesh layer. Inspired by this tech, I crafted the SC30 Redline backpack with an anti-gravity theme, giving athletes a way to showcase their shoes on the outside of the bag while maximizing space inside. The layered upper panel features two hidden sleeves, allowing shoes to slide in from the bottom—creating the illusion that they’re floating.

The duffel in this collection takes a fresh approach with a unique peanut-shaped silhouette, designed for maximum comfort and mobility. It uses the same external shoe-carry system, ensuring optimal ventilation and accessibility. To tie everything back to the footwear line, both bags feature foam-wrapped mesh shoulder straps—mirroring the HOVR shoe’s signature tech while delivering unmatched comfort and durability.

Every detail was crafted with hoopers in mind—designed to make life easier for athletes who are always on the move. This collection was all about performance, innovation, and style, and I had an absolute blast bringing it to life!

Below are a few of my favorite styles I developed for UA between 2014 and 2019. Co-designing the entire assortment with- Bradley Johnson was both fun and challenging. Together, we crushed sales, delivered exceptional styles, and laid the foundation for—UA accessories for years to come.

A Game-Changing Design: Pushing High Fashion and Sport with Loewe

This project was a creative turning point for me. When a hiring manager at LVMH reached out about designing a concept that fused high fashion with sport for Loewe, I knew I had to bring something bold, something unexpected. I had just one week to put the story together, and in those few days, I pushed myself harder than ever to imagine the edgiest, most powerful design I could.

I chose LeBron James as my muse—The King. At the time, he had just signed an unprecedented lifetime deal with Nike and was making headlines for more than just basketball. He had founded the I PROMISE School and was using his voice to stand up for his values, despite facing backlash. Rather than staying silent, he spoke out with strength, challenging the outdated idea that athletes should just “stay in their lane.” His story, his resilience, and his impact made him the perfect inspiration for this concept.

I studied everything—his style, his history, the personal touches on his Nike gear, his past collaborations—pulling from all of it to design a backpack worthy of his legacy. I reimagined Nike’s iconic Max Air shoulder straps, replacing them with gold links that attached to the bag like armor. I incorporated the personal hashtags LeBron had added to his game-day sneakers, embedding them as symbols of his journey. And at the heart of the design, I hand-drew a crown over an embossed lion’s head—spray-painted for a raw, street-art aesthetic. The lion shed a single tear, representing the weight of his decision to leave Cleveland in pursuit of something greater.

Every detail carried meaning. Every choice told a story. This project was more than just a bag—it was an artistic expression of legacy, leadership, and unapologetic individuality. I had an absolute blast bringing it to life.

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THE ULTIMATE GEAR BAG—For Real This Time!

Okay, so maybe it’s not the first bag to claim that title—but trust me, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more versatile gear bag for the everyday athlete.

Designed to handle any sport, any adventure, this pack is built for ultimate flexibility. The exterior features adaptable straps that adjust to your needs, whether you’re hauling cleats, a yoga mat, or extra layers for a full day on the move. The dual-access main compartment expands to fit all your essentials, while a seam-taped dry bag keeps sweaty gear separate from the rest.

But this bag isn’t just for the field or the gym. Off the court, it’s got a TSA-friendly laptop compartment with just the right amount of organization—so you can handle business while staying game-ready.

From training sessions to school, from workouts to work—this bag does it all. And yeah, you’ll look pretty cool doing it.

Revitalizing a Legacy: The High Sierra Relaunch

I was truly honored to be called on to help relaunch High Sierra, a brand that has been a staple in the outdoor recreation space for over 50 years. Partnering with Samsonite, I joined a small but mighty team of designers with a clear mission: to modernize High Sierra while preserving its legacy of crafting some of the most functional, durable, and sustainable gear out there.

My role was to lead the redesign of several best-selling backpacks, duffels, luggage, and more. I focused on integrating clean lines, modern trims, and smart functionality—ensuring each piece stayed true to High Sierra’s adventurous spirit while feeling fresh and relevant for today’s explorers.

This wasn’t just a product refresh; it was a complete transformation. From reimagining the brand identity and aesthetic direction to shaping marketing and photography, our team built everything from the ground up. It was an unforgettable experience—one that reinforced my passion for thoughtful, purposeful design. I can’t wait to see where High Sierra goes next!