Welcome to the edge of your seat.
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.