Hello, I'm James Buford, a visionary Apparel Product Designer and Maker with over two decades of experience shaping the fashion landscape. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with industry giants like Nike, Reebok, Stall & Dean, Levi Strauss & Co., and Victoria's Secret, each opportunity pushing the boundaries of design and innovation.

My journey began with Reebok, where I was involved in key projects like the Reebok ZigTech Apparel Launch in 2009 and pioneering Celliant Research & Application. A year later, I worked on the Basquiat X Reebok FW10 collection, which was showcased at prestigious venues like MOMA, Agnès B, and Colette Paris. I also played a role in designing the Reebok Reethym of Lite Apparel in 2011 and contributed to the release of the Janji Apparel Collection in 2012.

One of my most transformative periods came with my work at Nike. From 2017 to 2024, I designed Nike’s World Cup kits, including the iconic 2018 Nigeria collection, worn by global icons like rapper Skepta. Witnessing Skepta don the jersey was a highlight, as was creating the Brazil 2019 Copa America away kit and working on the 2019 Women’s World Cup. I also contributed to the Nike Dream Further campaign, which focused on empowering the next generation of female athletes.

One of the proudest moments of my career was seeing the USA Women’s Soccer Team featured on the cover of TIME magazine’s Athlete of the Year issue in 2019, wearing the kit I designed. That same year, I was moved to see Kobe Bryant and his daughters wear the women's 2019 jersey on the pitch, and later to watch Jay-Z and Beyoncé sport the France championship jersey during their On the Run II tour in Paris. Adding to the legacy of that year, Barack Obama posed with the USA 2019 jersey, a true honor for me.

The journey didn’t stop there. In 2021, AJ Tracey wore the Tottenham Hotspur’s Third Kit jersey during his album release, and in 2022, I had the privilege of contributing to Nike’s "The Footballverse" commercial. Most recently, I designed the Nigeria 2024 Square Neckline Jersey, a project that continues to push the boundaries of sport and fashion.

Beyond my corporate work, I am the creative force behind Infashuated, an online fashion retail destination, and express my musical creativity under the name Furgersen7. My roots are in Dorchester, Massachusetts, where my passion for creativity first blossomed, leading me to earn a bachelor’s degree in fashion design from Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt).

As a young Black entrepreneur and artist, I am deeply committed to inspiring and empowering others in my community. My journey is not only personal but also a means of paving the way for future generations of Black designers. I blend my expertise in apparel design, creative direction, brand development, music production, woodworking, and storytelling to create work that leaves a lasting impact.

I invite you to explore my work and reach out for consultations, portfolio viewings, or collaboration opportunities. Let’s create something extraordinary together.

Renowned for my unparalleled expertise and trailblazing accomplishments, I now stand at the forefront of the fashion world as a true luminary. With a profound mastery of activewear and impeccable technical prowess, I've sculpted an extraordinary career that defies expectations. My unquenchable thirst for knowledge has led me to explore every corner of the fashion landscape, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of various market sectors, trends, and the essence of branding aesthetics. A true virtuoso in garment specifications, particularly within Menswear and Womenswear, my name resonates as a symbol of excellence in sportswear.

My work blends innovation and classic sophistication. In an era propelled by cutting-edge technology, I believe in fearlessly embracing a clean, futuristic aesthetic. As the fashion industry shifts towards the dynamic realm of 3D computer-generated design, I choose to remain at the vanguard. Continuously honing my mastery of tools like CLO3d and Browzwear. These digital tools converge seamlessly with my expertise in 3D modeling software, harmonizing with the timeless techniques I've cultivated through formal training in traditional tailoring and sewing.

Before design studios, my passion for denim, washes, and material innovation gained recognition through collaborations. I believe in an expansive, creative universe. In the fashion cosmos, I will continue to ensure that Buford Design shines as a beacon of innovation and artistry for young creatives.

As the Designer and co-founder of Infashuated™, I started the brand in 2016 with a focus on highlighting the stories of emerging and lesser-known fashion labels from around the world. Since its creation, Infashuated™ has grown from an idea into a vibrant online fashion retail hub, providing a platform for both independent and established labels to gain global recognition.

My responsibilities span across multiple areas, including managing product orders, handling customer inquiries, conducting interviews, and discovering new talent. I also play a key role in the brand's creative direction, from capturing and editing photography for new collections to designing online promotional materials and overseeing our social media presence. All of these efforts are centered on connecting with our audience and elevating the stories behind the brands featured on Infashuated™.

The concept of Infashuated™ originated in 2008, when two art school graduates, including myself, envisioned a platform that would share the fascinating stories of undiscovered brands. What began in a Boston apartment with a shared love for fashion has grown into an online space that curates labels pushing the boundaries of style and creativity. Our mission is to connect passionate fashion lovers with the talents we admire, fostering engagement and sharing the narratives that make fashion so exciting.

At just eleven years old, I began crafting music on my PC, and as I grew, my evolving musical tastes and life experiences led me to blend cinematic, abstract tribal sounds with soulful boom-bap samples rooted in traditional hip-hop, helping to shape my distinct sound and voice as a producer.

While building my career as an Apparel Fashion Designer in the sportswear industry, I also established myself as a sought-after music producer, collaborating with a range of rappers, artists, and social media creators. My approach to music is fearless and experimental, combining rap, singing, and diverse production styles. By pairing unconventional rhythms with warm, soulful frequencies, I aim to create something special with each track.

Influenced by legends like Madlib, J Dilla, Kanye, Aesop Rock, Flying Lotus, Earl Sweatshirt, and Tyler The Creator, I draw inspiration from their groundbreaking work in every beat I produce.

For me, music is about personal growth and artistic freedom. I strive to live fully, and my music reflects that energy. It breaks boundaries, connects with listeners, and captures the essence of the present moment. I believe that only what’s real can endure, and truth is indestructible. Every beat I create is my signature, uniquely mine.

Music CatalogFurgersen7.
LisenStream Now

During the pandemic, I hit the reset button on some of my work in fashion apparel, stepping away from the traditional nine-to-five to embrace woodworking, a long-time goal of mine. This hands-on, creative work-life balance has been a refreshing shift.

While I still actively take on freelance fashion projects and remain open to fashion roles, much of my time is now spent crafting in my woodshop. The ability to choose has been a key takeaway from this transition. Shifting from a fast-paced lifestyle to a more intentional pace of work has enriched me in ways I’m still discovering.

Woodworking has allowed me to explore my passion for creating tangible, functional pieces. Moving from designing with high-tech software to working with raw materials has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. From crafting garments to shaping wooden pieces, it’s been a rewarding adventure!

Balancing the precision of fashion design with the creative freedom of woodworking has been transformative. Each piece I create tells a story and teaches me something new, and I cherish every moment on this sawdust-covered journey.

James Buford
Product Designer & Maker

I am a creative and accomplished Apparel Product Designer with a proven track record in the fashion industry. Adept at leading digital initiatives for sports brands, demonstrating proficiency in design, pattern drafting, tailoring, and sewing. Extensive experience with renowned companies such as Nike, Levi Strauss & Co., Victoria's Secret, and Reebok. Experience Business Owner and Co-owner of Infashuated, an online retail store promoting fashion, art, and lifestyle.

Work Experience

Nike Inc.
Portland, OR (2015 to 2022)
Advanced Apparel Product Designer Apparel Product 3d Digital Lead
Product Apparel Designer II
Product Apparel Designer I

Amiee Lynn Inc.
New York, NY (2015)
Lead Mens Product Designer

Freelance Fashion Designer
(2012 to 2015)

Clients

Stall & Dean (Jun 2013 - Nov 2013)
Janji (Mar 2012 - Aug 2013)
Victoria Secret (Nov 2012 - Jan 2013)

Levi Strauss & Co.
New York, NY (2013 to 2014)
Denim Tailor

Reebok
Canton, MA (2008 to 2012)
Product Designer l
Associate Product Designer
Product Design Assistant
Intern/Freelance

Bodega Store
Boston, MA
Sales Associate & Design

Save The Manimals
New York, NY
Production Assistant

Kate Spade New York
New York, NY (2006)
Knitwear Design Intern

Education

Mass. College of Art & Design
Boston, MA (2003 to 2007)
BFA in Fashion Design & Fine Art

Specializations
Couture Techniques, Denim Construction, Sportswear Apparel, Film/Video, Printmaking, Textiles

Design Skills
Design and Apparel Production, Clo3d, Pattern Drafting, Tailoring, Sewing Construction, Garment Draping, Graphic Applications, Drawing, Illustration, Lithography

Software Proficiency
Illustrator, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, InDesign, Flash, U4ia, Dreamweaver, Microsoft Office

Data Development
CSS, HTML, CMS, Python

Business & Personal Projects

Infashuated
(2009 to Present)
Co-owner of Infashuated

Online retail store promoting fashion, art, and lifestyle. Maintain and design all Infashuated blog content. Orchestrate fashion interviews, street photography, and web design for the blog. Infashuated generates over 3k visitors per month.