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As an Apparel Designer for Nike Global Football, I had the opportunity to create the Academy 21 collection, resetting Nike's academy range. Building on my experiences with the Academy 19 range, I drew on insights from player data and extensive travel to design a visually strong product that could remain versatile for years. Since this product had a two to three-year refresh cycle, it was essential to consider how the design could be refreshed seasonally for each style. Working closely with the color designer, Kevin Gribbin, we collaborated to ensure this vision became a reality.
The "Move to Zero" initiative was a significant driver behind the collection, with every choice made in creating it designed to protect the future of the sport. Zero waste was the driving force behind the collection's uniformity and simplicity, with almost the entire Academy 21 range made using 100% recycled polyester.
The Academy 21 collection is a testament to Nike's commitment to sustainability and innovation, demonstrating that sustainable products can exist in all product offerings. This collection set a new standard for what is possible in sportswear, with major contributions from Project Line Manager Sam Passig and the greater design team. Personally, this project was one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my career, and I am proud to have been a part of it.