Aleali May Reflects on the Road to Her First Air Jordan Collab

During a recent panel at ThriftCon, Aleali May looked back on the path that eventually led her to Jordan Brand, from her early days in styling and streetwear to designing her own Air Jordan 1 collaborations.

May explained that she originally wanted to pursue design, but with limited resources available, styling became an entry point. Community played a major role from there, with relationships and being prepared for opportunities helping shape the next stages of her career.

“Note”Photos via Scrill Davis.

One of those turning points came while she was studying in Chicago and discovered RSVP Gallery through Tumblr. She later visited the store around the time of Kanye West and Jay-Z’s Watch the Throne tour and was offered a job after being recognized for her personal style.

Working at RSVP Gallery helped build a network that would pay off years later. May noted that several people she met through the store eventually became collaborators, including connections at Jordan Brand.

And when she was eventually asked what sneaker she wanted to work on, she aimed straight for the Air Jordan 1.

May also spoke about the creative freedom Jordan Brand has given her throughout their partnership, saying the team has generally been open to her ideas with little pushback.

That freedom helped shape projects like her Air Jordan 1 Zoom Comfort “Califia.” The green, blue and yellow color palette was inspired by the Crenshaw and Inglewood cheer squads, which shared a coach who was an important influence in May’s life.

“Note”Aleali May x Air Jordan 1 Zoom Comfort “Califia.”

The story behind “Califia” goes deeper. May explained that the name references the story of a Black queen associated with the naming of California. She used the project to recognize everyday Black women who influenced her, including her drill team coach, while creating something that could inspire young girls coming up in sports.

Across the ThriftCon discussion, May kept returning to one idea: community. From the people who opened doors early in her career to the women and neighborhoods she later represented through her Jordan designs, those connections have remained central to her story.

For more on the Air Jordan 1, make sure to checkout the upcoming Air Jordan 1 High OG "Royal."

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