July 10th 2024.
Olympic hurdler Alaysha Johnson has been making headlines not just for her impressive athletic abilities, but also for her support of Black designers. As she prepares to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Johnson has been using her platform to uplift and empower a talented Black designer, Phillip Mims.
Johnson, who specializes in the 100-meter hurdle event, earned her spot on Team USA during the Olympic Track and Field Trials in late June. And as she crossed the finish line, she was proudly wearing clothes from Mims' fashion line, HMN ALNS. Mims draws inspiration from various sources, including anime, runway fashion, and streetwear, and his unique designs caught Johnson's eye.
In a post-race interview on June 30, Johnson humbly credited her success to a higher power. She also spoke about how she was determined to do things her own way, despite facing doubt and criticism from others. And as she proudly wore a piece from a Black designer, she dedicated her victory to "the hood babies" and anyone who has ever been underestimated because of their appearance.
Johnson's choice to wear Mims' designs was not a coincidence. As a graduate of the University of Oregon, she had expected to receive offers from major sports brands, especially since Nike's headquarters are located just 111 miles away. However, when that didn't happen, she took matters into her own hands and sought out Black designers to support on her journey to the Olympics.
Mims was pleasantly surprised to see Johnson wearing one of his pieces, as they had previously spoken about her potentially wearing his designs for the Olympic trials. However, at the time, he had nothing in stock due to their small inventory. Mims believes that Johnson ended up purchasing the outfit herself, which included a black bodysuit with shorts, a half bikini, and a half-high neck top. He also noted that this particular outfit showcased Johnson's creativity and personal style.
Although Johnson did not mention Mims or HMN ALNS by name in her interview, he believes that this was part of her plan to bring attention to Black-owned brands that often go unnoticed on the world stage. Mims explained that Johnson's message was not limited to one particular designer, but rather a call to support and uplift all Black designers, not just the big names like Nike or Lululemon.
As Johnson and Team USA prepare to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics, which kicks off on July 26, Mims and other Black designers are proud to see their work represented on the world stage. Together, they are breaking barriers and showcasing the talent and creativity of the Black community. And as Johnson continues to inspire and empower others, she is proving that true success comes from staying true to oneself and supporting others along the way.
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