Kahlana Barfield, a renowned fashion and beauty expert, has unveiled her latest collaboration with Nike: the Yardrunners “Ice Cream” Air Force 1 sneaker.
Inspired by her transformative years at Howard University, the design celebrates the culture, history, and resilience of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Howard: The Runway and the Inspiration
For Barfield, a Seattle native, attending Howard University was a defining moment.
“At Howard, showing up and showing out was the standard,” she told Essence.
Landing at the prestigious Washington, D.C., institution exposed her to a community of Black women who shared her passion for fashion and individuality.
“The Yard was our runway, and we crossed it in stilettos like it was nothing,” she recalls, crediting Howard with shaping her style and providing a sense of belonging.
This nostalgic connection makes the Nike collaboration a full-circle achievement for Barfield:
“Howard played such a big role in shaping my style. This shoe feels like a tribute—not only to the university but to my late grandmother, who instilled in me a deep pride for HBCUs.”
A Shoe with a Story
The Yardrunners “Ice Cream” Air Force 1 is more than just a sneaker—it’s a narrative woven into its design:
- Brown Hue: Represents the richness of Black skin tones and the enduring legacy of HBCUs.
- Coordinates on the Toe: Point to “The Yard” at Howard University while symbolizing the heartbeat of all HBCU campuses.
- Brick Sock Liner: Pays homage to the iconic, history-filled buildings at HBCUs.
- Crimson Red Accents: A personal tribute to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Chapter, which Barfield pledged, and her grandmother, a Delta since 1942.
“These aren’t just sneakers. They’re a love letter to every Black student who’s ever walked The Yard,” Barfield explained.
A Tribute to Generations of Pride
Barfield credits her late grandmother for her connection to HBCUs.
At just 12 years old, Barfield joined her cousins on a three-month road trip to visit Black colleges and universities. Her grandmother, a proud Southern University alumna, encouraged journaling during the trip, instilling a lifelong admiration for HBCU culture.
In 2020, Barfield was featured in Nike’s inaugural Yardrunners campaign, which celebrates the achievements of HBCU alumni.
“This shoe feels like it’s been four years in the making,” she said, stressing the familial bond among Yardrunners participants.
Versatile and Timeless Design
Barfield approached the sneaker design with the same ethos that guides her wardrobe: versatility and timelessness.
Her commitment to celebrating Black culture and supporting Black designers shines through in the thoughtful details of the sneaker.
The Yardrunners “Ice Cream” Air Force 1 sneakers are available today via the Nike SNKRS App and select retailers for $120.
