During this year and decade, we witnessed women making strides in the “boys’ club”, or streetwear, and sneaker culture. At the end of 2018, it was announced that women’s sneaker sales had rose by 38%. In 2019, we witnessed big brands like Nike and Puma push for more female-focused approaches in their campaigns, product selections, and most importantly, hands-on collaborations. Some of the hottest sneakers collaborations this year were designed by women and sold out within seconds, living up to the hype of other notable sneakers.
Women have definitely had a moment in streetwear and sneaker culture this year, so we have decided to roundup a few big moments made by these amazing women:
Serena Williams wore Off-White sneakers to the Met Gala
Serena Williams stunned in Atelier Versace at the 2019 Met Gala. She blew the crowd away once she revealed that she was wearing Nike Off-White Air Force 1 sneakers under her gown. We witnessed a strong sense of luxury and streetwear merging at this moment in time.
Jordan tapped Melody Ehsani for Air Jordan 1 Fearless sneaker
Melody Ehsani teamed up with Nike’s Jordan brand for the Air Jordan 1 Fearless sneaker which became one of the most popular sneaker releases of 2019. In addition to Melody being the only one for the Fearless collection, she even released the sneaker in women’s sizes. I am still upset I missed out on these.
HFR x Lebron James sneakers was designed by three black women
Harlem Fashion Row and Lebron James scored a second win with a second sold-out sneaker collaboration. More importantly, they tapped the same three Black female designers for the 2019 Harlem Fashion Row x Lebron James ‘Harlem Stage’ sneaker: Fe Noel, Undra Celeste, and Kimberly Godson. Black girl magic at its finest!
Aleali May drops her Millennial Pink Jordan 6s
After releasing her highly anticipated Court Lux pack at the end of 2018, it was no surprise when Aleali May’s Air Jordan 6 “Millennial Pink” sneakers sold out in minutes. The women’s sneaker was initially meant to be an exclusive to May’s family and friends but ended up receiving a public release. The term “Millennial Pink” was meant to convey how Millennials use pink as a unisex color.
Beyoncé revamps Ivy Park with Adidas
In April, Beyoncé and adidas announced plans to team up for the relaunch of Ivy Park. As an end of the year treat, Beyoncé revealed pieces from the upcoming collection with her shoot with ELLE Magazine and Instagram posts. From the shoot and her Instagram, it was revealed that we will be getting sneakers along with corresponding apparel and accessory pieces in 2020.
Cactus Plant Flea Market and Nike collaboration
Nike continued its 2019 strategy to increase its women’s presence in selections and campaigns by partnering with designer Cynthia Lu of Cactus Plant Flea Market for two collections for the year. They first dropped the CPFM x Nike Vapormax in just women’s sizes and then, released their By You collection which consisted of the CPFM x Nike Air Force 1 along with apparel and accessories. Both releases sold out in the same day, another win for the girls.
Vanille Verloes 
Nike’s FIFA Women’s World Cup team kits and designer collection
In March, Nike revealed its 14 national team kits that were worn by players in this year’s Women’s World Cup in France. The brand then tapped four female designers for an exclusive collection to honor the Women’s World Cup. The designers included Yoon Ahn of Ambush, Erin Magee of MadeMe, Cristelle Kocher of Koché, and Marine Serre. This was also apart of Nike’s initiative to increase its presence amongst its female customers.
Olivia Kim’s “No Cover” collection with Nike
Nike tapped Nordstrom’s VP of Creative Projects, Olivia Kim, for the “No Cover” collection which included Air Force 1, Air Jordan IV, Air Mowabb, Air Footscape, Air Max 98, and Betty Boop Air Force 1. The collection also included apparel and accessories.
Aleali May and Vashtie’s ‘Get It Together’ interview
In 2019, we witnessed the only two women to ever design a Jordan sneaker come together to discuss their collabs and women in streetwear: Aleali May and Vashtie Kola. To make this moment even better, they were wearing each other’s sneakers collabs. A true moment.
Nike x Sacai collaboration
In addition to its other female collaborations, Nike also tapped Chitose Abe of Sacai for a playful and innovative sportswear collab which birthed the LD Waffle Sneaker and a revamp of the Blazer Mid sneaker. There were two drops this year for different color ways of each sneaker. The LD Waffle sneaker earned the title of sneaker of the year by several well-known streetwear and sneaker platforms and figures.
Sorella and FUBU team up for exclusive collection
In this year, we witnessed present-day retailers join forces with vintage brands for modern-day reboots. Sorella and FUBU’s 2019 was one those reboots as the LA brand teamed up with the 90s NYC brand for an exclusive sportswear collection. Featuring bombers and graphic sweats, the collection was meant to illustrate the evolution of women in streetwear.
Sami Miro and Heron Preston talk global warming for Paris Fashion Week collection
Sami Miro of Sami Miro Vintage collaborated with Heron Preston for their 35-piece “Natural Disaster” collection which premiered at Paris Fashion Week in June. Sami Miro combined her reworked fashion design with Heron Preston’s deconstructed design techniques to call attention to highlight global warming and environmental issues.
What was your favorite moment of 2019?