The Story Behind Diallo Co-Founder Dex Robinson's Panther-Proud Nike Shoes (EXCLUSIVE)
Every year, Nike introduces a new class of Yardrunners, acknowledging the voices and future stars from HBCUs or Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Megan Thee Stallion is a proud Yardrunner alum.
Stylist and Diallo co-founder Dex Robinson has been part of Nike's Yardrunners program since 2021, first starring in the annual campaign and then dressing talent for later installments. The latest update? Robinson is now getting his first-ever Nike Air Force 1 Low sneaker collaboration through the initiative.
Robinson, along with fashion-slash-beauty wiz Kahlana Barfield Brown, will bring their HBCU pride to their Nike Air Force 1 collaborations. Robinson's Nikes, in particular, will cast a spotlight on his alma mater and home of the Panthers, Virginia Union University.
Robinson was a devoted sneakerhead in college, often lacing up in Nike's latest kicks and running spikes. He only continued to cross paths with the sportswear brand later in his career, styling big-name athletes like Jalen Hurts and Tyrod Taylor in Nike gear (Taylor is also the second mind behind Diallo).
The Nike Air Force 1 collab is a full circle moment for Robinson, who grew up on the iconic Nike sneaker. Robinson tells Highsnobiety, "When school started, we used to get two shoes: a pair of white Forces and a pair of black Forces. And that went basically with everything." True.
"Being from VA, the Air Force 1 is a staple. We call them 'Flavs.'" Robinson says. "The Nike Air Force 1 has stood the test of time. It's intergenerational."
Robinson's Nike Air Force 1 sneaker marries his luxury streetwear background and Panther roots, resulting in this tasteful, hairy spin on the classic shoe.
Even though the Nike sneaker looks incredibly good with pony hair and Virginia Union flair, Robinson clarifies that it's more than just another cool sneaker. It redefines narratives surrounding HBCUs, Virginia Union included.
"We've all seen a surge in these initiatives to amplify HBCUs in the past few years, and I think many people are doing it because it's cool. However, HBCUs have been around forever," Robinson states.
"It's important to authentically tell those stories because these were spaces that we created for ourselves to better ourselves in a world where they had us in shackles. It was a time when these were the only spaces we could go to and further our education."
Robinson's Nike Air Force 1 Low sneaker centers around the message, "Legacy Never Graduates." The collab represents graduates like himself and current students making a name for themselves to build upon their legacies (or perhaps even create their own). You may even catch a few familiar Virginia Union faces in the visuals showcasing Robinson's sneakers.
"What was truly special to me is that Nike was willing to create a shoe with me for my university. We're not one of the more prominent historically Black colleges, the ones that are typically amplified like your A&Ts, Hampton, Howard, 'SpelHouse,' Tuskegee, and FAMU," Robinson says.
"I appreciated them considering myself and my university for this particular honor. So yeah, I was really excited to explore that."
Robinson will officially reveal his Nike Yardrunners sneaker collaboration during Virginia Union University's homecoming on November 2 as part of a "Hall of Fame" experience.
Robinson's brand Diallo will also host a runway show with Nike during VUU's "Yard Fest" at Henderson Square on November 1. Who knows? Maybe we'll catch the sneakers and some unreleased Diallo gear at the presentation (fingers crossed).
And after all the homecoming festivities, Robinson's Nike Air Force 1 Low sneaker will finally drop at Nike mid-November.
The holiday season just got better for the Panther family.
