For decades, athletic wear has predominantly been designed for, and marketed towards, athletes without disabilities. So when Special Olympics and Parsons partnered to create an inclusive design course targeted at designing for athletes with and without disabilities, we knew we had to give this truly unique collab the attention it deserved.

So, we created BE BRAVE.

To help launch the brand and generate buzz, we teamed up with photographer and former judge on America’s Next Top Model, Nigel Barker, for a live photo shoot event during New York Fashion Week. The shoot exclusively featured Special Olympic athletes and served as the official launch of the brand.

Click each image to view full-size Instagram Story frame.

BE BRAVE isn’t just about fashionable athletic wear.

It’s about celebrating people with disabilities, upholding courage in the face of adversity, and giving these talented athletes a way to look and perform their best every single day.

The Shoot

Our press-only launch event celebrated inclusive design in an exciting way during New York’s biggest fashion event, while also highlighting all the talented students, athletes, and partners from SO and Parsons alike that made BE BRAVE possible.

“

LET ME WIN.

BUT IF I CANNOT WIN

LET ME BE BRAVE

IN THE ATTEMPT.

”

- Special Olympics Athlete Oath

The Swag

We also made a limited quantity of swag for the athletes, guests, and the press. The good news: they went like hotcakes. The bad news: I didn’t get to snag any. (I’m still bummed about it.)