In a significant move in sports footwear, Jordan Brand has appointed Jason Mayden as its new Chief Design Officer. This appointment marks a notable milestone in Mayden's career, which has been deeply intertwined with Jordan Brand and Nike for over two decades. Zak Kurtz of Sneaker Legal first reported on the news of Mayden's new role.
Mayden's journey with Jordan Brand began in 2001 when he joined as an intern. His early exposure to the brand's ethos and design philosophy laid the foundation for a remarkable career in footwear design. Over the years, Mayden has ascended through various roles within Nike and Jordan Brand, showcasing his exceptional talent and deep understanding of the athletic footwear market.
As a Senior Product Designer, Mayden played a crucial role in collaborating with top athletes like Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony. His expertise was pivotal in developing high-performance models that resonated with athletes' needs and preferences. This period of his career was marked by innovative designs that blended functionality with style, a hallmark of Jordan Brand's offerings.
One of Mayden's most notable contributions was being the principal designer for the Air Jordan 2009. This silhouette, while innovative, garnered mixed reactions from the sneaker community, with some expressing disdain for its design. However, it underscored Mayden's willingness to push boundaries and challenge conventional design norms in athletic footwear.
Before he was appointed Chief Design Officer, Mayden served as Jordan Brand Global Designer Director, where he demonstrated his leadership and vision in steering the brand's design direction. His experience also extends beyond Jordan Brand. For two years, Mayden was the president of Fear of God Athletics, a sub-label of adidas developed by Jerry Lorenzo. This role further enriched his experience and perspective in the competitive and ever-evolving world of sports fashion.
In his new role as Chief Design Officer, Jason Mayden is expected to bring a fresh perspective and innovative approach to Jordan Brand's future offerings. His deep understanding of the brand's legacy and his forward-thinking design philosophy position him uniquely to lead the brand into its next chapter. The footwear community eagerly anticipates the impact Mayden will make in his new position, shaping the future of Jordan Brand's designs and continuing its legacy in the sports footwear industry.
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Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
