How Mimi Plange Celebrates Diversity Through Sneaker Collaborations

Recall those eye-catching LeBron 18 Lows that LeBron James himself was seen wearing on-court back in February? They’re some of the latest work from Ghanaian-born fashion designer Mimi Plange! Plange and her eponymous brand – which creates ready-to-wear pieces, accessories and more – have been collaborating with Nike and LeBron James on the LeBron 18 Low model over the past year or so. Together in 2021, they created the ‘Higher Learning’ and ‘Daughters’ colourways, followed up this year by the ‘Scarred Perfection’ and ‘Mad King’.

Through her own sense of storytelling, Plange is celebrating pre-colonial African cultures and representing all forms of diversity, resulting in a unique and ‘unfashion’ take on sneaker collaborations. Check out our interview below.

What is your relationship with sneakers?
I’ve always worn sneakers and didn’t really think that much about them. I was open to any style as long as I liked them, and I was never into any one specific brand growing up. All I knew was I wanted something unique and kind of exquisite. I started paying a lot more attention when the collaborations started. I loved the Riccardo Tisci Nikes, Raf Simons adidas, and everything from Sacai. I started thinking about sneaker design, which ultimately led me to love sneakers even more. The more I wanted to design them, the more I wore them and wanted to see what was out there. My everyday sneakers are Nike Dunks and Air Force 1s. I wear my LeBron 18 Lows definitely off the court, and I just recently got my first pair of Jordans. I’m very much so a dirty sneaker girl. I tend to pick one pair and wear them to the ground until one day, I’m like, ‘Whoa, these are looking kind of gross :).’

The Mimi Plange x Nike LeBron 18 Low ‘Scarred Perfection’ and ‘Mad King’ release this week! Get the details here.