Designer Brands Breaks Diversity Barriers in Footwear Industry With the Debut of JEM Sneaker — Retail Bum

<p>Designer Brands, the parent company of DSW, is reinstating its commitment to improving diversity in the footwear industry with the launch of its FIRST JEM sneaker.</p> <p>The shoe is the first product to come out of the New Hampshire-based JEMS by PENSOLE factory, which focuses on producing shoes designed by Black creators. It has been developed by footwear design expert&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayneedwards/" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. D&rsquo;Wayne Edwards</a>.</p> <p>With three decades of experience crafting sneakers for major brands, Dr. Edwards has made a name for himself in the footwear industry not only for his designs but also for creating pathways for future talents. As the founder of Pensole Lewis College, he has helped transform the educational landscape, offering a distinctive learning experience that prepares students with essential skills for success in footwear product creation.</p> <p><a href="https://retailbum.medium.com/designer-brands-breaks-diversity-barriers-in-footwear-industry-with-the-debut-of-jem-sneaker-513df38a5717"><strong>Website</strong></a></p>