Swoosh recruits Kelly Anna London as A.I.R.

When it comes to Nike’s extensive line of running sneakers, the brand often invites artists to lend their creative visions. For its ongoing Artist In Residence (A.I.R.) series, the Swoosh recruits Kelly Anna London to take on one of its newest silhouettes—the Nike Pegasus 38.

Recognized for her powerful, silhouetted figures that are often connected to sports and body positivity, London indulges the performance trainer’s black mesh uppers in colorful, haphazard shapes and figures that seem to be a modern twist on Henri Matisse’s work. The hues used in her patterns are also applied elsewhere, such as the pastel green used on the lateral side’s oversized Swoosh outline and the laces. Additionally, a royal blue colors the lace loops and the inside. A midsole with a design that’s just as busy as the uppers’ rounds out the look, as the React foam and Zoom Air-cushioned unit features black paint splatters on a white base.

Release date to be announced.

Speaking to our latest BLUP50 member Chikay was a real eye opener. Chikay hasn’t just ‘fallen’ into where she is now as Head of Global Growth & Marketing Partnerships at Cult Beauty – one of the biggest digital beauty brands globally. In fact having moved form Leeds straight after Uni to trying a number of jobs to get a foot in the door and finance her London living – Chikay’s is the epitome of GRIT! In a recent instagram post, Chikay also opened up and shared her experience of Asian Hate Crime which definitely shed new light on how serious a matter it is. Read on to find out more about Chikay’s journey to success.

// YOUR WORD FOR 2021

Kindness

// WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN ONLINE/INSTAGRAM /TIKTOK / TWITTER THAT HAS STOPPED YOU SCROLLING?

I try to follow a big range of accounts – those that promote positive news, memes obviously but also accounts that provide education on international issues that mainstream press deem not worthy to report on and it is usually these that stop me in my tracks.

// GIVE US A WHISTLE STOP TOUR OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE

Sep 2011 – Moved to London after graduating for an unpaid internship for a marketing agency and quickly realised that there was no long-term career prospect for me there when my daily tasks were primarily made up of changing the bins and emptying the dishwasher.

2 weeks later – Quit the internship and walked into the first shop I would think of (Selfridges on Oxford Street) and managed to get a job on the spot as a sales assistant to finance my stay in London to look for more long-term roles.

2012 – Sales negotiator at Foxtons for 7 months

Aug 2012 – This is when my career in digital marketing began, I was offered a role in an online drinks start up business 31DOVER by David Laurie, the then CEO who I had met whilst working on the shop floor in Selfridges. Working at Selfridges was a tough time for me with no friends around (I was the first to move to London) and at work staff were treated horrendously by both management and customers. BUT I wouldn’t change this experience for the world, I would not be doing what I do now had I not been there and met David.

Oct 2013 – Search Engine Marketing at NET-A-PORTER

Feb 2015 – For the past 6 years I’ve been at Cult Beauty where I currently look over the global growth and partnerships strategy of the business!

//WHAT DOES 24 HOURS IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?

On a normal weekday I wake up bleary eyed and reluctantly put on my workout kit to exercise on my spin bike before the day starts. Then coffee and a big breakfast is next on the agenda whilst I check my emails and prep for the meetings of the day, I average around 5 zoom calls a day so it’s a constant balancing act of meetings/getting back to emails/supporting my team whilst also trying to tick off my never ending to do list.

Myself and my sister are also in the processing of buying a property so evenings now are primarily made up of reviewing contracts/paperwork whilst watching cartoons (Rick and Morty/Bob’s Burgers is my poison)

// WHAT DO YOU DO TO SWITCH OFF OR CHILL?

This is going to sound bizarre but it’s got to be spinning for me. When I go on my bike, I completely zone out I don’t think about my to do lists or worry and my focus is pushing myself to my absolute fullest. It’s honestly like therapy for me but cheaper!

// WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR BEST CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?

I am incredibly lucky to have quite a few awards and accolades under my belt BUT watching the progression of my team must be my proudest achievement to date. I have an unbelievably talented team of bright hard working talent who have also won awards for their achievements. To see that gives me more joy than anything else in my career.

// WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR FUTURE?

The last year has taught me to not plan too far ahead in the future as anything can happen. I’d like to step into my future with an open mind, as long as I am happy and healthy with my friends and family around. (I would really like a doggo though – very specifically a Shiba Inu haha)

// IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ONE CREATIVE/BRAND WHO WOULD IT BE?

Ben and Jerry’s – without a doubt. I admire this brand so much for their unapologetic advocation to support progressive and polarising issues that need to be addressed.

// WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SAY ABOUT YOU AT THE END OF YOUR CAREER?

I find a lot of enjoyment in helping others develop their skills, if I’ve made a difference to someone’s career (be it from a progression standpoint or there to support them during difficult times) that would give me so much joy.

// WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO NEW CREATIVES?

I wouldn’t consider myself a creative in the traditional sense, a lot of my work actually revolves around data analysis and strategy however creativity is key to thinking differently and innovating within the space. Find your passion, what you are good at and constantly push yourself to try new ideas, there will be setbacks and mistakes along the way but find opportunities in these to learn.

// WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IN YOUR WORLD RIGHT NOW?

I feel incredibly passionate about equality/racial justice/human rights – I think it is important to hold businesses and individuals accountable and responsible to action huge improvements that’s necessary in these areas.

// ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MENTION?

The #stopasianhate movement is very close to my heart, for anyone who is interested to learn more about my personal experiences and ways to help I do talk about this subject regularly on my Instagram

FOLLOW CHIKAY

@chikay_lo

Polish-born, London based digital illustrator Ev is our latest member of BLUP50. Having recently been featured in British Vogue and Design Collector, Ev’s illustrations move from elegant, Giacometti-like silhouettes straight from the runway, to abstract, minimal sketches. Staying true to traditional forms of illustration and contextualising it within today’s technology, Ev’s art is a dialogue between the old and new.

// YOUR WORD FOR 2021

Freedom.

In all aspects of its meaning. Freedom in creative expression, freedom in choosing your own unique path, freedom in being unapologetically yourself. Since the beginning of last year, it’s been all about confinement, lockdown, quarantine, and we all had to face so many limitations and restrictions (from our governments, personal, health-related, logistical, mental etc). We had to adapt whether we liked it or not. So this year I hope that somehow we can find freedom in all the chaos surrounding us. Even if the above restrictions still persist, I hope that we don’t let them obscure our minds, neglect our feelings and suppress our creativity.

// WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN ONLINE/INSTAGRAM /TIKTOK / TWITTER THAT HAS STOPPED YOU SCROLLING?

Dave Chappelle. Every time this man opens his mouth I’m all ears.

// GIVE US A WHISTLE STOP TOUR OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE

I’ve always been a creative person, as a child I drew and painted, I’d frequently attend galleries, museums and theatre with my parents, I danced ballet and won a few art competitions. It wasn’t until I finished university when I truly reconnected with my artistic side. It started with fashion illustration (my academic background is in fashion). I started putting my artwork on social media, getting recognised by the likes of Edward Enninful, Marc Jacobs, and other designers and celebrities. I had my first feature in British Vogue in 2018, which sparked more interest and more frequent commissions. I showed my artwork for the first time in 2019 during an art fair in Kensington. I also got a solo feature in Design Collector. I’ve been selling my prints online and creating bespoke pieces for private clients. At the end of last year, I collaborated with Royle Eleven, which is this new luxury menswear brand. I love menswear so it was a pleasure working with them.

//WHAT DOES 24 HOURS IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?

No day looks the same for me. Even in lockdown, I try to switch it up. There are few things however that remain unchanged. Black coffee in the morning followed by daily journaling session. I also exercise at least 4-5 times a week. I give myself time slots for learning something new every day (reading an article, listening to a podcast or watching an interesting Youtube video). I find myself more creatively productive in the late afternoon, unless I have a tight deadline then I just have to get on with it. Evenings are usually for winding down.

// WHAT DO YOU DO TO SWITCH OFF OR CHILL?

Go for a long walk. Being surrounded by nature heals, grounds and energises me.

// WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR BEST CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?

Randomly stumbling upon one of my illustrations being featured in British Vogue!! I was at work at the time and for a second my corporate professionalism went outta the window! I had a little freak out session, a little jog and a little dance followed by a loud announcement to my colleagues that ‘Your girl has been featured in British Vogue people!’ what a joy I’m telling you.

// WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR FUTURE?

Illustrating for the publications I love to read such as The Atlantic, The New York Times, The New Yorker. Showing my artwork in galleries.

// IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ONE CREATIVE/BRAND WHO WOULD IT BE?

Rick Owens

// WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?

Alberto Giacometti, Alexander McQueen, Rick Owens, Gary Veynerchuk, and many more I won’t fit onto one page. Honestly, I try to find inspiration in anything and anyone. The other person will always know something you don’t.

// WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SAY ABOUT YOU AT THE END OF YOUR CAREER?

That my artwork made an impact, inspired someone, put a smile on someone’s face, helped someone, made a difference.

// WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO NEW CREATIVES?

Read Jerry Saltz’s book on “How To Be An Artist”. Since I’ve only been going at it for about 6 years I do consider myself a new creative. Reading this book will make you realise that we are all really just big cry babies who need to get over themselves and get to work 🙂

// WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IN YOUR WORLD RIGHT NOW?

Racial injustice. It’s an issue that’s been important to me and close to my heart for almost half of my life.

// ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MENTION?

Sure. Black Lives Still Matter.

FOLLOW EV

@ev_kozak_

www.evkozak.com