Dr. D’Wayne Edwards is known for being an innovative force within the design world. With over 32 years of experience in the footwear industry and as the founder and president of the only design-focused Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the country, Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design, Edwards continues to be a top runner in the sneaker industry.
Now, the Black designer is partnering with Target to release ÜNOS by Sz, the adjustable sneaker line which is perfect for growing families. “For a long time, it’s always been my goal to do something that was much more affordable for people who could afford everyday things,” Edwards told AFROTECH in an exclusive interview.
ÜNOS is an one-of-a-kind shoe made with technology that literally grows with your foot over time. So for families looking for the perfect shoe for their growing children, Edwards is looking out for you!
“I just felt like everyday things, if they had the same intentionality put into them as some of those more elevated, expensive items, I think you could make something special,” he said.
According to Edwards, the original concept of the shoe was created to solve a business problem. “How can we, as a store that traditionally sells apparel, sell more shoes or sell shoes?” he asked. “Primarily because footwear, it takes up a lot of inventory space in the back because it comes in so many different sizes, and then it ends up taking up space on the floor as well.”
To solve this issue, Edwards and his team came up with a solution: Create a shoe that doesn’t take up too much space and that won’t have to come in too many sizes. ÜNOS stands for “U Need One Size” — the shoe is designed to expand up to one full size up for adults and half a size up for kids.
If that wasn’t cool enough for you, the shoes are priced at less than $50. They’re stylish, functional, and affordable.
Edwards wants ÜNOS to be a reflection of the true mission behind Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC). “The first thing we try to do is help our students understand their power. And once you understand your power, you start to build confidence. That confidence will start to lead to creativity, because it opens your minds to what’s possible,” he told AFROTECH.
“If you remove Black people from sports, sports is going to be different. If you remove Black people from entertainment, entertainment is different. If you remove Black people from fashion, fashion is different,” Edwards continued. “So, our impact on culture and in society is much greater than we’re all given credit for.”
Edwards founded PLC in 2010. According to the school’s website, Edwards founded PLC because of how difficult it was for him to break through the design industry. Since starting his career, Edwards has collected over 50 design patents with brands like Nike and Adidas. Additionally, he has lectured at some of the most prestigious schools around the world.