TRINIDAD JAME$ x HOMMEWRK.

Love is still in the air in New York. At ShopifyNYC, Trinidad Jame$ & Hommewrk provided an exclusive sneaker experience for us sneaker lovers.

Photo: Saucony

Hommewrk is a curriculum-based brand founded by Trinidad James and Asha Paul. it is called Hommewrk due to, the learning aspect incorporated in the designs. Collections being based of muses, forming a story and history behind it. Striving to make affordable and appealing shoes for the youth.

Every year, Hommewrk recreates a school’s uniform. Starting off in Crenshaw, Crete Academy were able to experience this impactful opportunity. Principal Haddy and her husband, run the academy. They take the time to take care of the children's needs. With the majority of the student body being low income or homeless, they make it their priority to make sure the children are set up for success.

DAD tells us that like the rest of us, that the pandemic slowed his work flow down. Shows, music & the world were at a standstill. Which gave him the time to tap into his background with fashion. Saucony contacted Trinidad w/ an idea for sneakers. Initially contacting him in 2018 regarding the sneaker collab, timing just so happened to be perfect during the pandemic. This is the first time the company has partnered with a musical artist.

Photo: SoleSavy

First drop being in November of 2021, Hommewrk & JAME$ came together to highlight the first Black Miss. Universe. Trinidad’s own, Janelle Penny Commissiong. Being the first muse the collection is built off of, these sneakers are a perfect introduction to Trinidad. These being the first brand of sneakers Trinidad got from his parents when they first came to America, to then collabing with Saucony.. Some would say, the universe doesnt miss. Tilting the sneaker, "Sorrel Red", paying his homage to his favorite drink, sorrel. Sorrel is made of dried hibiscus flower petals. The deep red hues are highlighted on the tumbled leather and butter suede upper. The sneakers made their premier at ComplexCon in November and sold out almost immediately.

Following up this February, Trinidad & Hommewrk rejoined to drop his sophomore collection. These Saucony‘s are truly one of a kind. Although these sneakers are titled, 'Carnival Black", they do have their highlight. Starting off with the fact that the soles glow not one but THREE different colors, is something within itself. Sticking closely to the primary color wheel With the red and the blue, there is just “no way you can have glowing shoes without green." said Jame$.

Throughout the sneaker, there are details that highlight the Trinidad culture. On the tongue of the sneaker, there is a steel pan. The steel pan is a drum the originated in Trinidad. After doing our Hommewrk, we have come to learn that the steel pan represents "Panorama" which is the largest steel pan competition in the world. Taking place in Trinidad, this competition only takes place the Saturday before Carnival. Being able to tell a story via a shoe during Black History Month is something that Jame$ takes pride in. Starting off with the red & green details to highlight the African flag. The sneakers being themselves being Carnival black. Which is inspired by the Caribbean’s Carnival season, which kicks off on the last day of Black History Month in Trinidad and Tobago. Topping it off with the gold accents to highlight Trinidad culture.

We are looking forward to seeing how these sneakers touch the ground upon tomorrow's release. Looking forward to nothing but growth and glow from Hommewrk, Trinidad and the children involved.

Shoutout to Asha for being the creative director behind Hommewrk and holding it down for the team. A true innovator. From CT to LA, love.

Grab your pair on the 18th, here: https://hommewrk.com/